By: Joyce B. Peaden

Quilts donated by the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the United States and Canada were sent to Church members (and to others) in every war ravaged country of Europe, and to Syria, Greece, Japan, and Korea as well, in the wake of World War II, and in the subsequent Korean War.

A major drive was conducted by the Relief Society in December, 1945 for quilts, clothing, and soap. These contributions added to quilts already collected in the bishops’ storehouses netted 5,044 quilts and 1,403 blankets to be sent to Europe. Intense activity continued through 1947, then tapered down, to be included in the general welfare projects of the Church.

Source: The Historical Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, spec. Annual reports of the Relief Society, Conference Report of October 1947, ect.

This study includes my personal recollections of the quilt tops made by my grandmother, and tied and bound by our family for war relief, in November-December, 1945, and September 1951.