Girls from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kalispell finally saw the results of a year’s work making children’s blankets Thursday.

Between 150 and 175 blankets were arranged in a display of bright colors and patterns.

They were presented during a young women’s conference Friday to Mae Stubbs, director of the Kalispell Regional Medical Center emergency room Friday.

The blankets will be given to children who come into the emergency room — particularly children in cases of abuse, sexual assault or serious injuries, according to Stubbs.

Stubbs said she expected a donation of several blankets and was surprised to hear how many the girls made.

“It’s so wonderful when people are so giving for others,” Stubbs said. “Oftentimes kids don’t have much when they come into the ER, or if they’re having a painful procedure to give them a blanket is so special.”

The blankets were the culmination of a year spent focusing on the theme of service, according to church member Tera Thorderson, who helped organize the project. Girls ages 12 to 18 from Eureka to Polson were challenged to make a blanket to donate.

“Four of us moms discussed something everyone could do on their own time and show that service can be quite simple. It doesn’t have to be a huge project,” Thorderson said.

As girls folded and rolled the blankets, stacking them in rows, they recognized ones they made or worked on.

Kennedi Fisher, 16, of Kalispell said she couldn’t pick out just one. “I helped with a lot of them,” Fisher said.

Hailee Darlington, 17, of Kalispell said she made some at home with her family.

“It’s really great to see how everyone pulled together for the cause,” Darlington said.

Both Fisher and Darlington were looking forward to attending the young women’s conference, “Live Life Anchored.”

“I’m looking forward to growing more spiritually,” Fisher said.

In addition to donating the blankets, the conference included activities and presentations on self-worth, self-awareness and self-defense.

Thorderson said the conference will help teach women about “being anchored to Christ in troubled times.” Thorderson said the blankets are also a tie-in to the conference theme by helping comfort children going through hardship.

Hilary Matheson is a reporter for The Daily Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].