“Real Quilters Read” Program Delivers Handmade Comfort and Literacy to Susquehanna County Kindergarteners

MONTROSE, PA – For years, the United Way of Susquehanna County’s (UWSC) Real Men Read program has brought local male mentors into kindergarten classrooms to showcase the power of literacy. However, this January, a heartwarming spinoff has added a new layer of warmth to the mission: “Real Quilters Read.”

The initiative began two years ago when Lori Mackey—wife of UWSC Board Member and Real Men Read volunteer Rich Mackey—approached the United Way with a generous proposal. Representing the “A Stitch In Time Quilt Guild,” Mackey asked if her members could hand-craft mini quilts for every single kindergartener in Susquehanna County.

“I immediately said yes, and went to work finding the perfect books to complement their handiwork,” said Tom Follert, Regional Community Director of the United Way. “I wanted to take it one step further and to have the children meet actual quilters so they could understand the craftsmanship and share in the joy of receiving such a personal gift. That is how ‘Real Quilters Read’ month was born.”

After the course of two years of dedicated work, the results of their labor of love are significant:

• Over 400 handmade mini quilts were distributed to individual students.
• 23 larger classroom quilts were gifted to each Kindergarten Classroom.
• 100% participation across all county school districts.

During the “Real Quilters Read” visits, guild members as well as other local quilters visited classrooms to read Mama’s New Job, a Berenstain Bears story about Mama Bear opening a quilt shop. The experience bridges the gap between the stories in books and the real-world art of quilting. At the conclusion of the visit, every child was given their own copy of the book to keep, along with their very own handmade mini quilt.

The response from teachers and students alike has been “overwhelmingly warm.” By pairing the security of a handmade quilt with a brand-new book, the program ensures that the youngest learners in Susquehanna County feel supported by their community both in and out of the classroom.

About United Way of Susquehanna County: The United Way of Susquehanna County works to “Help Children Do Well” by supporting early childhood education, health, and financial stability through community-driven programs and partnerships like Real Men Read.