In modern times when bed coverings can be bought at the nearest store, the effort and thought behind a handmade quilt signifies caring. The Brookhaven Piecemaker’s Quilt Guild hopes its quilts provide a special kind of comfort to the children at the Berean Children’s Home.

The Brookhaven Piecemaker’s Quilt Guild met Monday at the library to present representatives from The Berean Children’s Home with 25 handmade quilts. Each quilt was made for a specific child at the home, appropriate for the child’s age and gender and featuring their name and a Bible verse sewn in.

Guild member Melissa Allred said each year the members work on a quilt or two to be given to a charity or cause.

“It is truly wonderful to have an organization like this one, and we are so thankful for their donation,” said Camille Redd, Berean Children’s Home office manager.

Currently, there are 16 children at the home, with ages ranging from 19 months to 15 years — eight boys and eight girls. The extra quilts, Redd said, will welcome any new children.

Case manager Pam Whitaker spoke to the quilt group about the children and the facility at the home, located at 1180 Berea Trail SE in Bogue Chitto. Whitaker encouraged the group to come visit the children, adding that they love visitors and the five kindergarteners in particular might not ever leave their laps.

Unfortunately, she said, so many of the children at Berean have hard stories and tough backgrounds. Whether it is a young man who has been providing for his siblings and forgotten how to be a kid or a school-age child so neglected she couldn’t read or write, they find a loving, nurturing environment at Berean. What makes the children so special, Whitaker said, is that with care and attention the children blossom to exceed even their own expectations of themselves and their lives.

“Kids have an amazing resilience and ability to adapt,” Whitaker said. “We have a great group of kids, I can’t say enough how special they are.”

The faith-based children’s residential facility is working wonders, from the oldest sibling who now plays sports and enjoys childhood to the illiterate little girl who went on to become student of the month.

For more information about The Berean Children’s Home, call 601-823-5776.