Ministering Angels – Lending a Hand to Those in Need

By CHARLENE PAUL

Moapa Valley Progress

Local resident Bev Qualheim is the force behind the ‘Ministering Angels’ organization.

Feeling an urgency to provide a positive creative outlet in the community, local knitter, Bev Qualheim has created the Ministering Angels organization.
“I know there are a lot of people like me who desire to help and serve any way they can,” Bev explained. “I wanted to start a group where we could get together and make a difference. That’s really how Ministering Angels was born.”

Ministering Angels is a non-profit, non-denominational group whose mission it is to make life a little nicer for those who need assistance. The group meets on the first Friday of each month from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Logandale Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Relief Society room at the southeast corner of the building.

“Although we meet in an LDS chapel, we are not a church-sponsored group,” Qualheim said. “Everyone is welcome and all hands are needed.”

The group met together on Friday morning last week and spent the morning making “newborn kits” for those in need. The kits consist of a knit hat, booties, and pajamas or a onesie. These things are always in demand by local hospitals and women’s groups, Qualheim said.

“There is a tremendous need for hats, scarves, and wash cloths for the thousands of homeless adults and children living in Las Vegas,” Bev said. “We also need six-inch granny squares so they can be made into blankets for palliative care at University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas.”

Teddy bears, dolls, blankets, quilts, pillows and newborn preemie hats are needed as well.
The group works in coordination with Lifting Hands International, an organization whose mission is to help refugees at home and abroad.
“When it comes to those in need, political and religious differences shouldn’t keep us from doing what we can,” Qualheim said.

The next meeting of Ministering Angels is scheduled for Friday, October 5. Those interested in helping are encouraged to bring their own yarn, needles, and hooks to work with.
“If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, don’t worry,” Qualheim said. “We will teach you to loom knit. Helping others brightens our outlook. Together we really can make a difference.”

Qualheim suggests that attendees bring snacks and a sack lunch. If you have any questions, you can reach Bev at 702-449-1796.