Carolyn Boxmeyer, a KenCrest Community Champion, has donated up to 1,000 handmade quilts annually to children, families, and adults in need for over 20 years.
By Sydney Kerelo
At KenCrest, we are driven by a mission to explore possibilities, mobilize resources, and empower dreams. There are many ways to foster a sense of belonging and care within the communities we serve, and Carolyn Boxmeyer's work is a shining example.
For over 20 years, Carolyn has dedicated herself to providing handmade quilts to those in need, spreading warmth literally and figuratively through her incredible volunteer efforts.
Carolyn’s journey with quilt donations began with ABC Quilts, an organization dedicated to making quilts for at-risk babies and children. When ABC Quilts disbanded, many would have considered it the end of the mission. But Carolyn, fueled by her deep passion and drive, made it her own. She transitioned from being one of many volunteers to a one-woman powerhouse, continuing the legacy of quilt donations from her home. Soon after, Carolyn partnered with her local church, St. Stephen’s, which generously provided space to accommodate her ever-growing project.
Creating and donating quilts on the scale that Carolyn does is no small feat—between 400 and 1,000 quilts each year! Despite the challenges of finding volunteers in today’s busy world, Carolyn makes it happen, working tirelessly to ensure that as many people as possible feel the comfort and love these quilts offer. From infants in the NICU to adults in Supported Independent Living, Carolyn’s quilts have brought warmth and hope to all who receive them.
A Well-Deserved Honor: Community Champion Award
Carolyn Boxmeyer was honored with the KenCrest Community Champion Award on October 2nd at a special ceremony held at the RiverCrest Golf Club in recognition of her extraordinary dedication and service. This award celebrates individuals who have significantly impacted their community through their time, talent, and generosity. Carolyn’s selfless work organizing and distributing quilts to those in need embodies the spirit of this award.
KenCrest is proud to honor her with this prestigious recognition. Carolyn’s mission to comfort and care for others has impacted countless lives, and her leadership in mobilizing volunteers to contribute to such a worthy cause makes her a true champion in every sense.
A Mission of Adaptation and Compassion
What makes Carolyn’s mission even more extraordinary is her willingness to adapt to the community's needs. While her quilt donations initially focused on infants and young children, Carolyn noticed a growing need among older children and adults. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she expanded the project and began requesting larger quilts from her volunteers.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Carolyn’s work is how it has inspired others. For example, Edie Harrison, the Director of Home and Community-Based 0-5 Early Intervention at KenCrest, was moved by Carolyn’s dedication and began contributing crocheted items herself. In addition to quilts, Carolyn accepts knitted and crocheted afghans, hats, and booties for premature babies in local NICUs. This sense of community makes Carolyn’s mission so special—her work not only impacts the individuals who receive the quilts but also brings people together in the spirit of giving.
Widespread Impact Across KenCrest
The quilts Carolyn donates find their way to many corners of KenCrest’s programs, impacting a wide range of individuals and families. Children and families in the birth-to-five early intervention programs receive quilts, and families living in city housing shelters, as do adults who are part of KenCrest’s Supported Independent Living and LifeSharing programs. In all these situations, receiving a handmade quilt is more than just gaining a functional item—it’s about feeling cared for, seen, and supported by the community.
Each quilt represents not only the physical warmth it provides but also the emotional comfort it carries. For individuals and families who may be going through tough times, a quilt offers a tangible reminder that they are not alone. The quilts become symbols of care, compassion, and resilience—qualities that are at the heart of KenCrest’s mission.
In a world where it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer scale of challenges we face, Carolyn Boxmeyer’s story stands as a testament to the power of individual action. She has touched countless lives through her quilts, offering physical comfort and the warmth of community, compassion, and love.
At KenCrest, we are proud to work alongside individuals like Carolyn, whose commitment to giving back helps build stronger, more connected communities.