CALDWELL — A grange hall sits amid quiet fields of white snow in west Caldwell, one of the few structures in the area. But inside, the building is bustling with activity.
Tables are arranged similarly to an assembly line, with each station serving a different purpose. Some hold sewing machines and irons, others are covered in scraps of red, white and blue fabric. A dozen women sit at each table, focused on their work for Canyon County Quilts of Valor.
Quilts of Valor is a national organization that aims to provide service members and veterans with quilts. Recipients are awarded their quilts in hopes of providing comfort and healing.
Canyon County’s chapter is new to the area, just taking off last year after a group of local quilters found inspiration, personally relating to the organization’s cause.
Sue Laird, a founder of the Canyon County group, said the connection to the cause is personal for most members.
“Most of us have veterans in our family,” Laird said.
In Laird’s case, her parents, children and brother were all veterans. She recalled seeing her brother come back from Vietnam and his struggle to reassimilate.