An Albert Lea woman has made thousands of quilts and other quilted items because of a will to give.

Verla Eilers, 69, said she has given the quilts, handbags, aprons and purses to family, friends, faith organizations, law enforcement agencies and businesses over the last 31 years.

Eilers crafts purses and handbags, as well some quilts, from blue jeans.

“I’m a giving person and I love to give quilts and bags away to everybody and anybody I know,” she said.

Eilers, who is retired, said quilting gives her a relaxing way to spend her retirement years.

“I love to sew,” she said.

She has made two quilts for Jim & Dudes because of what she said is thankfulness for the company’s outstanding work done at her house.

She makes banana bread regularly for Jim & Dudes and Wedgewood Cove Golf Club employees.

Eilers has donated quilts, handmade grocery bags and purses to Christian Reform Church in Worthington, where her daughter Wendy worships.

“I’ll probably do that until I can’t sew anymore,” Eilers said.

She has also donated sewing items to the Albert Lea Fire Department, Minnesota State Patrol, Albert Lea Police Department and Albert Lea Moose Lodge.

A Dawson native, Eilers moved to Albert Lea from Worthington in 1984.

She has six children: Brad, Jason, Cindy, Wendy, Sherri and Corey.

She said making the items has provided her a sense of achievement.

“The accomplishment that I could finish something that I started and that I did have enough sense to do that because I was always told I wasn’t going to be anybody or amount to anything … I have proven otherwise by just doing this,” she said.

Eilers also sells some items.

Eilers said she leaves a piece of herself with each quilt she makes.

“When you’re being covered with my quilt, that’s my love and my hug for you to keep you warm,” Eilers said.

She said she wants people to know how much she cares about the blankets and the people she donates them to.

“That’s my arms around you every night,” Eilers said.

Verla Eilers

Age: 69

Address: 2019 Riviera Drive

Family: Six children, Brad, Jason, Cindy, Wendy, Sherri and Corey

Livelihood: Retired

Interesting fact: Eilers lives right off of the Wedgewood Cove Golf Course and makes banana bread for staff.