Staying active and finding new hobbies is key to living a long life, and the elderly veteran in this story is proof of that!

Theron Jennings is a 98 year-old veteran of World War II who learned to sew three years ago at the age of 95. Since then, he’s sewed over 500 quilts for children in need all over the world.

A native of Hillsville, Virginia, the former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant sends his quilts out in shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse.

Debbie Whattoff, Theron’s daughter, explained that her dad loves sewing quilts.

“This is his day. This is his world,” she said. “He loves it and it gives him purpose. He feels God has him here up to this age because he is to make quilts for children.”

Before three years ago, Theron had never touched a sewing machine, but he remembered the basics from watching his mother sew as a child. During the Great Depression, Theron’s mother made dresses out of feed sacks while she lived on a farm with him and his six siblings.

Theron makes the 4-by-4-foot quilts on the floor of his apartment in Savoy, Illinois.

“I’ve worn out two or three pairs of pants on my knees,” he said.

Theron credits staying active for him still being alive today.

“Years ago, there was a man that was about my age and I asked him what was your advice for staying you, and he said to work hard and stay active,” he said.

Check out an interview with Theron below!