It's time to share some more opportunities to Do Good. The response was so inspiring and amazing from the last cause in December. I was so touched. I've recently come across three more ways you can make a difference in a variety of ways - most small and simple and some in ways where you can donate excess you may already have to a good cause.
First of all, about a month ago I met Elizabeth and learned about her organization, Serving with Smiles. This organization was created to provide Humanitarian supplies to some of the most impoverished areas of the globe and at the same time let KIDS be the ones to serve and make a difference by providing opportunities and events where kids are actively assembling the kits, quilts, bags, etc.
I met Liz at a meeting where they taught a group of 8-11 year old boys (mine included) to make beaded geckos. These geckos are then given to children where ever Humanitarian services are delivered and are, in many cases, the first personal play item some of these children have ever received.
Serving with Smiles is always in need of donations and supplies. I asked Liz for a list of their most common needs. If you have fabric that is looking for a new home and a good cause, you can mail it to Serving with Smiles at:
Serving with Smiles Inc.
125 E. Main Street #423
American Fork, UT 84003
Here is a list of some of their most common needs:
- Baby Quilts- 2 ½ yds. cotton or flannel
- Batting - 1 ¼ yds.
- Baby Blankets - 2 yds. flannel
- Girl skirts - 1-2 yds cotton or polyester
- Baby diapers - 20x27 inches flannel
- Used Towels for baby diapers- 5x19 inches
- School Bags- Middle - Heavy weight (denim is great!) fabric - 14" x 36"
- Cute, sturdy girl t-shirts. Sizes 4-16
You can find out more information as well as other ways to donate to Serving With Smiles on their website.
You can see some of the gorgeous work they have for sale in their online store including everything from quilts to bags to t-shirts.
Staring May 1, Sari Bari will be hosting an auction selling quilts made from Indian saris as a fundraiser for their beautiful cause. Even if you are not interested in buying a quilt yourself, you could share this cause on your own social media. Click here for all of the details.
Finally, with all of the heart-wrenching images and stories coming out of Nepal, if you are looking for a place to give, may I suggest giving to Choice Humanitarian? This is an organization that is run by native Nepalese humanitarians and has been on the ground and working in communities in Nepal for 32 years. They have the infrastructure and contacts already. I have a good friend who volunteered with them and traveled to Nepal personally for a few weeks this year. They are an amazing organization. You can donate here.
Thank you for being the kind of people and community that do so much to share goodness is your lives, even in small and simple ways. One of my favorite thoughts is "By small and simple things, great things are brought to pass..."
PS Our Ecuadorean friends have purchased four new sewing machines thanks your help last December! I will post an update as soon as I get a picture!
xoxo
Kate
Thank you for sharing all of these wonderful opportunities to be a part of something positive. I am a craftaholic and can easily drop $100 on the next little wonder. So today as I was browsing I checked out Sari Bari. I decided my $$ would be much better spent on a Sari Blanket! The colors are so rich and amazing. Certainly a better buy that the latest animal printed rotary cutter set or make it all craft-a-ma-jig. Thank you for sharing, I see quite a few birthday gifts coming from here.
Amy Smart
That's so awesome! Yes- I had the same thought. I loved this cause. I know how healing and cathartic sewing is for me - I thought it was so wonderful that good people would find a way to help this most-in-need women not only earn an income, but teach them a skill that is so soul-filling.
kristen jones
I am so very glad that I saw this post. I have quite a bit of fabric that I was given by a friend. Some of it is just not to my taste but it is mostly childrens and flannels . I will gladly send it along. I had no idea this group was out there. Thank you so very much for giving this info. I would love to see it go to a great cause.
Amy Smart
That's so great! Thanks Kristen. I think a lot of us have fabric that we just no longer love or need. I loved finding a place that will happily take it and put to to work for a great cause. Win-win! 🙂
Mel
Would you be interested in linking this post on my new link up party? I'm sure my readers would love to know more about these group. https://melsquiltingroom.blogspot.com/2015/04/fiber-tuesday-7.html
Donna Murdock
I learned about Choice Humanitarian about 23 years ago when it was much smaller in scale. All proceeds go to their good work. You never need to worry about your donations going to feed the staff a large dinner party or getaway vacation. They are as honest and as dedicated as a humanitarian organization could be.
Amy Smart
Thanks for adding your testimonial Donna! I'm so impressed by what they have done and are doing.