MOSES LAKE — Cancer patients are benefiting from handmade quilts, thanks to two Moses Lake residents.

Mel Neal and Max Hansen are making quilts from jeans and donating them to Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation.

So far, 43 have been donated.

“They really are like a piece of artwork,” said foundation Executive Director Mary Frederick. “They’re just gorgeous.”

Neal said he and Hansen have several quilts finished and waiting to go to the cancer foundation, a few in the process of being complete and at least 600 blocks of jeans cut.

“I’ve been making quilts for 10, probably 15 years,” he said.

The quilts donated to the foundation retail for $50 each, making the donation so far worth $2,150.

“I would say we’ve gone through at least … 200, 300 pairs of jeans,” Neal said. 

Calico Cat donated jeans for the project, and Goodwill Industries allows Neal and Hansen to purchase jeans at a discount.

Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation reimbursed the pair for some supplies.

Additional jeans from the public can be donated through the foundation.

Red, yellow, orange and tan jeans are needed, Neal said.

Neal said he and Hansen try to include two functioning pockets on each quilt, so patients can use the quilts to hold cell phones and handkerchiefs.

Each quilt is unique, Frederick noted.

“I think a quilt is comforting,” she said. “Besides, it’s warm. These are extra special because they’re individual, and it’s just kind of a personal gift to make their journey a little more pleasant.”

Patients use the quilts during the bus ride to Wenatchee for treatment, Frederick said.

Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation is located at 1418 S. Pioneer Way in Moses Lake.

For more information, call 509-764-4644.