A year's work: Woman makes quilts for charity

Monday, August 28, 2006 The quilts go to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. DELAWARE, Ohio (AP) — When Edith Ireton was looking for a way to keep herself busy and do some good, she decided to make quilts for charity. Nearly one year and 100 quilts later, the 88-year-old shows no signs of stopping. Ireton gave the quilts to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, which in turn distributed them to families living in the organization's apartment housing while their sick children receive medical treatment. "The news is so terrible today all the time and there's not anything I can do about it," she said. "I knew I could make a quilt, so I decided I'd better get busy." Ireton isn't alone in her quilt making quest. Residents at her Delaware retirement community, 30 miles north of Columbus, donated the quilting materials and her friends help her tie the yarn. Peter Jones, Volunteer Director for Columbus' Ronald McDonald House, told Ireton that the charity appreciated all of her hard work and craftsmanship. "These quilts she keeps making for us are just like artwork," Jones said. "They just lift people's spirits every time we hand them out." For enjoyment Making the quilts was something she's done for the enjoyment, not recognition, for as long as she can remember, Ireton said. "It seems like I have been putting quilts together my whole life," she said. "I can't remember a time when I wasn't making a quilt or helping someone make a quilt." The Columbus Ronald McDonald House serves about 1,300 families a year, and stays can range from a few days to several months, Jones said. Ireton said she hopes the patients and families enjoy using the quilts as much as she enjoyed making them. She said the colorful patterns brighten her day and that she enjoys having the work to do. "Making quilts also keeps me out of trouble," Ireton said.