The First United Methodist Church of Turlock hosted a special “thank you” luncheon for local veterans on Sunday, and presented special handmade gifts to those who served their country.

The project, which was spearheaded by Trish Panos with the help of Marta Kyte and Sandy Roberts, saw quilters from around the country donate their works to local veterans. Thirty unique quilts were donated by quilters in Texas, Louisiana, Kansas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Oregon, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Illinois and locally from Turlock, Modesto, Hughson, Hilmar, Patterson and Newman.

The veterans were treated to an Italian luncheon and then presented with a quilt.

“As you can see from the faces that are out here, many of these folks continue to give back to their communities today. We would not be the great nation that we are without them, so thank you,” said James Yandell, who emceed the veterans luncheon.