When Hugh Branscum found himself among a group of Kingfisher American Legion World War II and Korean War veterans gifted with handmade quilts last Veteran’s Day, he wanted to share the love.

Branscum recently presented a $500 donation to Kingfisher Mayor Roxie Alexander, who led a group of American Legion Auxiliary members and other volunteers in completing the patriotic quilts for vets.

“Only Hugh had something else in mind,” Alexander said.

“He wanted us to make quilts for kids.”

So Alexander and two quilting friends, Sherrill Murray of Loyal and Donna McAskill of El Reno, went shopping for brightly-colored fabric and notions and whipped up seven cheerful and child-friendly quilts for children in foster care in Kingfisher County.

“Hugh has a sweet spirit and a kind heart and we could not say no to his request,” Alexander said.

She and Branscum presented the cozy creations last Wednesday to child protective services worker Debbie Osborn at the local transitional home where children are taken while awaiting out-of-home placement.

“We designed these quilts with younger children in mind, but Debbie told us that teenagers in custody could use some comfort too. So we may have another project ahead of us,” Alexander said.