On any given day at Givens Estates, a special kind of energy fills the Fiber Arts Studio. The gentle hum of sewing machines blends with laughter and conversation as residents gather to create something meaningful together. This is the home of Luv2Quilt, a resident led group whose work is stitched with creativity, compassion, and community spirit.
Givens has a long history of fiber arts involvement, originally organized by resident Beth Waller. Luv2Quilt is one of the sewing groups that grew from this tradition. Founded in 2021 by Givens resident Joanie McGee, the group began with a simple idea to use quilting as a way to bring comfort and care to others. What started as a shared interest has grown into a powerful philanthropic effort that touches lives across the Givens campus and throughout the greater Asheville community.
Luv2Quilt is one of several resident fiber arts groups at Givens Estates. Together, these groups transform the Fiber Arts Studio into a vibrant hub of creativity and service. In 2025 alone, 875 people used the studio, a number that continues to grow as new residents arrive.
The group’s projects reflect both generosity and intention. Members create Linus Quilts and blankets for children, offering warmth and reassurance during difficult times. For neighbors in the Givens Health Care Center, they craft bed runners, walker totes, and coasters that add beauty and dignity to daily life. Beyond campus, Luv2Quilt and the other fiber arts groups partner with organizations such as BEAR Closets, BeLoved Asheville, Black Mountain Home for Children, Four Seasons Hospice, Haywood Street Congregation, MANNA Food Bank, Messino Cancer Center, and many others. Their gifts include quilts, stuffed animals, tote bags, baby blankets and booties, prayer shawls, home warming items, pillows, and mended clothing. Each piece is created with care and intention for the person who will receive it.
While the items created are impactful, the heart of Luv2Quilt lies in the fellowship it fosters. The group meets daily and monthly, averaging about 20 residents and contributing around 775 service hours each year. Members often speak about the joy of gathering with others who share their interests and values.
“Because it is an opportunity to meet others with similar interests and to share information. It gives us an opportunity to donate quilts to ill children and to participate in fundraising activities.”
Another resident reflected on the creative joy the group brings.
“There is a shared appreciation and joy when finally beholding what has been created with fabric. I enjoy Show and Tell as we delight in what a fellow quilter creates and hear the back story about how it came to be. The glorious colors and patterns, the desire to learn more, and the coming together.”
Givens Philanthropy is proud to support these resident funded groups and provide additional resources when needed. Recently, a generous donation helped purchase sewing machines, essential materials, and machine maintenance, ensuring residents have the tools needed to continue their meaningful work. Without donor support, Luv2Quilt would not be able to offer the level of care and outreach it provides today. Donations to the Givens Life Enrichment Fund may be designated to support specific resident led groups, such as Luv2Quilt. Donors may also choose to give to the Life Enrichment Fund without designation, allowing funds to be allocated toward the highest and best use.
This work is made possible through the Givens Life Enrichment Fund, which nurtures wellbeing by creating opportunities for personal enrichment, wellness, and connection. A powerful expression of this impact can be seen in resident led groups like Luv2Quilt, whose generosity enriches both Givens and the greater community.
If you feel inspired to support Luv2Quilt and the many resident groups like it, you can make a gift to the Givens Life Enrichment Fund by visiting https://givensphilanthropy.org/giving/
