MCC knots up plenty of compassion in Comforter Bash

Volunteers were tied up in knots at the Mennonite Central Committee Material Resource Building March 12-14, but all these knots were of the good variety.

The annual MCC Comforter Bash saw many volunteers stop by to help donate their time and talents by creating and knotting handmade comforters for people around the world.

Despite a power and water outage that began Friday evening and lasted through the entire event on Saturday, volunteers were creative and adapted to continue working.

Final numbers from the event included 348 comforters knotted, thanks to the effort of 587 volunteers throughout the three days.

This year marked the first time MCC has been blessed to host the event in the Material Resource Building, which was designed specifically with hosting events like this one in mind.

“That’s pretty cool because we didn’t have to pay rent. It made it easier to schedule, and we had 24 comforter frames set up,” said Sarah Doerksen, MCC Great Lakes Ohio material resources coordinator. “We’re using up every bit of space we can to make as many comforters as possible.”

The annual event began in 2020, with a goal of 300 comforters. Volunteers blew that number out of the water, nearly matching last year’s effort of 350 despite the power outage.

The result was crafting a whole lot of comforters that will now do exactly that, provide comfort for people around the world facing disasters, great need and poverty.

“We’ve heard so many touching and inspiring stories from people who have received comforters over the years,” Doerksen said. “People who have experienced disasters, refugees and more have told us about how they have been blessed by these gifts. Not only do they keep recipients warm, but they also give them hope and a knowledge that there are people out there who care deeply about them and love them and that they aren’t forgotten by people or by God.”

Volunteers came from all over Ohio and even beyond as they participated in the effort to spread joy and hope one stitch at a time.

Barb Ressler is a seasoned veteran when it comes to knotting. She was more than willing to help rookies taking their first swing at knotting comforters.

Newcomer Peggy Vizzo was one of those who were taking their first crack at knotting.

“I wanted to find a way to help others, and this seemed ideal for me,” she said. “I had a lap throw my grandmother made, so I thought if Grandma can do this, so can I.”

After a couple of minutes of direction from Ressler, she was busy, hands flying as she joined myriad others in knotting.

“I still cherish that lap throw my grandmother made, and I can only imagine what the people who receive these must feel when they receive one,” Vizzo said.

One rack away, Susan Hofstetter and friends were busy doing the same.

As a member of the quilt committee for the MCC Ohio Relief Sale and a veteran knotter, she is more than familiar with the process and the purpose behind this event.

She was joined by her friend Karen Steiner, along with Ken and Vonnie Amstutz from Kidron.

“We came because we are big supporters for MCC and we know the need is so great,” Hofstetter said. “We all want to support what we know in a broader sense is helping people both abroad and here. MCC’s fingers reach a long way.”

The Amstutzes also have been avid knotters, enjoying the fellowship of knotting with friends, one of the many byproducts of this event.

“It’s so much fun to be able to visit while we do this,” Vonnie Amstutz said.

In the large central area of the building, Sarah Beachy from Berlin and her sons Asher and Sam were enjoying time bonding while binding.

Beachy said she brought her sons along because she likes the idea of them learning the value of volunteering and service to others.

“We appreciate what MCC does, and I saw the ads inviting people of all ages, so we were eager to give it a go,” Beachy said. “It’s exciting to introduce our children to opportunities like this one that focus on giving back to others.”

Doerksen said the excitement of seeing so many people coming together and serving others in a time when people around the world are either hurting or broken in spirit is uplifting and inspiring.

“There’s so much tension in the world. It’s neat to see people come together like this in love and compassion and give of themselves selflessly,” Doerksen said. “It shows people still want to be giving and loving toward others.”

She said from January through March, events like this are taking place in many areas, where MCC has a goal of making 10,000 comforters.

To learn more about MCC, visit www.mcc.org.