IA Seniors Make Holiday Ornaments for School, Staff- Quilt for Hope House

Independence Academy’s senior class heard their teacher Alison Saunders talk about her love of sewing and quilting and decided to use those skills to make the holidays special for the staff, students and one very special organization.

Senior class members Dana Allen, Cody Beyer, Alex Casey, Nick Corliss, Blake Cox, Austin Devin, Hunter Henson, Jammerio Jones, Paige Leek, Kat Leon, Larisa McGathy, Sean McGraw, Casey Meyer, Brandon Muller and Jackie Owens used Saunders’ sewing machine and made holiday ornaments for every student and staff member at IA. But when they were finished, there was still some leftover sewing materials.

“Someone asked, ‘What can we do with those blocks?’” Saunders said. “Someone else asked, ‘Can we make a quilt?’ Then another student asked, ‘Who do we give it to?’ I suggested we make a charity quilt and give it to Hope House.”

After contacting Hope House, the class decided to auction the quilt instead and give a monetary donation. Associate Principal Wendy Kline was the highest bidder, but others contributed too, allowing the class to donate $275 to the organization. Saunders said the project brought a sense of camaraderie to the school. “It has been a blessing for everybody,” she said.

Hope House provides education and support for thousands of people every year in the Kansas City area traumatized by domestic violence.