Quilter's are good hearted people. SO many of you are already involved in sewing for charitable causes. I love hearing about the ways that you are helping people in your communities and around the world. As we approach the anniversary of 9/11 I love that we honor that tragic day with a Day of Service. With that in mind I thought I would put together a list of resources for finding charities in need of handmade goods and donations. Of course, opportunities to serve and help our local or global community are never restricted to certain days or places.
Find Local Needs:
If you are looking for places and ways to donate or volunteer close to where you live, check out websites such as Just Serve, Idealist, or Create the Good. Put in your zip code to see lists of possible opportunities in your own community.
For example, local Utah neighbors: check out Stitching Hearts Worldwide for causes in need of help and ways to serve or donate.
You can also check with hospitals, shelters, schools or refugee support organizations in your own community. Many of them have specific, ongoing needs.
Charities in Need of Handmade Donations:
These groups take donations from around the country. Many of them have local chapters in your own community as well.
Dolls of Hope - I have loved sewing stuffed bears for and working with Dolls of Hope for years. They have grown and partner with many relief organizations on the ground both here in the US and all over the world - the toys that are donated get directly into the hands of children who need them.
Project Linus - provides handmade blankets to children in need throughout the United States
Quilts of Valor - making quilts for Service members or Veterans
Little Dresses for Africa - simple pillowcase dresses for children in Africa
Binky Patrol - Blankets for children in need with chapters across the US
Days for Girls - Reusable Hygiene (Period) kits for girls in underdeveloped communities
Sew Powerful - Sewing purses (free pattern provided) to provide supplies for girls to stay in school in Zambia
Charities in need of Fabric Donations
Many of the above charities are also in need of fabric donations. This is another great way to support a good cause.
If you don't have time to make something consider donating excess fabric or other sewing supplies. You can find a list of additional Charities in Need of Quilt, Fabric and Sewing Donations HERE.
You could also check with local hospitals and schools to see what they need most.
Sewing and donating after Natural Disasters
I know that we quilters have some of the best and most generous hearts. The tricky part is knowing where our efforts or resources will have the most impact. We want to reach out and share - particularly our quilts (which are also our love language), but that might not always be the biggest need.
But quilts might not be the biggest need. A little research will give us the best results for our efforts as well as fill the most critical needs for those in need of help.
I also have a whole post on best practices about sewing for and donating to charity (particularly after a natural disaster) here.
Most important to keep in mind:
- Pace yourself - you don't have to do it all at once or by yourself.
- Donate to a reputable charity and check to make sure they actually need the items you want to give.
- Work with an established charity organization following a major natural disaster or large-scale tragedy.
- In some cases just donate money. Donations allow funds to be used most efficiently, where the need is greatest and supports the local community at the same time.
Looking at all of the needs in the world - both in our local communities and on a global scale - can feel overwhelming. Don't let that overwhelm hold you back from doing something. "By small and simple things great things are brought to pass."
Everyone contributing a little can make a big difference. ❤
Lea Kagel
One of my favorite charities to sew for us Dress A Girl Around the World also known as a pillow case sundress. These quick, simple and darling dresses with pockets for S-L sizes may be the only dress a child may have
Labels for them can be purchased too.
Emma
Thanks for the information. Very useful.
Ang
Another great way to sew and give away is http://www.sewpowerful.org - making purses that contain period products for girls in Zambia.
Cathy
I have been teaching my grandson, how to sew by hand and he is enjoying making small quilt blocks. We will continue to make more this summer with more time. He enjoyed watching me teach his sisters to make them. They always love to sew more during this summer. And I enjoy teaching them.
Judy Nichols
Thank you Amy! I have started to sort through my fabric “possessions “, realizing I will never make all the projects. I want to bless others as I have been so blessed. Your list will be a great resource.
daisymaesite
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Mahatma Gandhi. (Unlike a similar quote that is often attributed to him) Either way, we can all help even if it is in a small way. I love being in a guild that helps with charity quilts!
Kathy M Zaczek
What key word would you suggest for quilts. I tried everything I can think of but still message says "none matching your criteria."
Amy
Are you trying to search this site? Is there a specific quilt you are looking for?