In the early hours of a bright and sunny April Saturday morning, more than 70 members of the Relief Society organization, the women’s group of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, met in three of their Mobile District church buildings with one purpose in mind – to make as many fleece lap blankets as they could, and donate their work to the residents of local nursing homes within and close to the areas of the Mobile and Baldwin counties.

With materials donated by the church and individual members, these women were happy and excited to use their varying talents and skills to achieve their goal.

Women of all ages, including several mothers and their teenage daughters, worked feverishly alongside one another to complete their tasks. Experienced machinists, hand sewers and those who voiced no sewing skills at all were put to work in measuring, cutting, pinning, sewing and completing the 60-by 36-inch fleecy coverlets.

By the end of the working session, and over 160 women hours later, 77 soft, brightly colored blankets were finally completed.

“Throughout scripture, the Lord calls for church leaders to serve the widows and orphans; those unable to protect themselves or provide for themselves,” said Pattylinne Mitchem, the Relief Society leader for the Mobile and surrounding district. “We wanted a project that would serve those who would be considered the most frail in our community. Older adults requiring wheelchairs seemed to meet that criteria. Our hope was for the blankets to provide comfort to warm the body; but also a soft texture to fingers and visual stimulation for the eyes which may comfort the soul.”

Nursing homes who are to receive donations are situated in Atmore, Robertsdale, Lucedale, Pascagoula, Monroe, Butler, Thomasville and Foley. Lynwood Convalescent Facility in Mobile will also be gifted.