Guion Creek Elementary serves a diverse community of students. Over 75% are on free or reduced lunch and school is often a place to feel safe and inspired. We work hard to provide academic excellence as well as enrichment in preparing these young people for a positive school experience. Providing after school programs allows our students needed enrichment they could never receive outside the school environment.

About 7 years ago, I started talking about teaching some of the students to quilt as quilting had become one of my favorite past times. I started an after school club with 3rd to 5th graders. The first club had around 15 participants and met once a week. Since then, the Quilt Club has grown into a learning and sewing experience, learning more about the sewing machines they use, and how to sew. Students also study the history of quilts, design quilt patterns using geometry skills and measuring tools. This has allowed more and more members each year as they become more independent. We needed more machines and more fabric in order to continue to grow.

The L.I.F.T. Teacher Grant for “Material Kids” allowed me to buy sewing machines and materials. With new machines and fabric supplies we now have 35 members and are able to make quilts and draw string bags to donate to Riley Children’s Hospital, as well as quilts for each student. The L.I.F.T. Foundation allowed us to grow and help others along the way.