LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Custom quilts are being donated and raffled off to survivors and the victims families to provide comfort as the community approaches the second anniversary of 1 October.
Several quilters from various groups across the valley donated more than 100 colorful quilts.
The 2018 quilt raffle was so popular last year the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center brought the concept back.
The Desert Quilters of Nevada, Las Vegas Modern Quilt Guild, Las Vegas Quilter Guild, Black Mountain Circle, Boulder City Cut-Ups, Silver Threads, Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, and Quilts of Valor were some of the donors.
Each quilt is different; the colors and patterns vary. Their purpose is to provide comfort.
"When they wrap this around them they'll feel the hug that everybody needs," says Maria Iavazzi, who donated more than three quilts.
Iavazzi says she doesn't know who her quilts will end up going to but hopes it provides them, not only comfort but warmth and support.
"At some point in time they'll go back and they'll go I got this. Somebody donated this and cared enough about me because it is all about them."
Iavazzi also says the fleece in her quilts represents a warm "cuddly" hug.
"They can just wrap themselves in a warm hug that someone made for them."
Misha Ray is the outreach coordinator at the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center, she says those affected by the 1 October tragedy are still healing and that the quilts are another method of support.
This year each quilt has a commemorative label in honor of the second anniversary.
"You can feel that love within the blanket, you feel that emanating from the material."
Each blanket required about three days of work and a lot of attention to detail.
The quilters tell 13 Action News they did not mind putting in the hard work because they believe the common thread to heal is by showing support, one quilt at a time.
"To remind you that you are healing and that there is a wonderful life that you can continue," says Kathy Farris.
"They can just wrap themselves in this warm hug that some made for them," says Amy mell.
Another heartfelt quilt donated to the Resiliency Center shows the 58 names of the victims from 1 October. Every single name was hand-stitched.
The quilt will be on display at the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center for survivors and the community to view.
