I'm still here. Still quilting. Still donating. Although I have another blog about selling quilts, I still have this site for people who want to donate directly.
Take a moment this month and make a donation to Intrepid Fallen Heroes. They are helping our troops recovering from battlefield injuries. Check out their page on Intrepid Spirit Centers. These centers provide treatment near the soldier's home base so the family does not have to be uprooted or travel long distances. It takes about $11 million dollars to build each center. Obviously, every little bit helps.
Donate $10 get a block. Donate $200 and get a whole quilt made in your honor. Blocks and quilts made during the month of November go to veteran's organizations. They want full size quilts, so need to make a lot of blocks.
Help spread the word, share this post.
Showing posts with label charity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label charity. Show all posts
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Monday, September 15, 2014
Why I Keep On Quilting
Today I got a very nice note from Binky Patrol for my latest delivery of 2 quilts. Knowing I helped kids in need is great. The nice note was the perfect pick me up on a Monday.
Here's the front of the note:
Here's the front of the note:
Friday, August 22, 2014
Still Quilting
This week I shipped 2 quilts off to Binky Patrol. They provide blankets to kids suffer from chronic or terminal illneses. Sorry forgot to take pictures.
Tomorrow I will ship this quilt off to God's Tiny Angels.
It was supposed to go to Army Baby Quilts but turned out too small. Not to worry, I have more really cool fabric for that organization. Army Baby quilts makes quilts to give to expectant mothers whose spouse is serving overseas when the baby is due. Man, giving birth is tough enough but to be away from your spouse at that time is tough. Hopefully these quilts make a difference.
God's Tiny Angels provides baby clothes, blankets and other supplies to families of premature babies. The family has something new and beautiful that is just for them and their baby.
Why this group? I come across several such organizations and I just couldn't get out of my mind. Imagine all the stress of having a preemie, and worrying how you are going to clothe and keep the little one warm? At least this is one worry I can help with. The fine doctors will handle the medical issues I am sure.
Don't forget to donate to a charity and get your block. I would love to make tons of quilts. Sadly, the three I am shipping off were not made through donations. Let's change that.
Tomorrow I will ship this quilt off to God's Tiny Angels.
It was supposed to go to Army Baby Quilts but turned out too small. Not to worry, I have more really cool fabric for that organization. Army Baby quilts makes quilts to give to expectant mothers whose spouse is serving overseas when the baby is due. Man, giving birth is tough enough but to be away from your spouse at that time is tough. Hopefully these quilts make a difference.
God's Tiny Angels provides baby clothes, blankets and other supplies to families of premature babies. The family has something new and beautiful that is just for them and their baby.
Why this group? I come across several such organizations and I just couldn't get out of my mind. Imagine all the stress of having a preemie, and worrying how you are going to clothe and keep the little one warm? At least this is one worry I can help with. The fine doctors will handle the medical issues I am sure.
Don't forget to donate to a charity and get your block. I would love to make tons of quilts. Sadly, the three I am shipping off were not made through donations. Let's change that.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Pillowcases
Had some time to kill before clinic tonight. The last one at this location, we lost our funding. If anyone knows of a grant that supports pro bono work let me know.
This was a little project I had been waiting on, so I whipped it out. Isn't the fabric great for a pillowcase. Makes you want to take a nap right now.
My local quilt shop Prints Charming collects pillowcases for Conquerr Cancer. The pillowcases go to brighten the day of a chronically ill child. Most quilt shops are a drop off point for one charity or another, my local one chose this. The pattern was really simple. I fell in love with the fabric (and I have leftovers). I don't think I will do pillowcases on a regular basis, but this was fun, easy and quick. I also know I will never buy pillowcases again. I can get the look I want on my own.
This was a little project I had been waiting on, so I whipped it out. Isn't the fabric great for a pillowcase. Makes you want to take a nap right now.
My local quilt shop Prints Charming collects pillowcases for Conquerr Cancer. The pillowcases go to brighten the day of a chronically ill child. Most quilt shops are a drop off point for one charity or another, my local one chose this. The pattern was really simple. I fell in love with the fabric (and I have leftovers). I don't think I will do pillowcases on a regular basis, but this was fun, easy and quick. I also know I will never buy pillowcases again. I can get the look I want on my own.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
When Insomnia Strikes - Charity Wins
I wanted to try out EBay's Giving Works before the other items went up. I also have student loans to pay off. Besides selling my legal services, I also sell quilts. Yeah, I mostly quilt for charity, but I have to pay those loans somehow (and finance my fabric addiction). To that end, I made a listing on EBay where 25% of the proceeds go to Polaris Project. Every listing I do on EBay will be from 25% to 100% to charity. This way I help the charities (and there are so very many) and help myself. I hope you will help by spreading the word. After all, the higher the bidding, the more the charity gets.
Here is the item for Polaris Project.
Again, if this goes wel, there will be more. As always, you can help out by donating to the charities to the right. The quilts made from the quilt blocks will ALWAYS go to charity. I won't benefit at all.
P.S. the next post will actually be about my pro bono work, I promise. Now to get some sleep.
Here is the item for Polaris Project.
Again, if this goes wel, there will be more. As always, you can help out by donating to the charities to the right. The quilts made from the quilt blocks will ALWAYS go to charity. I won't benefit at all.
P.S. the next post will actually be about my pro bono work, I promise. Now to get some sleep.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Another Charity Quilt
I finished the Breast Cancer Quilt Top. I just have to make the sandwich and quilt it. Then it goes up on EBay Giving Works. I had a lot of long strip pieces left over when I finished. They were various lengths but all the same width. It seemed a shame to stick them in the scrap bag for "someday." Since it was a long holiday weekend and I had time, I decided to do a race quilt with the pieces left over. Here is the result:
This one is going up on EBay Giving Works too when done. I want to put it for some prenatal or baby charity since it is more baby quilt size. Anyone got any suggestions? Put them in the comments below. The only requirements is they must already be a listed charity on EBay Giving Works and most of the money the charity raises has to go to programs not administrative works. Other than that, I am open minded. If someone has already mentioned a charity that you like, go ahead and mention it again. If enough people bring up the same organization, I will be more likely to consider that one.
This one is going up on EBay Giving Works too when done. I want to put it for some prenatal or baby charity since it is more baby quilt size. Anyone got any suggestions? Put them in the comments below. The only requirements is they must already be a listed charity on EBay Giving Works and most of the money the charity raises has to go to programs not administrative works. Other than that, I am open minded. If someone has already mentioned a charity that you like, go ahead and mention it again. If enough people bring up the same organization, I will be more likely to consider that one.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Quilting for Breast Cancer
Hi ya'all. How have you been? Day job been keeping me busy. Volunteering at clinics. Working my cases, lots of people need help. I have been quilting away but mostly on commissions or personal project. Last night though I had time to work on this quilt.
Clearly it's for breast cancer. Lots of breast cancer fabric in there. It's not quite done, I need to get some more pink fabric. But right now there is a moratorium on buying fabric because I am running out of room for it. So some fabric has to go out before more comes in.
When it's done it will be auctioned off on Ebay through their Giving Works programs. 100% of the proceeds will go to the selected charity. When I put it up, I will post a link here.
So let me know what you are up to in the comments, don't forget to donate to the organizations on the right.
Clearly it's for breast cancer. Lots of breast cancer fabric in there. It's not quite done, I need to get some more pink fabric. But right now there is a moratorium on buying fabric because I am running out of room for it. So some fabric has to go out before more comes in.
When it's done it will be auctioned off on Ebay through their Giving Works programs. 100% of the proceeds will go to the selected charity. When I put it up, I will post a link here.
So let me know what you are up to in the comments, don't forget to donate to the organizations on the right.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
World Wide Quilting Day
Today is World Wide Quilting Day. So what have I been doing all day? Quilting, of course. Working on a friend's quilt, working on a quilt of my own design. Tomorrow, I am making the "sandwich" for the quilt I am making for the Lion's Club Golf Tourney in June. It will be part of the Silent Auction.
Here's a picture. I actually don't have room to show the whole quilt. I have to borrow a friend's floor to make the sandwich.
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So really, since I started quilting last night, it is more like World Wide Quilting weekend for me. Would love to do more, so feel free to make a donation to any of the organizations on the right, so I can make quilt blocks.
Here's a picture. I actually don't have room to show the whole quilt. I have to borrow a friend's floor to make the sandwich.
So really, since I started quilting last night, it is more like World Wide Quilting weekend for me. Would love to do more, so feel free to make a donation to any of the organizations on the right, so I can make quilt blocks.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Happy New Year
Yeah, I am a tad late. Been busy recovering from the holidays. I have not forgotten the purpose of this blog. I have 3 quilt tops that just need to be fminished and they will be off to charity.
I haven't finished them because charity begins at home. Been busy on a little project that is almost done. Then back to charity work.
I will continue with the origional plan for this blog -- donate at least $10 to one of the charities on the right and you get a block made in your honor. The finished quilt goes to charity. But I plan something additional this year. I will be making full quilts that will be auctioned off online. You can bid on the quilts and the money goes to the selected charity. More on this when I get a quilt done. In the meantime, don't forget to donate. It's never too early on starting those charitable deductions for 2014.
Here's to lots of quilting in 2014!
I haven't finished them because charity begins at home. Been busy on a little project that is almost done. Then back to charity work.
I will continue with the origional plan for this blog -- donate at least $10 to one of the charities on the right and you get a block made in your honor. The finished quilt goes to charity. But I plan something additional this year. I will be making full quilts that will be auctioned off online. You can bid on the quilts and the money goes to the selected charity. More on this when I get a quilt done. In the meantime, don't forget to donate. It's never too early on starting those charitable deductions for 2014.
Here's to lots of quilting in 2014!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Expenses
Don't get me wrong, I love quilting. I love giving quilts to charity. But sometimes it gets expensive. The biggest expenses are backing and batting. Since I mostly do scrap quilts, I don't need a lot of fabric and can use bits and pieces in more than one quilt. But each quilt requires a backing and batting. Baby quilts only need a yard. But any bigger and it takes more supplies. And muslin for backing is not cheap once you get back the 36 inch size. Don't even get me started on batting.
So, if you could help out on the supplies, you can give any amount through the tip jar on the right below the charities. These donations are not tax deductible. If you want to send me fabric, batting or backing, leave a message in the comments.
As always, don't forget to make a donation to the charities on the right. These donations are tax deductible, go right to the charities and are not used for making the quilt blocks or quilts.
Don't forget Giving Tuesday, one week from today. Wait until you see the special quilt block for any donations made that day. Join us for an online all day (court hearings permitting for me) quilting bee. Do not have to quilt to join in.
So, if you could help out on the supplies, you can give any amount through the tip jar on the right below the charities. These donations are not tax deductible. If you want to send me fabric, batting or backing, leave a message in the comments.
As always, don't forget to make a donation to the charities on the right. These donations are tax deductible, go right to the charities and are not used for making the quilt blocks or quilts.
Don't forget Giving Tuesday, one week from today. Wait until you see the special quilt block for any donations made that day. Join us for an online all day (court hearings permitting for me) quilting bee. Do not have to quilt to join in.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Giving Tuesday - Virtual Quilting Bee
Wow, Giving Tuesday is fast approaching. It is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, which is December 3rd this year.
Giving Tuesday was started as a counter to all the consumer madness of the holidays with Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday is about giving back, not buying. Helping others, not getting into fist fights in the stores.
So for this year's Giving Tuesday, we are going to have a virtual quilting bee. Everyone join me to work on a quilt* to give to a worthy organization. Not sure of the final set up, might just be a post with us interacting in the comments. This will be all day, so drop in when you can.
What to do to get ready for the Bee:
Decide what you want to make. Feel free to ask for help in the comments.
Get your supplies together.
Plan on showing up.
The day of the Bee:
Join us.
Comment/interact.
Work on your project
Have FUN
As always, you can also donate on that day to the organizations on the right. I will come up with a special block for all those who donate that day.
Let me know in the comments if you plan to attend. This is not a written in blood committment (unless your rotary cutter slips or you stab yourself with a needle). If you can't make it, no biggie. Plan to be here next year. But the more the merrier. Even if you just want to show up to give moral support, your participation will be welcomed.
*Quilted/sewn toy, knitted/crocheted blanket or preemie cap. Not being real strict here.
Giving Tuesday was started as a counter to all the consumer madness of the holidays with Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday is about giving back, not buying. Helping others, not getting into fist fights in the stores.
So for this year's Giving Tuesday, we are going to have a virtual quilting bee. Everyone join me to work on a quilt* to give to a worthy organization. Not sure of the final set up, might just be a post with us interacting in the comments. This will be all day, so drop in when you can.
What to do to get ready for the Bee:
Decide what you want to make. Feel free to ask for help in the comments.
Get your supplies together.
Plan on showing up.
The day of the Bee:
Join us.
Comment/interact.
Work on your project
Have FUN
As always, you can also donate on that day to the organizations on the right. I will come up with a special block for all those who donate that day.
Let me know in the comments if you plan to attend. This is not a written in blood committment (unless your rotary cutter slips or you stab yourself with a needle). If you can't make it, no biggie. Plan to be here next year. But the more the merrier. Even if you just want to show up to give moral support, your participation will be welcomed.
*Quilted/sewn toy, knitted/crocheted blanket or preemie cap. Not being real strict here.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
New Project -- Make Your Donation Count
I just volunteered to make some quilted toys for the Montgomery County Family Justice Center's children's room. The FJC is a one-stop shop for victims of domestic violence. They can get therapy, legal help and other assistance without running all over the county. They can even leave their kids in the children's room while they are meeting with counselors or their attorneys. The children's room always need toys.
One of the toys I will be making is quilt balls. These are fun balls to make. They are soft so good for children to play with in a confined space. I made a soccer ball one for my niece her freshman year of college. I figured she could kick it around the dorm halls as a stress reliever.
They have smaller balls which is what I will make for the FJC (that soccer ball was harder than I thought).
I know the picture is a little blurry. But trust me, this a great fun ball. You can use bright colors that kids will like.
How do you come in? Every $10 donation to one of the chosen organizations on the right makes 1 toy for the room. Instead of one block that goes into a quilt, you get the joy of knowing you helped make a whole toy. You helped ease a parent's worry about the child while giving a child a little fun during a very difficult time.
One of the toys I will be making is quilt balls. These are fun balls to make. They are soft so good for children to play with in a confined space. I made a soccer ball one for my niece her freshman year of college. I figured she could kick it around the dorm halls as a stress reliever.
They have smaller balls which is what I will make for the FJC (that soccer ball was harder than I thought).
I know the picture is a little blurry. But trust me, this a great fun ball. You can use bright colors that kids will like.
How do you come in? Every $10 donation to one of the chosen organizations on the right makes 1 toy for the room. Instead of one block that goes into a quilt, you get the joy of knowing you helped make a whole toy. You helped ease a parent's worry about the child while giving a child a little fun during a very difficult time.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Inspiration Has Struck
While quilting tonight I had a brilliant idea what to do with my Constitution fabric.
I don't have a lot of it, so I have to use it wisely. Then it hit me. I always wanted to do a Courthouse Steps quilt. It's a nice simple pattern. I decided I can use the Constitution fabric as a center medallion solid block then put Courthouse Steps blocks around it. The dark part of the steps will be red on one side and blue on the other. The light part of the steps will be white as will the center piece of each block. I think this will turn out quite nice.
I have some red fabric and I think enough white. I have to get some blue. If you want to help with the fabric of this quilt, you can use the donate button on the right below the notification form. If you want to commission this whole quilt through a donation to an organization on the right, just make your $200 donation and let me know.
When I finish it, I will donate it to Blankets of Hope. They donate quilts to wounded soldiers. Hopefully, I will finish this quilt by Veterans' Day.
Let me know in the comments (I know by the stats page I have readers, I want to hear from you), what you think of this quilt.
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Reminder1: August is still Back to School Month. 1 donation to Room to Read gets you 2 quilts block in your name.
Reminder 2: If you make a donation to one of the organizations on the right, you have to send me proof of your donation so I know to make your quilt block.
I don't have a lot of it, so I have to use it wisely. Then it hit me. I always wanted to do a Courthouse Steps quilt. It's a nice simple pattern. I decided I can use the Constitution fabric as a center medallion solid block then put Courthouse Steps blocks around it. The dark part of the steps will be red on one side and blue on the other. The light part of the steps will be white as will the center piece of each block. I think this will turn out quite nice.
I have some red fabric and I think enough white. I have to get some blue. If you want to help with the fabric of this quilt, you can use the donate button on the right below the notification form. If you want to commission this whole quilt through a donation to an organization on the right, just make your $200 donation and let me know.
When I finish it, I will donate it to Blankets of Hope. They donate quilts to wounded soldiers. Hopefully, I will finish this quilt by Veterans' Day.
Let me know in the comments (I know by the stats page I have readers, I want to hear from you), what you think of this quilt.
---
Reminder1: August is still Back to School Month. 1 donation to Room to Read gets you 2 quilts block in your name.
Reminder 2: If you make a donation to one of the organizations on the right, you have to send me proof of your donation so I know to make your quilt block.
Friday, August 2, 2013
New Month - New Ideas
Wow it's August already. Where did July go? It seems I was just getting excited about going to NADWCON, now that event was almost a month ago. Day job keeping me busy, but I am still quilting.
I hope to have the quilt I am finishing for the Binky Patrol ready to show you by the end of the weekend. I will probably quilt while watching the Hall of Fame game between the Cowboys and the Dolphins. Yes, I quilt while I watch football. Makes for some surreal moments when I am yelling at the tv, but I get a lot done that way.
In the meantime, anyone got any ideas how I can get this Quilt Challenge in gear? Contests? Giveaways (within reason)? Anything? Post your ideas in the comments.
Still waiting for the elusive first donation. I know if I can get that first one, others will follow. So any ideas to get that first one -- and lots of others -- are welcome.
I hope to have the quilt I am finishing for the Binky Patrol ready to show you by the end of the weekend. I will probably quilt while watching the Hall of Fame game between the Cowboys and the Dolphins. Yes, I quilt while I watch football. Makes for some surreal moments when I am yelling at the tv, but I get a lot done that way.
In the meantime, anyone got any ideas how I can get this Quilt Challenge in gear? Contests? Giveaways (within reason)? Anything? Post your ideas in the comments.
Still waiting for the elusive first donation. I know if I can get that first one, others will follow. So any ideas to get that first one -- and lots of others -- are welcome.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Playing the Waiting Game
I heard this afternoon there was added police at St. Mary's Hospital and that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had left Bucklebury (her parents' house has air conditioning) for London (Nottingham Cottage does not have air conditioning). I figure this means the baby is finally on the way. So far no real confirmation, but hey, babies don't just come shooting out you know.
But in anticipation of the Royal Birth, this would be a good weekend to quilt. I would love to be quilting a block for charity. Pick a charity. Donate $10. Email me proof. Then hopefully come Monday we see a picture of the block -- and the Royal Baby. Sound like a plan?
I'm up for it. Gotta do something while we wait for the good news of a healthy new baby born into the world.
But in anticipation of the Royal Birth, this would be a good weekend to quilt. I would love to be quilting a block for charity. Pick a charity. Donate $10. Email me proof. Then hopefully come Monday we see a picture of the block -- and the Royal Baby. Sound like a plan?
I'm up for it. Gotta do something while we wait for the good news of a healthy new baby born into the world.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Why I Am Doing This
The other day I got a package from Helen Keller International. I participated in a trivia contest with the organization on Twitter. I didn't win -- by a longshot. But they had some extra prizes and they liked my answers so I got the package. It consisted of a biography of Ms. Keller, some healthy seeds for eyesight and a magnet with an awesome Helen Keller quote. I'll get back to the quote in a second.
What does HKI do? They work globally to prevent blindess, help those with poor visition through ensuring proper vision screening and nutrition. As you know, Ms. Keller was both deaf and blind through illness contracted as a baby. This organization carries on her work. I do support the work of HKI though some of my other work.
HKI is not one of the organizations that the Quilt Block Challenge supports. I had to limit it to 5 organizations to avoid diluting the impact. If I had a list of 100 organizations (easy to do with all the great organizations out there), the $10 donations would be spread too thin. But, by limiting it to 5, it focuses the impact a bit more.
And focusing the impact is key. Helen Keller "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." By myself, I can only give so much to worthy organizations. I can only make so many quilts. Together, we can give to the chosen organizations, which will give them more in donations to their work. Then I can do more quilts to help others. It is a collaborative effort.
Won't you join me so we can do so much?
What does HKI do? They work globally to prevent blindess, help those with poor visition through ensuring proper vision screening and nutrition. As you know, Ms. Keller was both deaf and blind through illness contracted as a baby. This organization carries on her work. I do support the work of HKI though some of my other work.
HKI is not one of the organizations that the Quilt Block Challenge supports. I had to limit it to 5 organizations to avoid diluting the impact. If I had a list of 100 organizations (easy to do with all the great organizations out there), the $10 donations would be spread too thin. But, by limiting it to 5, it focuses the impact a bit more.
And focusing the impact is key. Helen Keller "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." By myself, I can only give so much to worthy organizations. I can only make so many quilts. Together, we can give to the chosen organizations, which will give them more in donations to their work. Then I can do more quilts to help others. It is a collaborative effort.
Won't you join me so we can do so much?
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Update -- Room to Read
Tune in to Girl Rising on CNN June 16-23 to learn more about the efforts to educate girls worldwide by organizations like Room to Red.. Hear some amazing success stories. Then donate to the Freedom to Dream Campaign. Donations made to this campaign through June 23 will be matched. So you can triple your impact (your donation, the match and then the quilt block).
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Update on Intrepid Fallen Heroes
Just caught this tweet today:
We're thrilled to announce that tomorrow we break ground on our 3rd NICoE Satellite Center at @FortCampbell KY! pic.twitter.com/ghy7fr99NK
Great job guys. You can follow all the chosen charities on Twitter through the links provided.
If you want to get in on this great work -- just a $10 donation.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
About the Charities
I chose 5 charities to be the recipient of the donations for the quilt challenge. I went with 5 because I couldn't narrow it down any further, but I didn't want to have too many. Believe me there are a lot of worthy organizations out there. I went with organizations that are rated either 3 or 4 stars on Charity Navigator. I wanted trustworthy organizations. Then I chose organizations that operate in areas that are important to me. So let's learn more about them:
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund -- Mission Statement: The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund serves United States military personnel wounded or injured in service to our nation, and their families. Supporting these heroes helps repay the debt all Americans owe them for the sacrifices they have made in service to our nation. They are, in the words of our founder, the late Zachary Fisher, “our nation’s greatest national resource,” and they deserve all the help that our nation can provide. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is a leader in meeting this important national mission. Currently IFHF is fundraising to raise $100 million to build satellite centers to serve those suffering traumatic brain injury and PTSD. I chose IFHF because I served myself for a short time, and because we owe a huge debt to those who protect our freedoms every day. Some pay the ultimate sacrifice, some live with the wounds (both visible and invisble) and every day.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society -- Dedicated to funding research for blood cancers and providing education and patient services. More than $750 million has been awarded to researchers I chose LLS because I have lost 3 family members to cancer since 1997. A cure can be found, we just need to keep looking.
Mercy Corps -- Alleviating poverty, suffering and oppression through building secure just and productive communities. This is an international development organization. They go in to communities throughout the world and help people help themselves. This month (June 2013) donations are matched. Besides donations of any amount, you can give symbolic gifts to help people become productive, healthy members of society. Some of the gifts are: a goat, a hive of bees, a bag of seeds, a cookstove and many other items. I chose Mercy Corps because I have a degree in International Relations, so I know the link between poverty and war. I also love the symbolic gifts, it is such an awesome way to connect the work done with the donors.
Polaris Project -- Pushes for stronger laws against human trafficking, operates the National Trafficking Hotline, provides services to victims and educates the public about human trafficking. Slavery didn't end with the 13th Amendment. It goes on worldwide, including the US, today. Polaris Project is leading the fight. I chose Polaris because I interned with them in law school. I saw first hand the work they do. Human trafficking is disgusting and horrible and has no place in a civilized society, Polaris is trying to end that.
Room to Read -- Literacy improves society. Education, especially for girls in places it is denied, improves society. Room to Read works in Asia and Africa to bring education and literacy to under served communities. I chose Room to Read because I love to read. When I was a little girl we only had a bookmobile in our town. I was grateful mind you, but it only came once a week. Then my parents and a bunch of other concerned adults got together and got the town a library. Books, glorious books. I want every child to experience that joy of being transported to another place, time, world by books.
You can learn more about the chosen organizations by clicking the links on the side. The link takes you to the donation page, but from there you can navigate the websites. Learn more about these fine organizations. Don't forget to donate. Together we can make a difference (yeah, it's a cliche but it's true).
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund -- Mission Statement: The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund serves United States military personnel wounded or injured in service to our nation, and their families. Supporting these heroes helps repay the debt all Americans owe them for the sacrifices they have made in service to our nation. They are, in the words of our founder, the late Zachary Fisher, “our nation’s greatest national resource,” and they deserve all the help that our nation can provide. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is a leader in meeting this important national mission. Currently IFHF is fundraising to raise $100 million to build satellite centers to serve those suffering traumatic brain injury and PTSD. I chose IFHF because I served myself for a short time, and because we owe a huge debt to those who protect our freedoms every day. Some pay the ultimate sacrifice, some live with the wounds (both visible and invisble) and every day.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society -- Dedicated to funding research for blood cancers and providing education and patient services. More than $750 million has been awarded to researchers I chose LLS because I have lost 3 family members to cancer since 1997. A cure can be found, we just need to keep looking.
Mercy Corps -- Alleviating poverty, suffering and oppression through building secure just and productive communities. This is an international development organization. They go in to communities throughout the world and help people help themselves. This month (June 2013) donations are matched. Besides donations of any amount, you can give symbolic gifts to help people become productive, healthy members of society. Some of the gifts are: a goat, a hive of bees, a bag of seeds, a cookstove and many other items. I chose Mercy Corps because I have a degree in International Relations, so I know the link between poverty and war. I also love the symbolic gifts, it is such an awesome way to connect the work done with the donors.
Polaris Project -- Pushes for stronger laws against human trafficking, operates the National Trafficking Hotline, provides services to victims and educates the public about human trafficking. Slavery didn't end with the 13th Amendment. It goes on worldwide, including the US, today. Polaris Project is leading the fight. I chose Polaris because I interned with them in law school. I saw first hand the work they do. Human trafficking is disgusting and horrible and has no place in a civilized society, Polaris is trying to end that.
Room to Read -- Literacy improves society. Education, especially for girls in places it is denied, improves society. Room to Read works in Asia and Africa to bring education and literacy to under served communities. I chose Room to Read because I love to read. When I was a little girl we only had a bookmobile in our town. I was grateful mind you, but it only came once a week. Then my parents and a bunch of other concerned adults got together and got the town a library. Books, glorious books. I want every child to experience that joy of being transported to another place, time, world by books.
You can learn more about the chosen organizations by clicking the links on the side. The link takes you to the donation page, but from there you can navigate the websites. Learn more about these fine organizations. Don't forget to donate. Together we can make a difference (yeah, it's a cliche but it's true).
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
The Quilt Block Challenge - Long Version
This is the long explanation for what the Quilt Block Challenge is. The short version is over on the right side there.
I love to quilt. But hey, I can only use so many quilts myself even here in frozen Maryland (those from further north I don't want to hear about how MD is not frozen). So I make quilts for friends. Babies, weddings, etc. But I also want to give back. There are a lot of organizations that accept donations of quilts: Project Linus , Soldier's Angels, Afghans for Angels just to name a few. But how to get quilting. That should be a no brainer but wasn't. Just never got around to it.
So I came up with the idea of the Quilt Block Challenge. It is modeled on the "buy a brick" fundraisers that many organizations have. Except instead of a brick, you are buying a quilt block. For every $10 donation made to one of the organizations listed on the sidebar, I will quilt a block in the donor's honor. Feel free to make an "In Memoriam" or "In Honor of" donation. I make the block and sew your initials or the person being remembered/honored onto the block. I then send you a picture of the completed block. When I get enough blocks done, I make the quilt. You get a picture of the completed picture also. The quilt then gets donated to one of the organizations accepting finished quilts. So its double giving for one donation. The organizations get donations and an organization gets a finished quilt. The links for the organizations take you right to the donor page for each organization.
But QA, what if I want to give more than $10? Feel free to do so. In fact, it takes about 20 blocks to make a quilt (some more, some less, depends on size of the blocks and size of the quilt). You can donate $100 and get half a quilt made. Or be really generous and donate $200 and get a whole quilt in your honor or the in someone else's honor/memory. The only difference with the whole quilt is you don't get a picture of an individual block. Just of the whole quilt. I know breaks your heart right?
Does the donation for a half or whole quilt have to be to only one organization? No, it does not. I couldn't choose just one organization to be the recipient of the monetary donations, why should you have to choose only one. As long as you let me know the total donations, I don't care how you distribute it. The only requirement is it must be one of the five on the sidebar.
How do you prove you donated? Simple use the contact information below to copy and paste your receipt (without any bank, credit card or the like info) for the donation. Then send it to me. Make sure to include your email address so I can send you the pictures. This information will be used solely for that purpose. No marketing, no spamming, etc. Use it and forget it. I don't want to bother you after you did something so nice. Your privacy is important. If you want to continue talking about your block, quilt, the challenge or whatever, feel free to use the comments on the blog.
When I was bouncing this idea off friends they wanted to know why I didn't use Firstgiving or Indiegogo or something. Those are great places to go to donate, get funding etc. Just not right for this. First of all, I wanted you the donors to make the donations directly to the organization. That way you get the tax writeoff. And I don't have to worry about handling the money. Also those websites require a fundraising goal with a set deadline. I don't have a deadline or a goal amount in mind. I just want to see how much can be raised and how long this can keep going. If I am still making blocks and quilts in 5 years through this -- AWESOME. As long as folks are donating, I will keep making quilts.
There is a donate button on the top right side. That is to help me with the costs of this. Fabric, batting, thread, plus the occasional snack while quilting. These donations do not go to the organization, do not qualify for a block, and are not tax deductible. But your help is appreciated if you choose to help that way.
So that's it. The long version. I said it would be long. So let's get donating and quilting. Any questions? Put them in the comments and I will respond.
I love to quilt. But hey, I can only use so many quilts myself even here in frozen Maryland (those from further north I don't want to hear about how MD is not frozen). So I make quilts for friends. Babies, weddings, etc. But I also want to give back. There are a lot of organizations that accept donations of quilts: Project Linus , Soldier's Angels, Afghans for Angels just to name a few. But how to get quilting. That should be a no brainer but wasn't. Just never got around to it.
So I came up with the idea of the Quilt Block Challenge. It is modeled on the "buy a brick" fundraisers that many organizations have. Except instead of a brick, you are buying a quilt block. For every $10 donation made to one of the organizations listed on the sidebar, I will quilt a block in the donor's honor. Feel free to make an "In Memoriam" or "In Honor of" donation. I make the block and sew your initials or the person being remembered/honored onto the block. I then send you a picture of the completed block. When I get enough blocks done, I make the quilt. You get a picture of the completed picture also. The quilt then gets donated to one of the organizations accepting finished quilts. So its double giving for one donation. The organizations get donations and an organization gets a finished quilt. The links for the organizations take you right to the donor page for each organization.
But QA, what if I want to give more than $10? Feel free to do so. In fact, it takes about 20 blocks to make a quilt (some more, some less, depends on size of the blocks and size of the quilt). You can donate $100 and get half a quilt made. Or be really generous and donate $200 and get a whole quilt in your honor or the in someone else's honor/memory. The only difference with the whole quilt is you don't get a picture of an individual block. Just of the whole quilt. I know breaks your heart right?
Does the donation for a half or whole quilt have to be to only one organization? No, it does not. I couldn't choose just one organization to be the recipient of the monetary donations, why should you have to choose only one. As long as you let me know the total donations, I don't care how you distribute it. The only requirement is it must be one of the five on the sidebar.
How do you prove you donated? Simple use the contact information below to copy and paste your receipt (without any bank, credit card or the like info) for the donation. Then send it to me. Make sure to include your email address so I can send you the pictures. This information will be used solely for that purpose. No marketing, no spamming, etc. Use it and forget it. I don't want to bother you after you did something so nice. Your privacy is important. If you want to continue talking about your block, quilt, the challenge or whatever, feel free to use the comments on the blog.
When I was bouncing this idea off friends they wanted to know why I didn't use Firstgiving or Indiegogo or something. Those are great places to go to donate, get funding etc. Just not right for this. First of all, I wanted you the donors to make the donations directly to the organization. That way you get the tax writeoff. And I don't have to worry about handling the money. Also those websites require a fundraising goal with a set deadline. I don't have a deadline or a goal amount in mind. I just want to see how much can be raised and how long this can keep going. If I am still making blocks and quilts in 5 years through this -- AWESOME. As long as folks are donating, I will keep making quilts.
There is a donate button on the top right side. That is to help me with the costs of this. Fabric, batting, thread, plus the occasional snack while quilting. These donations do not go to the organization, do not qualify for a block, and are not tax deductible. But your help is appreciated if you choose to help that way.
So that's it. The long version. I said it would be long. So let's get donating and quilting. Any questions? Put them in the comments and I will respond.
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