Staff Reports
The Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild presented six Quilts of Valor during the 828 Vets open house on Thursday, March 27.
Receiving quilts were (seated) Nichole Garcia, Trina Pullian, Daniel Fenimore; (back row) Douglas Adams, Richard Cancellier, Michael “Oppie” Sewell and Bill Hutson.
Quilts of Valor is a national nonprofit that awards handmade quilts to service members and veterans who have been touched by war, as a token of appreciation for their service.
Locally, members of the Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild make quilts for distribution in Macon, Swain and Jackson counties.
828 Vets
The open house for 828 Vets can people an opportunity to learn more about the organization and how they help veterans.
828 VETS has household goods and medical equipment for veterans who need it as well as monetary and project assistance upon request.
“I’m excited to be part of this open house, and I am honored to have been selected to lead this group of extraordinary individuals,” said Bill Garren, the organization’s new president. “I like to think of us as a gap filler/provider for veterans when nothing else seems to be available. Please join us for fellowship, partnership, and social interaction.”
828 VETS has been meeting in the area weekly for more than three years. Veterans are welcome to attend the meetings in the team room at 8:30 a.m. every Thursday. No membership or dues required. The Team Room is located at 437 Depot Street, Franklin.
Veterans and their friends and families are also invited to enjoy monthly gatherings at various area establishments the last Friday of every month from 5-7 p.m. Locations are announced at the weekly meetings and on the organization’s Facebook page (@828 VETS).
For more information, call 828-371-2850 or email 828mgmt@828vets.com.
828 VETS is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps veterans and veteran families who may lie outside of the parameters of the existing organizations and assistance offered.