Lakeside Quilters of Tamarack wins Touchstone Energy® Community Award

Cohasset, Minn. – Lake Country Power selected the Lakeside Quilters of Tamarack, Minn., as the winner of its annual Touchstone Energy® Community Award. The co-op chose this organization to recognize a group of 14 individuals who volunteer their time to make quality quilts by hand and donate to deserving individuals within the local communities.

As winner of the Touchstone Energy® Community Award, the quilters were awarded a plaque and $500 that will go toward materials needed for making quilts.

“Receiving this award is an absolute honor because it recognizes our mission to give handmade quilts to people in our community, such as active military personnel, veterans, and others,” said Sharon Lavan, who submitted the application to Lake Country Power. “It is so rewarding to give our quilts to people. It’s a moving experience and often there are tears.”

Lavan added that as soon as you think you’re being the giver, that’s when you find out you’re the one who is receiving so much more in return.

Veterans who move into the Villa Vista Nursing Home in Cromwell, Minn., may also receive a Quilt of Valor. The Lakeside Quilters of Tamarack are members of the National Quilts of Valor, so each quilt is handmade according to a set of specific guidelines set by the national organization.

Lakeside Quilters of Tamarack has existed since Fall 2021 and currently has 14 members. Most of the quilts they make are donated toward activity military, veterans, teachers, bus drivers, those in need, those struggling with health issues, and outstanding citizens who impact Tamarack and the surrounding communities. The group of volunteers have made and contributed 31 quilts so far, and each quilt is finished with the long-armed method to ensure quality for a lifetime of use.

“Every quilt we make touches the hearts of each recipient, their families and their community because they know someone cares,” said Lavan.

Lake Country Power is one of several Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives in Minnesota providing a local award to encourage and recognize local community contributions. Lakeside Quilters of Tamarack will compete with winners from other Minnesota-based electric cooperatives in March for statewide recognition and $2,000.

Lake Country Power, www.lakecountrypower.coop, is a Touchstone Energy® cooperative serving parts of eight counties in northeastern Minnesota. The rural electric cooperative provides services to more than 44,000 members and has offices located in Cohasset, Kettle River and Mountain Iron.