RIVER FALLS — Quilts of Valor is a nationwide non-profit organization with a mission to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts.

The organization has produced over 400,000 handmade quilts in total with over 2,000 produced last month. On Feb. 1 communities across the United States participated in the Quilts of Valor National Sew Day. One of these communities was River Falls, producing 150 quilt blocks to be used by Quilts of Valor.

Now, local Legion Auxiliary President Carol Swenson and other residents are exploring the option of establishing a Quilts of Valor group in River Falls. The group would be the first in Pierce County, with the nearest currently in Hastings.

Swenson grew up in River Falls, and her parents were always involved in the Legion and contributed to the VA. Swenson always felt the groups treated their family in return, especially after the passing of her father.

“My family that I grew up in here in River Falls, we were what I would call an American Legion family,” Swenson said.

When Swenson spent time as a librarian in Arizona, a Quilts of Valor group came in and discussed the opportunity. Swenson got involved and has since taken this interest back home to River Falls.

There currently is no Quilts of Valor group in River Falls, but Swenson and a group of interested community members are looking into the possibility of starting one.

“It’s all about honoring and appreciating veterans, people who have served,” Swenson said. “And I also like to sew and create things, so it fit together with me as a way to do my hobby as well as serve the veterans who served for me,” Swenson said.

Swenson cited historical mistreatment of Vietnam veterans as a reason for why it is so important to honor those who have served. The statement was echoed by mentioning the importance of honoring anyone that aims to benefit the community through their service including teachers, firefighters, police officers and EMS.

“A lot of the veterans that I met in college and that I got to know or are friends with are Vietnam era, and the reception to the Vietnam veterans when they returned home was not what we probably should have done,” Swenson said. “To me it doesn’t really matter what your politics are, it’s about people sacrificing.”

People interested in learning more about Quilts of Valor can reach out to Swenson at 928-458-0240 or can visit www.qovf.org. Swenson said people who are interested but do not know how to quilt or do not want to join a group entirely can still donate materials or make a difference in other ways.

“There’s lots of ways to contribute to Quilts of Valor without having to be a quilter,” Swenson said.

Veterans can be nominated to receive a quilt all throughout the nation through the Quilts of Valor website.

American Legion Post 121 in River Falls is also hosting a puzzle exchange with proceeds going toward Quilts of Valor. The event allows people to exchange puzzles they have completed or pick out a new puzzle and a free will donation will be offered with snacks provided. The event is Sunday, March 30, from noon to 4 p.m. at 701 N. Main St.