Charity and Community Outreach

More than a year ago when we were discussing and drafting the first version of our bylaws, we decided it was important to include the following as one of our principal purposes for what we wanted to be:

"...and provide opportunity for “charity” or other works that provide back to the communities where we live and work, through the use of modern quilting skills".

After a some fits and starts, 2015 brings renewed interest and enthusiasm for giving back; for community outreach.

  
I am overwhelmed with gratitude and love when I see the quilts, or quilt blocks, or fabric that you've donated for someone else's benefit. 

Someone whom, more often than not, is a stranger.  

Someone whom, more often than not, will never be able to thank us personally.

Someone whom, whether they know it or not, at the time it is gifted, needs a token of love, thoughtfulness, compassion, and care. 

 All of the things a quilt represents.

We've selected several organizations to receive quilts, and by no means is this list intended to be the final word.  

No.  Our intent is simply to give you guidelines for sizes and types of quilts that might fit what you have in your stash or what your heart guides you to create.  

Whenever you hear of a need, let us know during one of our meetings or through a message or phone call.

Please remember when making an outreach quilt, sew with care, but don't worry about whether you're doing it right.

Sew with love.  Sew with intention.  Your perceived imperfections, will not be noticed.  I promise.  

This is not about quilt-show-quality quilts, but your quilt does need to be well-made, be from a smoke-free environment, and be free from pet hair and odors.

  
It is also a good idea to launder your finished quilt(s) with fragrance-free and dye-free detergents. 

Our 2015 outreach goal is 25 quilts.  All sizes.  All charities.  Individually created quilts.  Group quilts.  Sewing-with-a-friend quilts.  Orphan block quilts.  It all works.    

Families First Network - Primarily quilts for children.  They should be bright and happy.  Any size from baby to twin. 

Project Linus - Quilts for children.  They should be bright and happy.  Any size from baby to twin. 

Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society - Quilts for a newborn.  A good size would be approximately 36" x 36".

Favor House of Northwest Florida - Various sizes, but no bigger than twin-sized. 

Quilts of Valor - Minimum size is 55" x 65"; maximum size is 72" x 90".

Thank you so much for your time, talent, skills, fabric, generosity, and dedication.   

Cindy Marvel
ECMQG 2015 Vice-President and ECMQG 2015 Charity Captain