The LQS I shop in the most has great community spirit, and I'm wondering how widely this type of thing is spread.
When taking classes at the LQS, the instruction fee is waived and participants are asked to bring gift cards for groceries. These gift cards are then donated to the local Salvation Army.
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Every Thursday is community play day. Quilters are encouraged to drop in and work on quilts for donating in the community. There is a box of donated fabric available. And, in the words of the LQS owner - "As always, we feel donated quilts should have the same good quality fabrics that you’d use in your own quilts. What you make represents you. You’re worth the best and so are the recipients of our donations, whatever their circumstances."
This attitude towards supporting the community goes a long way to making me want to continue shopping in the store.