High Top Ranch
Koosharem, UT

Any child who has to spend time in a hospital is grateful for those little things that represent love and home, like the quilts given to patients at Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Knowing the hospital uses so many of these donated quilts, troubled boys at High Top Ranch in Koosharem, Utah decided to hand-tie quilts for the hospital.

Throughout this past winter, these youth, ages 9 to 14, worked on the quilts two nights a week. By February, they had seventeen completed quilts. Eleven of the boys traveled the 150 mile distance to Primary Children's and delivered the quilts in person.

"The project taught them patience," said Kari Sorenson, activities staff coordinator. "It taught them that other children have problems and trials to overcome, just as they do."

High Top Ranch is a working ranch and treatment facility for troubled youth who face a variety of issues. The program encourages the boys to get involved in the various service projects in order to give back to the community. Already the youth have finished seven more quilts for their next delivery to Primary Children's Medical Center.

"This type of service helps them see that they can be successful at something," said Lucinda Sorenson, case manager. "They build their self-confidence as they build these quilts."