I haven't started charity quilting yet, but it's something I've wanted to do for a long time.
The difference for me-- charity quilts will be machine pieced/quilted (I am doing hand quilting for family/friends who I know will appreciate that difference). I'll also use pink in charity quilts, or other colors/designs I might not normally use. I can't stand pink, but know other people love it. Same with some designs, it may not be my style, but someone else would adore the different design. I don't think it's sub-quality or "ugly", just not what I would pick for myself.
I'm not doing it for the purpose of a tax deduction, but I'll take it (because it means I can buy more fabric! Then make more quilts!)