SouthWest Federal Credit Union delivered 400 handmade quilts to area hospitals and community organizations just before Christmas in an annual project they have dubbed, “Blankies for Babies.”
“Our Community Service Committee is the driving force behind the project with support from all employees and our members. This is really something to be proud of,” said Muriel Blake, president and CEO of SouthWest Federal Credit Union. “They have all put a lot of heart and time into making this happen year after year.”
The project began June 1 with donations of money and materials, including fabric and batting, by Credit Union members and local businesses. Employees at all six area branches then volunteered breaks, lunch hours and time before and after work to complete the quilted blankets. The organizations receiving the donated blankets include Dixie Regional Medical Center, the Dove Shelter, Southwest Desert Haven, Mesa View Hospital in Mesquite, and Valley View Hospital and a local family crisis center in Cedar City.
Dixie Regional Medical Center uses the blankets in the children’s wing of their 400 East campus, placing blankets on cribs and beds to create a more homelike and inviting atmosphere for their patients.
“It really does make a huge difference to sick and frightened young patients to have something soft and warm to cuddle with,” said Terri Kane, Dixie Regional’s CEO and administrator.
The Community Service Committee, which represents SouthWest’s employees and management was formed three years to establish community based projects and opportunities to give back to the public in a positive way. Special Thanks to Hurst Ben Franklin in St. George, MegaPro and Deseret Industries, as well as the numerous members and employees who donated money and materials and time to this project.
SouthWest Federal is the only locally administered and longest serving credit union in Southern Utah. Serving the five-county area of Southwest Utah, plus Mesquite, Nevada and Northwest Arizona, SouthWest Federal Credit Union was established in St. George in 1937 and has been safe and secure for more than 70 years.
