Quilting: A Philosophical Journey - Charity

In some way or another, we all want to make the world a better place.  For those that make quilts for charity, this is their way of doing just that!  A quilt can be a symbol of love and joy.  It can be a tangible way to allow someone to feel the human connection that we all need.  It can provide warmth or comfort.  They can make someone feel appreciated or honored.  Quilts truly can make a difference to someone in so many different ways.   I am always amazed at the amount of quilts that some of our fellow quilters donate.  When I attended one of my quilting bees, I learned that someone had donated over 25 quilts for the year, and it was only August.  Believe it or not, there are ton of organizations that accept quilts for a charity, and I will share with you some of those organizations later in this blog. 

Besides making the world a better place, making quilts for charities has other benefits for the person donating.  If you are very passionate about making quilts, you may start to acquire a metric ton of them.  However, you only have so much space in your home to keep them.  Of course, the next step might be to start giving them away to family or friends.  But, then again, you only have so many members in your tribe.  By selecting an organization that you can support, it can be a great answer to finding homes for your overwhelming pieces of art. 

Maybe you want to practice a new piecing method, a new block, a new technique, or even a new free motion motif.  Utilizing a charity quilt can be the perfect way to get that practice in.  I just have to warn you when doing this.  Some organizations have specific rules about their charity quilts.  You will want to completely investigate what exactly they are looking for and what they will accept.

Lastly, just as much as your donation can make a difference to the receiver, it also can warm your heart and touch your soul.  I have been a longarmer for Quilts of Valor for a year now.  On a personal level, I honestly felt very gratified knowing that I was part of a team that was making a difference to someone that would receive these quilts.  However, I have received a couple of notifications/cards where the recipient or recipient’s family has taken the time to share their heart-felt appreciation.  I had no idea how much it would touch me.  Each time I received one, I was always brought to tears (those are good tears).  It truly is something special to share part of you in your labor of love and understand how much impact it has on someone else. 

Are you inspired to make charity quilts?  You could definitely google for organizations to begin this part of your journey.  But to get you started, I am providing a few ideas. 

Quilts for Cure

This is a nonprofit organization that supports children with cancer, and their families, in several different ways.  They offer you, the quilter, choices on how you would like to walk with them in their journey.  I even noticed, on their website, that they offer a “UFO Disposal Service.”  You can find more information on their website.

Website:  quiltsforcure.org

Quilts of Valor Foundation

This is also a not for profit organization.  Their mission is “…to bring comfort and healing to our service members and veterans touched by war…” through the hard work of volunteers and the quilts they donate. 

Website:  qovf.org

Project Linus

According to their website, this nonprofit organization “…provides blankets to children in need.”  They state, “Blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug.”  They do have chapters in all 50 states.  You can find the chapter in your area by visiting their website. 

Website:  projectlinus.org

Lastly, I want to suggest that you seek out your local quilting guild or a local quilt shop.  Many guilds have a charity that they support, or have individual quilting bees that are designed with a charity in mind.  Your local quilt shop can also be a wonderful resource to find additional charities or a local guild that volunteer for a charity.

Until next time, may you continue to be inspired, productive, and joyful!  And never stop making your dreams in quilting come true!

-Angel

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