In 2004, Covington County Quilt Guild began with a handful of women who were interested in improving their quilting skills, experiencing new techniques and sharing ideas.

Now, 14 years later, the members look back with pride at their achievements, growth and foremost, their involvement in the communities of Covington County.

The biennial quilt show is not only a chance to show the dozens of quilts made by the members, but to provide an opportunity for a fortunate ticket holder to win a king size quilt made by the local quilters.

Every two years, the guild chooses a worthy cause to donate the proceeds from the ticket sales.

Over the years, approximately $15,000 has been provided for Habitat for Humanity, Crossover Ministries for Women, the Dream Park, the Child Advocacy Center and Pilots for Christ.

As the guild prepares for this year’s show on Nov. 16 and 17, the members are busy selling $1 tickets for the “Opportunity Quilt.” Made by guild members, the beautiful king size quilt will be awarded at the close of the show on Saturday afternoon. The winner does not have to be present.

This year the proceeds will be given to Bethesda House, a shelter for women and children in Opp. The location of the facility is not made public for the safety and wellbeing of those seeking shelter. Bethesda House is currently under renovation and is not taking residents at this time.

In between quilt shows, the guild has an ongoing “Comfort Quilt” project. Comfort quilts are small quilts provided for cars in the sheriff’s and city police departments. Two quilts are placed in each car to be given to a hurting, frightened child regardless of the circumstances. Replacement quilts for the departments are available as needed.

The Department of Human Resources receives Comfort Quilts and pillowcases to be given to children in the foster care program. These children may not always have a suitcase when moving around and they place their items in a pillowcase instead of a garbage bag. Local hospice agencies occasionally request lap-quilts and bibs for their patients.

As a way of honoring the men and women who have or who are serving our country in the Armed Forces, the guild provides “Quilts of Valor,” as part of a commitment to the community. A few years ago, the guild provided patriotic lap quilts to the Adult Activity Center when they had a special recognition for local veterans.

With a membership of approximately 40 women and a few men, the CCQG meets twice a month in various locations around the county. The business meeting is the second Tuesday of the month, and a workshop is the fourth Tuesday.

A highlight of each meeting is “Show and Tell,” when members show a completed project and talk about who it might be for and why they chose a pattern or fabric. The guild also has certified quilting instructors come to the area to present classes on a patter, technique or specific skill that instructor has developed.

Twice a year the members meet at Blue Lake Methodist Camp for a retreat that has grown from three days in one of the cabins to six days using the Craft Hut and a cabin. The retreat provides an opportunity to focus on all manner of quilt construction, sharing of ideas and techniques as well as enjoying the solitude and beauty of Blue Lake.

The quilt show will be held in the Grace Community Center at the Opp United Methodist Church, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m., until 6 p.m., and Nov. 17, from 9 a.m., until 4 p.m.

Admission is $5 and tickets for the quilt benefiting Bethesda House will be available as well.

Tickets are also available from guild members.