Warm and fuzzy, a quilt is something to hold while suffering sudden tragedy. That is the message of the 90 quilts sent to victims of the Aspen Acres fire by Quilters Above the Clouds.

The fire, ignited June 29 near Pueblo, burned 102,004 acres and destroyed 324 homes in Pueblo, Huerfano, Custer and Fremont counties. Authorities believe the fire was human caused.

“I know that people lost everything and it’s coming up on winter,” said Kathryn Oliphant, vice president of the organization’s Charitable Causes.

In response to the call for help for fire victims, club members rallied, collecting 90 quilts, blankets and crocheted afghans.

Oliphant and Cindy Galbreath worked with a church leader in Pueblo who sent a member to pick up the 90 donations, in a small electric vehicle. 

“We got them all in, up to the ceiling,” Oliphant said.  “We said, ‘Quick! Close the door!”

The quilters are artists who display their works at the annual Quilters Above the Clouds show in August.

“The first annual quilt show was in somebody’s backyard, where we hung the quilts between trees,” Oliphant said, of the show that began 20 years ago.  

The quilters meet once a month.  

“We have an amazing guild, with the sisterhood and friendships we’ve developed,” Galbreath said. “We have seasoned quilters and those who are just beginning; it’s a great place to learn and get support.”

The donations to fire victims in other counties are in line with the organization outreach.  

“It’s nice to be able to help neighbors in need,” Galbreath said.  “We just wanted to send some warmth and love to soothe people who are having a difficult time.”