What does everyone think of this? I was hunting a place where I could send some quilts to Japan..
http://networkedblogs.com/fA9SP

our natural and immediate instinct as quilters is to head for the workroom in a time like this.

somebody very sensibly pointed out in another post, though, that Japan is more desperately in need of money for food, clean water, temporary shelters, care for the sick and injured, and for reconstruction.

our generous gifts of quilts would be difficult for them to receive and distribute right now.

i would recommend that all who want to make a comfort quilt for eventual donation to a Japanese charity go ahead and work on them, but please don't plan to send them for at least a few months.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-108734-1.htm
We might all want to read this post about quilts for Japan.

I agree. Sadly, it must be total chaos right now and so many are displaced and would be unable to really take care of a quilt. Let's just remember all of them in our prayers and perhaps later they will welcome our quilts.

Thanks for the link MrsB!

i also recommend reading this topic. members have found two collection points we should be able to count on. they have the resources needed to collect and distribute donated quilts efficiently, to the appropriate recipients, and at the most sensible time. :-)

here is the original plea for quilts send via the MS quilters guild.
Plea for Comfort Quilts for Japan
Posted by: "Valerie Hearder" [email protected] raindrizzlefog
Thu Mar 17, 2011 6:49 am (PDT)
"This morning I received an email from Naomi Ichikawa, Editor of Patchwork Quilt Tsushin Magazine.
Naomi lives in Tokyo and her mother and brother survived the tsunami in Sendai.

Naomi asked me to please spread the word about the plea for comfort quilts.
I hope you can help with this.
best,
Valerie

Here is Naomi's request:

Dear Valerie
It is still bad situation now in Japan.
We are still nervous about shaking and radiation,but no way to escape.

I start to announce to the quilters to send us comfort quilts for the
people who are suffered.I would like to do it to the world quilters.
We will deliver the comfort quilts to the people who are very difficult
situation.
Could you please help to announce it to the quilters?

We accept any size of quilts(baby to adult).new or unused.
The deadline would be the end of May or later.

?Send the quilts to:
(until the middle of April)
Naomi Ichikawa,Editor of Patchwork Quilt tsushin
Patchwork Tsushin Co.,Ltd
5-28-3,Hongo,Bunkyo-ku,Tokyo,Japan zip:113-0033

(after the middle of April)
Naomi Ichikawa
Patchwork Tsushin Co.,Ltd
2-21-2,Yushima,Bunkyo-ku,Tokyo,Japan zip:113-0034

I will appreciate if you help me.

Naomi

I honestly do not see how this poor woman thinks she can distribute quilts while working in Tokyo!

That and with the mass evacuations many of the hardest hit are being relocated to other countries right now....

Send $$ for food/water/shelter...it really would be the better thing to do!

Dana Jones has updated her blog with a comment made 3/19/11 (please forgive the cut/paste, Patrice?)http://www.quiltersnewsletter.com/bl...lts-for-japan/

"I emailed with Naomi Ichikawa today. She has asked that if you are sending quilts directly to Japan, that you do not send them until May 1 at the earliest. Please watch this blog for regular updates on this time frame as things are changing daily in Japan.

If you are sending quilts to Quilters Newsletter and do not want to write “Quilts for Japan” on the box, please enclose a note that says this. We receive many quilts in our offices and will only send quilts to Japan that we know are intended for Japan.

Please send only new quilts.

I am amazed but not surprised at the compassionate response to this call for quilts. In just 24 hours, we at QN have heard from quilters in the United States, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and Italy. We are truly an international community!

Thanks,
Dana Jones, QN managing editor"

My local yarn/knitting/crocheting/weaving shop is having a Knit for Japan event. However, they have said that the Japanese don't need nor can they handle anything made and sent to them right now. The infrastructure is in such upheaval that there is absolutely no guarantee that anything will get to the people. So the shop is collecting handmade items to sell in the shop and then will donate all the money to an appropriate organization who is helping with food, water, etc. I really think this is the best way to go .... give money; it's what they need most right now!

that is awesome...I know we like to HELP..but right now..there is NO Japan in many places..so the mail is not going there! I like that they are going to sell the items and donate the money..those people need clothes, food, water and shelter the most right now!