When it comes to quilting, many people don’t realize we aren’t always quilting for ourselves. A lot of time, effort, and love are put into quilts, and it’s incredibly satisfying to give one as a gift. It’s like you’re sharing a piece of yourself! Though it’s easy to opt for gifting quilts to family members, many of us like to donate quilts to charities and give something back to the community.
But how do you know where to donate quilts? There are a variety of options, and it can take a little research. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of 10 amazing places for you to donate your quilts! Whether you’d like to donate to veterans, children or hospitals, we’ve got a few options for you to choose from.
Donate Quilts to Veterans
Quilts of Valor is dedicated to creating and distributing quality quilts to veterans. Catherine Roberts, founder of Quilts of Valor, began the organization after her son was deployed in Iraq. She had one basic principle: quilts = healing. Quilts of Valor has specific requirements for their donations, as they pride themselves on quality and durability. Find their quilting requirements here, and learn more about the organization here.
Gail Belmont, creator of Quilts of Honor, is a Vietnam era veteran who has been playing Taps at military funerals since 1969. To ensure that no warrior would be forgotten she began Quilts of Honor. Additionally, Quilts of Honor was asked to by the Navy Seals to make a “Presidential Quilt” in 2007 for President Bush. It was installed in the “9/11 Memorial Display Case” that Fall. Quilts of Honor has chapters nationwide, and like Quilts of Valor, has special requirements for their quilts. Find their quilting requirements here, and learn more about the organization here.
Donate Quilts to Children
Project Linus (yes, it is in fact named for the popular Peanuts character) aims to provide love and security for seriously ill, or children in need. Many children find comfort in a ‘blankie’, and Project Linus delivers them to hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere else love is needed. You can find Project Linus chapters in all 50 states and find the location nearest you on their FAQ page. Learn more about donating quilts here, and learn more about the organization here.
Quilts for Kids was founded by Linda Arye, a quilter who saw the waste of discontinued fabric samples being sent to landfills. She decided to start a charity to save that perfectly good fabric from the garbage, and create it into something beautiful. Quilts for Kids has saved millions of pounds of fabric and donates roughly 30,000 quilts yearly. You can request a pre-made quilting kit from them, and only need to pay for the shipping ($6.00)! Learn more about the organization here or request a kit here.
Wrap Them in Love distributes donated quilts to children around the world. In 1980, founder Ellen Sime, adopted two children from Korea. While waiting for her adopted children, Ellen thought “Was someone holding her when she cried? Was he fed and taken care of properly? Did someone hug him?” So she began Wrap Them in Love, to send love and hugs around the world for children who need them. Learn more about the organization here.
Quilts Beyond Borders provides quilts to orphans around the world. Originally, Quilts Beyond Borders focused on Ethiopia, but has now expanded to spreading love and hope to 25 other countries. Currently, Quilts Beyond Borders is focusing on Syrian refugees, and children living in the Navajo Nation. Learn more about their quilting criteria here and more about the organization here.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
The Ronald McDonald House supports children and their families while their children receive medical care. The work to keep parents close to their hospitalized child, and provide safe spaces and experiences for patients and their families. Every child who checks into the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, Minnesota, receives a handmade blanket to keep. They accept fleece blankets and quilts. Learn more about donating quilts to RMH.
Other Places to Donate Quilts
Created in memoriam of Victoria Morrison, Victoria’s Quilts aims to provide comfort to cancer patients. Deborah Rogers (Victoria’s sister-in-law) remembered how cold Victoria was during her chemotherapy treatments. She hopes these quilts will help cancer patients be able to feel a little more comfortable. Victoria Morrison was an avid quilter herself, and helped Deborah start her quilting journey. She honors her memory by helping others with the love and warmth of quilts. Learn more about the organization here.
Hopes and Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS
Hopes and Dreams is not an open quilt donation organization, but they host quilting challenges for ALS patients and donate to ALS research. Participants vote on the best quilts of each challenge, and winners are eligible for some great prizes! If you are interested in participating in an ALS quilt challenge, you can learn more here.
The Giving Quilt is an organization that distributes to all kinds of non-profit agencies. This ranges from children’s hospitals, neonatal units, military organizations, and many more. You can donate a quilt at any time, or take part in their sponsored sew days and biennial quilt show.
In addition to the organizations provided, you can always research where to donate quilts locally. Depending on your area, you may be able to donate quilts to senior centers, homeless shelters, churches, animal shelters, and hospitals! So get quilting and start spreading the love.
Have something to add? Leave a comment or email editor@nationalquilterscircle.com.
Hello!
I am with Operation Shower, a St. Louis-based nonprofit. Our mission is to provide joyous group baby showers for military families across the country.
Our events help military families by:
Providing a day of celebration for military moms-to-be to show support for everything they do in service to our country.
Relieving the financial strain that comes with the birth of a baby, as each mom-to-be is given an assortment of gifts that will be helpful for the baby.
Connecting military moms with one another, as they are experiencing similar life events in a new and unfamiliar community.
Our showers are made possible thanks to the support we receive from individuals, corporations, organizations, and businesses around the country. I am wondering if you would consider donating products to one or several of our upcoming showers . For your reference, each shower typically celebrates 30-40 moms-to-be and we have at least 8 showers planned for this coming fall.
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration!
My best,
Maureen Satorius
Operations Coordinator
Operation Shower
7382 Pershing Ave., Suite 1E, St. Louis, MO 63130
Direct: 201.738.4081
Email: maureen@operationshower.org
Web: operationshower.org
Would Iike to quilt for charity
I saw a charity that accepts log cabin quilt tops. The children mail you the center the square. Can anyone help me find this website again?
I am african American wmd donate to several charities but am now am now looking for African American charities Thank you
Wrap-A-Smile donates quilts to children overseas who are undergoing Rotary-sponsored cleft palate surgeries. WAS started in Southern Maine and is now world-wide! It is so heartwarming to know that these children are wrapped in quilts after their surgeries…and then, they can take their new quilts home.
Our local Quilt Guild donates quilts to the CAC, Children’s Advocacy Center.
I make lap quilts and donate to Evergreen Hospice, part of Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, WA. Perhaps other hospice programs accept donated quilts for their clients also.
Please let me know if you find a charity that accepts pillowcase dresses. I have not found one still operating recently specially out of the US. Thx
Little Dresses for Africa sends pillowcase Dresses to Africa. littledressesforafrica.org
We have a small quilting group that makes baby quilts for our local pregnancy resource center. They are received with thanks.
Thank you for all this information. Do you have Ronald McDonald House address? I have a lot of lap quilts I would like to send there for the children & the Veterans Home address?
All great places to donate… but I’d hoped to see the organization I work with! Binky Patrol. binkypatrol.org
Thank you for putting together this list. It was very informative and helpful.
I am a Therapist running a group for women who have experienced intimate partner violence and I would love to gift them each a quilt as well as have some for the office space to make it a cozier more therapeutic setting. Giving them comfort they haven’t had more a while. Different from what they have endured.
I make quilts and donate them to Lutheran World Relief. LWR has been distributing quilts since 1945 when they were given to European survivors of WWII. They now distribute quilts to 23 countries throughout the world. They are also sending quilts to Ukraine for all the displaced people there now.
Is there an organization that takes quilt tops. I longarm, but I sew flimsy faster than I can quilt them.
I am a long arm quilter, I make and donate quilts to the police dept. they carry them in their squad cars and when they come into contact with a child, which is never a good reason, the child gets a quilt and it is theirs to keep. My name is not on them, it is from the officer to that child. It has been a huge success and I will not ever stop. Try that in your area or I would be honored to take and finish them for donation to the police dept.
Hello Shirlee,
That is awfully sweet of you but this would be best for your local area. We don’t have anything outsourcing to support this effort.
Sincerely,
Sarah
National Quilters Circle
I’ve thought of this also. What size do you recommend?
Thank you for the inspiration. I have tried for years to get a quilting club at church with no luck I want to give quilts to the homeless. I think a new approach such as donating to children might get the ball rolling! Who could help but want to help children! Thank you so much!
Several friends and I make quilts for My Very Own Blanket which I’d dedicated to comforting children in foster care! Contact Jessica Hollins, CEO/Founder at 614-530-3327; http://www.mvob.org
What organization is making quilts for Ukrainian kids??
Hello Linda,
Thank you for contacting us.
This article is on behalf of organizations. Please reach out to the organization directly regarding there recent donation sites.
Thanks!
I had no idea that there were so many places to donate quilts!! Wow!! I gotta get busy!!!
I donate quilts to a local cancer care center where they give the chemotherapy, those patients get awfully cold while getting their medication.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is another great charity that needs quilts (fabric, fleece or crochet). SHP provides bunkbeds and single beds to children 3-17 because “No child sleeps on the floor in our town.” SHP not only provides the bed (hand made by us), a new mattress, pillow, mattress protector, bedding and a handmade quilt.
Prayers and Squares is a national group. We make and give over 200 quilts a year, to individuals in need and organizations. We teach sewing and give all the supplies needed, many retired people always wanted to learn. Then they are hooked on the giving. It is therapy for the giver and loved by the reciever.
I’m a novice quilter but would love to learn more as I volunteer. Your group sounds as though it may be a fit
For me. Please email information to my email above.
Hi Diane. You will find the information you need in this link. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/10-amazing-places-to-donate-your-quilts/
Thanks
Sarah
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Every year our women’s club delivers fifteen to twenty, mixed sized, quilts to our hospital’s children’s cancer ward within the Logan Medical Hospital in Kalispell, Montana.
Looking for places to donate lap quilts ..and premature babies ..
Ask at your local hospital. Some will accept a certain size for the preemies.
I am a quilter and have many quilts would like to donate. I live in the Charlotte NC area and was hoping you could help me. Thank you.
Are there any similar organizations in Australia that donate quilts?
Hi,
I was able to find this website that might help you find what you are looking for in Australia: https://www.ezibuy.com/shop/au/where-to-donate-old-bedding
Cheers,
Ashley
I just gave some to Joanna for their Linus project. Don’t have any ready but will be working on it
Please add another place to donate, is an animal shelter. I use scraps, and experiements I try out that may not look too great, but the pups don’t mind, something that is not the concrete to lay on is GREAT for them!
I put my tiny scraps that I can’t really use and extra batting pieces into a pillowcase as I sew & cut. These get put into dog beds and helps the local animal shelter.
We donate to Sleep In Heavenly Peace. It is an organization that builds bunk and single beds for children. Their motto is ” no one sleeps on a floor in my town”. Chapters all over this country and more.
Thanks. Great information
Please remember foster kids–if you have a program in your communiity for these children they do appreciate them. I volunteer for KVC KS and the churches donate many quilt to KVC
Project Linus also works here in the UK and many accept knitted and crocheted blankets as well.
What size quilts do Ronald McDonald house charities want?
I have given my quilts with no destination to our local Hospice and also to our local women’s shelter. Hospice has used them for both their clients and to raffle at their fundraisers. Our women’s shelters live getting them. So many times these women only have the clothes they are wearing. So it helps to make it feel a bit more homey.
I have been donating my quilts to Casa , military, and Dell hospital. It gives me a heartwarming feeling knowing I am helping someone in need.
I donate my quilts to the older foster children in my state. When they age out of the system they will have something of their own to take with them.
I would like to donate some fabric/material. Whom would I talk to? or where can I deliver it? Thank you.
Maybe to your local quilt guild? Ours gives around 200 comfy quilts a year.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for including QFK in your article. We received an amazing 50 requests for kits in one week. We also accept stash quilts, of course. Visit http://www.quiltsforkids.org for more detail. Thanks again!
where can I donate crochet blankets?
Hello Lori,
Thank you for contacting us. I would suggest that you find somewhere close to you, like a women’s shelter, or a children’s hospital.
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3538, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Donate to hospitals for patients that are dying and can’t go home. We place the quilt on the bed. Place candles at the bedside. The quilt is given to the family. Their loved ones spirit passed through this quilt on their way to heaven. It is a powerful remembrance.
Please can subscription. Thank you.
Hello Wendy,
We’d love to help! Because the information is sensitive, would you please email us letting us know you’d like to cancel your membership? Our email is: nationalquilterscircle@program-director.net.
Sincerely,
Jessica
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
How about nursing homes?
Mom was a great quilter. She ran a few quilt drives. When she passed I collected all her quilts.. I live in Long Island. I know She would have loved to donate them to people who would appreciate them and need them. Any suggestions.
I have some fidget quilts and I don’t know where I can donate them. they are 16″ x 12″. can you tell me who will take them?
Hey Kay,
Thanks for reaching out. Local charities often accept donations like that. I would think that any children’s charity would be happy to accept your quilt! You will have to do some research for the best charity that fits your needs.
Thanks!
Madeline
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I have lots of fabric scraps and will make quilts I would like to donate finished quilts to what organization
I would like to make and donate quilts for those who have lost everything in fires in Qld, NSW and Vic.
These are very old quilts not for daily use looking to donate I live in Louisiana saw a place on PBS one time but forgot where it is any help is appreciated
Another great place to donate is Wrap-A-Smile, which sends quilts to children who are receiving cleft palate repair surgery through Rotary International. Their website is https://wrapasmilequilts.blogspot.com/
I am working on quilts called band-aid quilts for children to help them heal. I just found out about this project an will be donating them in the Dayton/ Columbus OH. Area and would love any extra fabric anyone may have because that is my hardest thing finding enough fabric. Some will be for adults but most will be given to children so bright colors would be great to cheer them up. Thank you
I’m beginning a quilt request for Womens safe houses, from our local quilting guild. There is an organization, here in Winslow, AZ, Called Alice’s Place. It supports victims of domestic violence. These (mostly) women and children leave everything they had behind to be in a safe house. When they are able to live in their own place, I thought it would be nice to have something of their own. If anyone, here, wants to donate to a domestic violence shelter in their area, it would be so well appreciated. Just a thought… thank you.
this is very helpful to know! thanks for sharing.. i will share it as well . thanks again.
I’ve donated to several of the organizations you mentioned above, but would like to tell you about one not seen there. It’s called Wrap-A-Smile or WAS for short and
has been around for almost 20 years. Quilts are made all over the USA and go with
the doctors and nurses who perform surgery all over the world on children with cleft palate. The group was started in Wells Maine by a member of the Rotary Club, and has been the source of thousands of quilts used to wrap a child in love and care after their surgery.
I only make rag quilts do you have a kit for these please let me know
I have given many of my “homeless” quilts (the ones I make with no destination) to our local Hospice chapter. They give them to their patients or to families that have recently lost someone and have even been used in raffles for their fund raisers.
The chemo unit is a good place to donate. The patients get cold when undergoing treatment
Add Binky Patrol and Arizona blankets for Kids to your list of where to donate blankets.
Quilters on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska are welcome to donate quilts to Quilts For Heroes, a nonprofit organization based in Soldotna that works through the Veterans Administration Clinic to provide comfort quilts to veterans undergoing chemotherapy. We prefer quilts at least 60” x70” in patriotic colors, but accept quilts in all colors and sizes. So far this year we have delivered 46 quilts to the VA Clinic, and the quilts have brought comfort to sick veterans in several nearby communities.
Find us on Facebook at “Quilts For Heroes”
Please look at the website for victoriasquiltscanada.com for information on donating to the many branches in Canada. We continually provide quilts to cancer patients, never closing requests.
Also Habitat for Humanity; our quilt group made sure that there was an age/sex-appropriate quilt for every child under 16 or 18 got a quilt when they moved into their Habitat house
I make quilts for Quilts of Valor, ALS and for local Foster children’s program. All are worthy. places to donate towards.
My friend and I make figget et quilts for those that need them. Where can we donate them?
Hello. I have made about 10 quilts but still consider myself a beginner. Would I be able to donate my quilts or do you have to be more advance quilter to do so?
Dear Dawn,
Thank you for contacting us.
That is very thoughtful of you. I’m sure if you check with your local churches and women’s shelters they would love to take the donations. We are not doing any donations at this time.
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3538, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Dear Dawn,
Thank you for contacting us.
To access any bonus material you do need to become a member. I have included a special offer for your first year.
1. Click on the email link: https://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/c18161
2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
3. The Checkout page will display your Premium Membership purchase.
4. Fill in your Billing Details and create an account password.
5. Fill in your debit/credit card information.
6. Finish by clicking Complete Order.
You will receive a confirmation email when your order has been completed. We greatly appreciate your business!
If you have further questions, please contact us at 1-855-706-3538, or chat with us on our site.
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Africa & quilts Quilts Beyond Borders I make quilts for QBB some go to Africa others go where there is a need. Look on each groups website they will give dimensions Most groups do not want quilts made from up cycled or used fabric. I also sew & donate to Quilts of Valor. My guild sees for Project Linus & Casey’s Smiles. My 2019 goal is 10 charity quilts.
I have about 80 handmade quilt tops with fabric to match. They just need to be quilted. Where can I donate them?
Your local children’s foster care office is also often in need of quilts for children who have to be removed from their homes – ages newborn to teen.
Mission of Love in Youngstown, Ohio, distributes quilts nationally and internationally.
We are an interior design firm in Denver and have bolts of fabrics we would like to donate. Where could we donate this fabric that could be used for these great charities.
If you’re in Columbus Ohio the Gillie Service Circle from Gillie Senior Recreation makes lap blankets for free distribution to local hospice units and nursing homes. We will even take material or unfinished tops and complete them . If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
Could I possibly get a paper/hard copy of this, because I have no way to share this with my quilting group. Thanks!
Hello Linda,
Please feel free to print the article off directly from our website and share with your quilting group.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I donate to Quilts of Compassion, they will take any size quilt, it can be quilted or just the top. They work with churches to hand out quilts after disasters (tornados, hurricanes, shootings) and to hospital patients. Janice Dean Grimes is the founder and has a Facebook page under the group name.
I have some quilt tops that need some finishing. Also, some finished quilts.
Quilt Blessings for the Panhandle has been gathering and distributing quilts for victims of Hurricane Michael. Very appreciated by those who have lost so much if not everything. Good group. Check them out on FB.
I think this a great cause, giving something to someone in need.
My group donates to local Seniors who seem to very much appreciate a nice cozy handmade quilt
Add Binky Patrol = donate blankets to Fire Dept,Police Dept etc
I’ve donated 2 quilts to Quilts Of Valor. Third one needs quilting, and will be making more. Such a good feeling.
Care Net and other pregnancy centers often provide diapers, blankets, and such to families of infants. A beautiful baby quilt can comfort and encourage when faced with an unplanned pregnancy.
I make crate liners and other quilted things for an animal rescue group called Quilts to the Rescue.
Check out the site for more info. The donated items are sent out to rescues for them to sell to raise funds earmarked for older and hard to place animals needing veterinary care. Many of the smaller items are good for reducing your scraps.
Love this idea. Thanks for sharing. I would love to know the sizes for the baby quilt.
Global Aid Network distributes humanitarian aid world wide including handmade quilts.
I have a lot of fabric and was wondering what or who I could donate it to? I love this and thank you so much I will get busy sewing but I would also be willing to donate fabric to a group or individual who makes and donates
Hello Karen,
Any one of these places would be a great option for donating fabric. You could also search for groups or guilds in your area that are making quilts and other items to donate to these places- as they would probably appreciate donations as well.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first year membership.
https://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/C14232
I belong to the Rogue Valley Piecemakers quilt guild in Grants Pass OR. We give our quilts to the local cancer center, the WIC foundatin, the local head start progam, a battered women’s center, the veteran hospital. Then with my sister I donate quilts to the fire victims in Northern California. She and a group of her friends about 10 have donated well over 50 quilts. They live in the areas of the fires. They are given names of people in need and get working on quilts. There is always a need for a quilt hug.
A quilting club I belonged to donated charity quilts to local fire stations to provide to children involved in traumatic car accidents. They comforted the children and gave a smile and distraction to an otherwise difficult situation. The fire chief could not thank us enough!
What sizes are your charity quilts for children? Thank you
Would love to hear where others donate. I’m in a quilt ministry donating to 3 main organizations
Yesterday two quilting groups in our area donated 13 twin size quilts to our local Hospice Inpatient Care Center. This is an inpatient center for those who cannot remain at home due to increasing symptoms . If you have a Hospice in your area please contact them. I
I was viewing your website showing several older veterans in blue jackets seated in a row. I am almost certain the gentleman seated in the second seat on the right is my father, Robert von Allmen. He was a Korean war veteran in the Navy. He passed away four years ago at the age of 83. Would it be possible to find out where this picture was taken and when? He lived in Richmond Shores, Massachusetts and been an active member of the Honor Guard for several veterans groups. Thank you for any information you could give me. The family was so excited to see this picture but want to be sure it is him.
All these places are great to donate to. One place that hasn’t been mentioned and would be perfect for small quilts is: pet shelters. They often need kennel quilts for the animals especially during a natural disaster. They need comfort too!
I love making quilts. If anyone has cotton scraps let me know. Anything donated to me will be donated back to an organization or group in need.
Have lots of fabroc. Would b happnày
I have lots o! Fabric. Get in touch
Have a lot of cotton fabric perfect for quilting—will ship if told where to send it.
Locally check with Child Protective services, homeless shelters, and care facilities.
Cozy Quilts for Scholars is also a 501(c)3. We make quilts for under-served dorm bound High School graduates. They are recommended through the crisis counselor on their campus.
Please, we would love to have more donations to fit a twin-xl dorm bed, 70×100.
Please, we can be contacted at our website:
http://Cozy QuiltsforScholars.com. Our address is on the website as well.
If you have questions, please contact us via the website. Thank you all for your consideration.
your local cancer centers, hispital birthing centers, American legion, veterans hospitals, and homeless shelters,all gladly except quilts any and all skill levels.
a gift from the heart is a true gift indeed.
Please check out our website and consider donating a quilt.
I would like to get in touch with ladies in my area who quilt and donate quilts. Like to hear from someone who would put me in touch. Thank you
Foster children everywhere feel.wrapped in love with quilts. Group homes or agencies love having quilts dor.kids
I have been trying to find information about the quilts for kids involving foster care. I saw something about it on sewing with Nancy but can’t find it on her website. Can you tell me how to get in touch with someone who can provide me with the details please?
I would love to make quilts for foster children
I where do I send them I am in Fulton ky.
Check out My Very Own Blanket. They are in Ohio but they can help you find a local place to donate. You then send them an email and photo and they can add them to their count. I make several and then donate them at the end of the year.
We make comfort quilts in our area for foster children entering the system, Alzheimer patients entering a nursing home, homeless shelters, addiction rehab, domestic abuse shelters for the children that come along, hospitals,. and anyone who may need a little more comfort. They are not fancy, just a front and fleece on the back and them we tie them or stitch in the ditch. You will be surprise of the need in your own backyard.
I belonged to two groups in Florida that donated small lap quilts to the local VA Hospital (as well as wheel chair bags that were needed by the patients). We also donated quilts to the local Shriner’s Hospital for Children. A local Community Center gave us panels that were done by the teens in a program that we made into quilts to give to the local Sheriff’s Department to have whenever they had to remove a small child from their home (because of parental neglect or in the event the parents were arrested. This gave the children some comfort to have something of their own.
Hi l donate quilts to a group called Aussie Heros .It is an Australian group who send quilts and laundry bags to Aussie deployed service men and women.There is also a group in Penrith who give quilts to those escaping domestic violence .I have also made memory quilts for Parents who have lost babies at a local hospital.
Hi donate quilts to a group called Aussie Heros .It is an Australian group who send quilts and laundry bags to Aussie deployed service men and women.There is also a group in Penrith who give quilts to those escaping domestic violence .I have also made memory quilts for Parents who have lost babies at a local hospital.
Thought you should be aware that we have a Quilts of Valour organisation here in Australia too. It seems to be different in some ways from the US. Yes the size and material requirements are the same but we do not distribute from a central venue. Each Australian state has a coordinator who, with other volunteers, present the quilts to veterans. We rely on local quilting groups to provide the quilts, and as yet have only had humble, grateful and delighted acceptance from the recipients.
Our church has been asked to provide lap quilts to chemo patients. What size would you recommend for a lap quilt?
Hello Connie,
Lap quilts are generally around 36″ x 48″.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Yess chemo blankets help alot .I use to make skull caps,biker caps,due rags to donate every time I went for my chemo… I always went hour early so I could watch people look threw my skull caps.. ( my happy place)…
When Quilts of Valor first started, I sent many beautiful quilts. Then they started to get very fussy about each quilt, then wanted fancy labels, then presentation bags. Took all way too much money now for me. I still have some undonated ones left but they will not get them. Think I may just bring them to my local VA hospital.
Please check out our website and consider donating a quilt.
I give to Ronald McDonald house, they welcome anything homemade. I love the feeling I have when I walk out knowing they’re going to good use…💗
Where can I donate quilts?I Live in Arizona.
Thank yo.
I also was a prolific quilter for Quilts of Valor. I paid the fee when they first asked for one, but felt insulted that I was being asked to pay to volunteer when I was already spending over 4000 a year. Then, when I tried to get my quilts longarmed, I was told I was not a member by person assigning them, and when I presented a copy of the cancelled check, and member number was told the list was not updated. It was April, so it was hard to believe. Then I was told there were only two longarmers in my state, which was odd, as I knew three people who were actively doing it. Now I make many for American Heroes, who do not charge me, and send me a thank you note. Send the tops and that is it.
I made quilts of valor and gave them to veterans I know. They loved them and there is no reason to go through all the red tape. Check your local VA homes.
Our local quilt group was a very active participant in the Quilts of Valor group too. We many and made some of the presentations to the veterans, where over 100 people attended. A very moving experience. But when they raised the rates to join, we thought that went too far and no one in our group rejoined. We now have a local organization where we donate our patriotic quilts for veterans.
Sue,
I totally agree with you. I made many, many quilts, beautiful quilts, nothing cheap. Then they got too fussy as you say. No more for them, I’ll bring them to my local VA hospital.
In defense of the Quilt of Valor group, it should be pointed out that their presentation bags which you assert take way too much money, are merely simple homemade pillow cases. They have a video on their site which explains how to sew one, and it is very simple. They also note that “a Quilt of Valor may be awarded in a presentation case, though a presentation case is not required. QOVs must have a presentation case when going to overseas facilities, to continuing destinations, or if requested.” The label you mention is pretty simple, too, and commonly used. I honestly don’t think any of these will be burdensome for someone who has been able to make a quilt top!
Consider donating to A21 shelters which provide homes for victims rescued from trafficking
retired looking for charity projects
Please check out our website and consider donating a quilt.
You can make lapquilts (50″X65″)
for chemo patients at your local hospital.
When my son was 3 he was diagnosis with cancer. We went to St Judes. He received a quilt and we took it with us every time he was having treatments. It gave him a lot of comfort. He is 23 now and still has his quilt. I have helped make quilts for the Honor Flight veterans and cancer patients.
Veterans in hospice care at any VS Hospital can always use quilts for those vets. They may have a qualifying size (probably twin) and/or color requests (red/white/blue). At my VS Hospital, they are used to cover the vet as they make their final trip out of the hospital, an the quilt then becomes the property of the vet’s family. The contact person at my VS Hospital works in the Volunteer Services office. (I am a veteran, so I go to this hospital fairly frequently.)
Love it. Do it by hand , always have. The combination of color & design. A piece of me goes into each quilt. Love to share.
I too hand quilt but learned after retirement so only 7 years new. I love hand quilting. I am finding donation places want machine quilted quilts. Sad. Good luck in your quilting….I am ready for another project
Please check out our website and consider donating a quilt.
Will have to check it out.
I am a beginner quilter.
Quite a few of my beginners quilts were donations, Rose. I used extra fabric and leftover blocks which helped me see what colours and designs looked good together. Sewing them together helped with sewing straight seams and keeping a 1/4” seam. It also helped me learn that I don’t want to make perfect quilts but ones that are used and washed and wear out because they are loved.
I have numerous large tubs of fabric strips ranging from 1″ through to 3″ all sorted ready to be made into scrappy quilts.
I have donated hundreds of quilts for orphaned children in Uganda, Africa. Sadly the organisation here in Western Australia chose to advertise my quilts for $50.00 each to raise funds for buildings required for these orphaned children rather than give each child a warm quilt of their own. Something about our fabric not being allowed to enter Africa.(??).
I now donate gorgeous little quilts to NICU at our local hospital for premature babies for new mums to take home with their baby as a keepsake.
I am thinking of the homeless people now, who congregate in small groups in my area.
I want to give one to each person personally without creating angst among each other.
I have a non profit and I’m always looking for quilts to be donated. I have an orphanage in Africa and have never heard about the fabric not being allowed?? I also work with kids here in the states should anyone be interested in helping.
I ewouxl
I would like more info in where you are Donating quilts. I know S Africa can get quite cold. Are you giving through an agency, missionary organization or what. I agree with the reply below. Sometimes it is just more feasible y
Yet
I am interested in the quilt thing! Need to know sizes & particulars & where they are going. Is it through a missionary organization or what?
Hello Linda;
I have been making crochet lap quilts for assisted living facilities here in California. The person in charge has had to step down due to cancer. He used to hand them out on Christmas but is unable to do this any more. I believe I currently have 25 to 30 and plan on continuing making them but do not know where to give them out. Do you have any facility in Southern California that I could get in touch with. Thanks and God bless you.
If all else fails, donate to Project Linus. Many Joanne stores will accept the donations. Penny
You can always donate children’s quilts to Project Linus. Many Joanne stores will accept the donations. Penny
Hospice House loves quilts too.
If you still need the help, I am interested.
I would love to hear more about your non-profit and would be happy to donate quilts. Please let me know.
D. Riffelk
I am ingested in quilting quilts that are needed
Is the whole point of donation to help in the best way possible ? If money is needed and that is provided by the donated quilts, then what the problem?. I was in a group that made 55 quilts for people who lost their homes in a tornado. As the town is in our state we delivered them ourselves. Many of those who lost everything said thanks but we don’t need quilts. We need buulding materials, people who can help build, food, water, etc. Do you people really think a quilt HELPS in our situation? I won’t donate quilts for these types of tragedy again. It a sweet thought to send quilts to kids now n foreign countries but so many of those countries are extremely hot and quilts are the last thing thing needed
Sukochi Lee, so sorry to read your responds, maybe, they were wrong turning away quilts, but I have given many quilts to many groups, I have witnessed the giving my quilts to veterans, people fighting cancer, I give to project Linus, every quilt that is given and a person receiving it was always happy to receive it. I think someone didn’t know what they were doing and turned your quilt away. we as a guild also give to women’s shelters, police receive quilts to give to kids in need as they come across them. I will continue to make quilts and give, them to groups that want them. I even gave my Doctor for his birthday the gift of giving, I gave him a quilt and told him he will know when he comes across the right person in need. I got a blessing, the doctor gets one as well as the person receiving the quilt will get the blessing as well!!!!!
I work with our church to provide quilts for Lutheran World Relief. While you are correct that many places are hot, a quilt can be used as a room devider to provide privacy, a soft spot to lay instread of a dirt floor, a bit of shade and many other comforts beyond warmth.
I agree. even if the quilt isn’t used on top for warmth it certainly makes a comfortable place to lie down or a hanging to keep sun and wind out. Even just for a bit of color and comfort knowing someone cares enough to make and send it for you.
Well said. These are great ways to open up ideas for places and people to give to.
My church also send about 300 quilts each year to LWR. Quilts are used un so many ways. We love doing them!
You have voiced what I’d been thinking. A group now wants to send quilts to the Camp Fire victims in Paradise, Can. My thought has been, these people have no homes. They are in motels, shelters, couch surfing….a beautiful quilt is one more thing to carry in a grocery bag from one place to another. Now is not the time. When they have homes again, then send them a quilt.
We donated , fabric, scissors, thread, cutters and other things for those who lost everything in the fires to sew their quilts. They needed to be busy. So our church sent them to a church their. We all pitched in.
Do not assume that Africa is all hot climates. I just had someone come back from Kenya, with that thought, and was fully prepared to dress lightly, doing everything she could to avoid the expected hot climes. Was she blown away by how cool it became in the nights, when a quilt would be appreciated. She’s a well-known quilt designer/teacher leading a tour through Kenya.
After Hurricane Katrina, many people from New Orleans came to my town with nothing. I gave various size quilts to a friend in the Red Cross and she gave them to various people. One woman cried over receiving her quilt, she was so happy to have something.
Hello Carol, I am wondering about the NICU quilts you make, the size and if there is a special technique you use? I crochet preemie hats, (yet to be donated) maybe a quilt to go with them would be an added bonus. I too have a lot of small stash / scraps around. What can you tell me? I am in NYS USA, I would donate local at this time.
I belong to a group through Hope Church in Cordova, TN who make quilts for local NICUs. The size requested is 30″ x 36″ b/c it fits over the units that the infants sleep in and shields them from light as most of these babies are preemies. The quilts are sent home with the babies upon discharge. As always some people like to do their own thing, so some of the quilts may be a little smaller or larger.
Hi, I am interested in making and donating baby quilts for preemies. Can you send your specific requirements to me? Thank you.
Sorry for such a late reply. Just came across your post today. The quilts are 30″ x 36″ as requested by the hospital as they fit over the units to shield the babies from light and allow them to continue to develop as if they were still in their mother’s womb. We mostly use a cotton batting, but I have also used polyester. Since the only requirements have been the size I have used cotton on the top and fleece or thick corduroy on the back w/o any batting. Hope this helps.
One thing I know is that quilts must be quilted, not tied. The babies have such delicate
skin that the knots leave bruises. Fortunately quilts that small are easy to quit on a home sewing machine. Different NICU’s have their own requirements as to size.
My group is Sewing Seeds, we make several different things for different groups. We do make things for a NICS. out of flannel, we make 12″ squares that they put under their heads, 18 squares for under their bodies and 36 by 44 to cover the isolettes. Some of the girls are knitting little hats that look like a graduation hat for them to wear when they go home.
Lutheran World Relief sends quilts all over the world. They request no “national themed” fabric and size 60” x 80”.
What size do you make your quilts for the NICU?
Interesting information, I would like to know about the pattern for the NICU quilt size and Patricia (Aug 27th 2018) comment about crocheting or knitting preemies hats…where can I purchase the pattern?
See reply above to Patty
You, sadly, did not mention Binky Patrol, a national nonprofit making quilts for those who need comfort. I have led a chapter in san diego for over 15 years. I really enjoy it.
Do you accept fabric …nice too that I could mail or deliver as I have much & will never use all..cotton,flannel.I live in Anaheim
Our group is making baby quilts that are going to Tanzania. We’re working with an American Doctor and his wife a nurse, who are building the first pediatric hospital in TZ. They are looking for baby quilts to present to the new mothers and babies, when they are discharged at the hospital. We accept any donations of baby quilts.
Do you accept fabric…cotton, flannel…good fabric too not cheap.I have a lot that i’ve purchased over 22 years and now fin I will never use all haha.
Good luck donating to homeless people. Just wait for the first spring day when you’ll see all your beautiful work in the dirty gutters, discarded like all their other trash. Sorry but I see it often near me.
I have been making small quilts (usually approx 55×72) for the homeless and needy in my area for the past 5 yrs. These are given out through our church when they have the free groceries day once a month. I have them distribute 4 a month, Oct-Feb