Like you, i make a lot of charity quilts. There are several reasons.
1) No matter what I make, sooner or later a child, a veteran, a family whose home has burned, etc, will eventually pick it out/get it and love it. Most of the charity quilts that I make go to foster children, in part because my Dad and my maternal grandfather were the equivalent of foster children many years ago. It gives me a little connection to their history and lives. a way to honor them.
2) My grandchildren appreciate their quilts. I have grand nieces and nephews who I plan to make quilts for, but am not actually doing it because I don't get thank you's for the gifts I give them now. I also have grand nieces and nephews who I did make quilts for who truly value their quilts, use them and care for them the best way a kid can.
3) Because I like to!
Please note that I made a quilt for my son and he complained so much about it that I finally said, "Well, give it back to me." His response? "No. If I do you'll never make another one for me!" He appreciated it, but couldn't just come right out and say so! That's the way he is and I long ago accepted that. His heart is almost always in the right place, but sometimes his mouth is not.