I am new at the donation thing. The quilts I make have been gifts to folks I know. But since I will not know who is receiving my donation quilts, I thought I would wash before I donate. I have a kitty and not everyone is likes kitty fur on their bed covers or snuggle quilts. I work to keep fur exposure to a very, very minimal amount but with a cat in the house, you just can't be totally fur free. In the wash, dried and into a box for mailing purrrrrposes.