Decades of service: Mesa volunteers honored after sewing 18,000 sleeping bags for homeless

MESA, Ariz. — A group of volunteers in Mesa has spent decades sewing sleeping bags for people experiencing homelessness.

Known as the Ugly Quilts group, about 20 men and women meet every Thursday from October to April at First United Methodist Church in downtown Mesa to hand-sew sleeping bags for men, women and children in need.

“We are not ugly quilters. We make ugly quilts,” said Karen Carnahan, who has been volunteering for the past four years.

The group’s work dates back to 1991, according to 20-year volunteer and spokesperson Nona Weisser, when volunteers began sewing the bags piece by piece. Over time, donations have helped expand their efforts.

Each sleeping bag includes additional items meant to provide warmth and comfort.

“We add the towels and a T-shirt, a hat and a scarf,” said Sandra Whited.

The bags are then given to the Mesa Salvation Army and local churches to be distributed to those in need.

Every volunteer plays an important role in the process, from sewing to preparing materials and supporting the group in other ways.

“I thread all the needles for everyone, and then I fill the coffee when it’s empty,” said Joan Provident.

Beyond the work itself, volunteers say the effort is driven by compassion for those in need.

“We all care about people that are struggling on the streets. You know, we could all be there someday,” Whited said.

“There’s a real need out there for the homeless, and I am able to do something in my retired years, instead of just being at home doing nothing,” said Bernadette Wolff.

The seasonal weekly gatherings are also a source of connection and community.

“I live alone, so it’s nice that I can come and make friends and have someone to talk to,” Provident said.

“Fun people to work with,” Whited said. “We all have kind of the same motivation to help somebody less fortunate than we are.”

This year, the group reached a major milestone, donating 18,000 sleeping bags over more than three decades.

The achievement earned recognition from Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton, who awarded the group a congressional commendation.

“It was very exciting, and they talked a lot about what we’ve been doing over the years,” Provident said

“Somebody’s looking into having it framed for us, because it’s kind of a golden award for us,” Weisser said.

As the season comes to a close with many volunteers leaving as winter visitors, members say they will miss the weekly gatherings.

“I wish it went on all year,” Provident said.

Still, they say the friendships and the mission keep them coming back.

“It warms my heart to know that we can help someone that is in need and help them through their troubles,” Weisser said.

The group is always looking for donations and volunteers. If you would like to help, you can reach out to the church and ask for Nona Weisser.

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