Hopkinton’s Susan Webber participated in an MLK Day charity quilt-a-thon where she hand-sewed labels onto completed comfort quilts that will be distributed at a Boston-based infusion unit. PHOTO/DEBORAH BURKE HENDERSON

Despite the chilly temperatures and icy roads, eight women, including Hopkinton resident Susan Webber, gathered to work on and create handmade comfort quilts at the Power of the Quilt Project’s annual MLK Day of community service quilt-a-thon. The event was held at the Unitarian Universalist Area Church, First Parish of Sherborn.

A longtime church member, Webber is committed to making a difference.

“I love knitting with my fellow Yarn Spinners here at the church,” Webber said, “and I wanted to contribute to the quilt-a-thon, too, because it’s such a worthy cause.”

Over the course of the day, Webber hand-sewed project labels to complete 11 colorful lap-robe-sized quilts that had been brought in, and she took three more to finish at home. Other volunteers sandwiched and hand-tied quilt tops, machine-sewed four quilt tops and measured and cut fabrics to make take-home kits.

Throughout the day, volunteers commented about the meaningfulness of the project’s mission and shared how much they enjoyed the fellowship experienced during this community service event. They are eager to participate again at the spring quilt-a-thon to be held on March 16, National Quilting Day.

The completed quilts are blessed during Sunday worship and will be immediately distributed to men and women undergoing chemotherapy treatments at a Boston-based medical center. “The nurse at the medical facility enjoys matching the right quilt and recipient, based on colors, interests and designs,” project coordinator Diane McNamara noted.

The Power of the Quilt Project, first established in 2003, is one of the UUAC’s many service and justice ministries. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcomed. The work of volunteer piecers and quilters from area towns contribute to making more than 100 comfort quilts for distribution annually. Quilts with animal-themed or youth-oriented fabrics are created especially for Project Linus to bring warmth and comfort to young children facing hardship who are staying in hospitals or shelters.

To RSVP for the March 16 quilt-a-thon, contact the Power of the Quilt Project coordinator Diane McNamara at dimcnamara@verizon.net. For more information about the project and to see volunteers in action, visit the PQP blog at powerofthequilt.blogspot.com.