The American Red Cross is pleased to announce that its “quilts for veterans” project will continue this year. In partnership with Gate City Bank, this project brings care and comfort to local veterans through the warmth of quilts.

From September 11 through November 11, local quiltmakers can bring their quilts to a nearby Gate City Bank location for drop off. The Red Cross and partners will later distribute the quilts to VA hospitals, homes and stand-down events across the region.

"We’re proud to continue this valued project supporting our brave veterans and all they’ve given to defend our freedom,” said Karin Luchsinger, senior vice president of Gate City Bank Checking and Customer Engagement. “Providing beautiful quilts like these to help keep them warm is just one of many ways we can express our gratitude for their service.”

Since the program’s inception in 2022, quiltmakers in the Red River Valley and beyond have made and donated hundreds of quilts for veterans through this partnership.

“This community partnership makes a significant difference in the lives of veterans,” said Kimberly Vosseteig, executive director of the American Red Cross serving Eastern North Dakota and Northwestern Minnesota. “People across our region are eager to support veterans, especially those who might need an extra helping hand this holiday season.”

DETAILS ABOUT DONATIONS – Quilts and fleece blankets:

• Must be new and/or made with new materials
• May be handmade or purchased quilts or fleece blankets
• Preferably 60” x 80” with neutral, masculine or patriotic themes
• Since they will be used in hospital and care facilities, they must be sturdy enough to undergo industrial washing and sterilizing process with no loose yarns or strings that could catch on medical equipment.
• Quilts and blankets will go home with veterans upon hospital discharge

American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces, together with the Hero Care Network, provides military families with emergency communications, connects them to financial assistance resources, and offers mental health support and information services to military members, veterans and their families. Our regional team provides on average more than 6,000 services to military members, their families and veterans, and reaches on average nearly 3,000 service members through ‘Get to Know Us’ briefings for how to access Red Cross communications support during family emergencies.

About the American Red Cross  

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.  The Minnesota and Dakotas Red Cross, comprised of seven community chapters and five Blood Donation Centers, serves more than 7.3 million people, including Indigenous nations and communities. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. 

About Gate City Bank

A $3.5 billion mutual bank founded in 1923, Gate City Bank is the region’s leading financial institution and the #1 mortgage lender in North Dakota. For over 100 years, the bank has existed to create a better way of life for customers, communities and team members, and today it employs more than 770 team members at 45 locations in 23 communities across North Dakota and central Minnesota.

Since 2003, Gate City Bank has contributed $40.9 million in philanthropic giving and more than 310,000 volunteer hours. Additionally, the bank has received a five-star rating from BauerFinancial for the past 28 years, and has been named one of the “50 Best Places to Work” 11 years in a row by Prairie Business magazine.