Quilts-R-Us get-together at Matlacha Community Center

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Each quilting session begins with a meeting. ED FRANKS

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Example of the quilts the women have been creating. ED FRANKS

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Example of the quilts the women have been creating. ED FRANKS

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Example of the quilts the women have been creating. ED FRANKS

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About 30 women got together at the Matlacha Community Center last week to work on their quilts. The group started 26 years ago in 1988.

“Of course, since then we’ve lost a number of members,” Carol Hoefer said. “Some have passed on and others have moved away so we’re always looking for new members.”

Two women, who decided they wanted to start a quilt club for those in the community, formed Quilts R Us almost 30 years ago.

“This is a most interesting group of members,” Hoefer said. “We have a quilt show here every other year that has been very successful. When the show ran in 2012, there were people lined up before the doors opened and the turnout for the event was exceptional.”

Quilts are made for family, friends and F.I.S.H. (Friendly Islanders Sending Help). Each member of the group makes at least one quilt for F.I.S.H. Those quilts are often used for newborn babies on the island. Quilts-R-Us has been donating quilts to F.I.S.H for almost 20 years.

The club meets every Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Matlacha Community Center.

The center is located at 4577 Pine Island Road, Matlacha.