The Lenten Quilt-a-thon hosted April 5 by the Philoptochos Society of Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview produced nearly 200 colorful quilts that will be distributed to comfort infants and children with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses.

Coordinated in partnership with the Bishop’s Task Force on AIDS, the annual event has been held for 15 years. The Task Force was established in 1992, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, and is under the direction of His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Chancellor of the Chicago Metropolis. It was the first formal Orthodox Christian response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the western hemisphere. In recent years, the distribution of the items made at the Quilt-a-thon has been expanded to include young patients dealing with other major health issues as well.

About 100 adults and young people, representing Saints Peter and Paul and other Philoptochos chapters within the Chicago Metropolis, helped create the quilts and fleece blankets this year. The items will be donated to Lurie Children’s Hospital, Shriners Children’s Hospital, Stroger Hospital, University of Illinois Hospital and Cornerstone Community Center for the homeless. In addition, large fleece blankets will be provided to the American Cancer Society for patients in hospice or who are underserved, uninsured or homeless.

Joan Kamberos, Tina Malnati and Karen Venson have co-chaired the Quilt-a-thon for the last eight years. Pat Nassos is the current Saints Peter and Paul Philoptochos president and Fr. James Dokos, protopresbyter of Saints Peter and Paul Church, is spiritual advisor to the organization.