Sometimes, when someone has been through painful situation, or their life has suddenly changed, they just need something to hold onto.

Fortunately, thanks to the generosity of Grand County quilters, those in Kremmling who have experienced trauma can receive comfort from handmade, donated quilts. Two local quilting organizations, Grand Quilters and Peaks ‘n Pines Quilt Guild, donate quilts made by their members to the Kremmling Police Department to provide solace to those in need.

Kremmling police officer Doug Crocker connected with Grand Quilters member Sharon Kamin about making quilts the department could gift to residents facing struggles. By June, Kamin had delivered 11 quilts to the police department.

This selfless effort was the beginning of a meaningful partnership. Jocille Quick, another Grand Quilters member, delivered 33 more quilts in July.

“I felt like it was one of the most altruistic things that I’ve had anybody do … it’s just a selfless dedication and amazing gift to the community,” said Officer Crocker.

Crocker has already personally handed out two quilts to community members who were grateful for the kindness. He said that any officer can provide a quilt to victims of a traumatic situation “to have something for them to hold on to, and get some comfort from, at a time when maybe there isn’t anything there for them.”

Thanks to the Grand Quilters and Peaks ‘n Pines, a number of children have received these quilts, as well as some adults.

Vickie Rinn of Peaks ‘n Pines stated that members make quilts for police officers to give to children or juveniles who are removed from their home situations due to safety reasons.

“Sometimes, the children are not able to bring any or limited belongings,” she said. “A quilt provides warmth and is something they can keep with them when they move to a new living situation.”

Officer Crocker explained the quilts are also available to people of any age who have experienced an immediate crisis, such as a car crash, or struggles like an illness or domestic situation.

“I really do believe the recipients of those quilts understand this isn’t something that was just bought off of a store shelf,” he said. “Even if they don’t have an idea who did it, they know that a lot of love went into it, a lot of time and a lot of effort.”

A generous tradition of quilt-giving in Grand County

Linda Crocker, Doug’s wife, believes that the quilt donations reflect Grand County’s giving spirit. Both Grand Quilters and Peaks ‘n Pine are part of the international Quilts of Valor Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to provide service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts. In Grand County, hundreds of veterans have received these quilts over the years.

Quilts often become family heirlooms, that over time can become a treasured memorial.

“Not only are (the quilts) going to help the individual that they were donated for, but the individual passes those down and maybe passes the story down on how they got it,” he said.

Linda Crocker sews quilts, so she understands how many hours and hours of dedication it takes. When recipients are wrapped in the warmth of a handmade quilts during one of their most trying times, at least they know somebody cares for them, even if it’s a stranger.

“It reaches the heart for sure. It reaches to the very core of their soul, just knowing that somebody cared enough to put all this time and effort and money into this act of love,” she said.

To learn more about the quilting program, to donate, or to request a quilt, contact the Kremmling Police Department at kpd@townofkremmling.org or 970-724-3318 and ask for Officer Doug Crocker.