I could not agree with this more. Back when the tsunami hit Japan, I posted on my blog about NOT sending them quilts, because their infrastructure was in such chaos it would only add to the problem. I got flamed and scolded for that. I chose to donate a couple of quilts to a veteran's shelter that had just opened up and had nothing but sleeping bags for the poor guys. They were extremely grateful.
Originally Posted by
ptquilts
This is why it is a good idea to ASK before donating quilts. Same thing with Katrina (hurricane), people wanted to send clothes, food, whatever - there was nowhere to store the stuff and distribution was a nightmare. Sometimes CASH is what is needed most.
As quilters we tend to think "quilts" as a solution when we see a problem. Like the saying goes, if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Save your donations for charities who specifically ASK for quilts. There are plenty of them.