Recently on one of the other threads here i shared about how our small guild handles “charity quilts”.
A core group of us make quilts all year as we can. We work from donated fabric & materials when available, otherwise from our stashes. When we get a quilt done we contact one of a few people designated as the “keepers of the quilts” - they are the people we call when there is an expressed need for a quilt.
Our goal is to always have at least one quilt available at a moments notice. So far in the last few years we have been blessed to always be able to respond in “real time” for any request for a quilt.
We dont vote on who gets a quilt or anything formal like that. We trust that when a request is made that the need is true and legitimate, but no questions asked. If we happen to get a thank you note, we share it with our membership. Its just that simple and so far it’s working.
Like pretty much every guild we used to pick special groups to receive quilts each year - after a while we kinda ran out of options. Sometimes if the same groups are recipients over and over each year we tend to notice a drop in participation and quilts donated. People can lose interest - it happens. And sorry to say, but we are all only human and sometimes things get a little “political” and feelings get hurt if your project of interest is not the one chosen in the current year.
So a few of us dared to do something really different. We got brave and let it be known that we were willing to try something new and we really didnt know what to expect,. We got a little backlash, but not as much as we expected (what??? you’re going to just start giving our quilts out???). Ok, well we might have heard a little skeptical grumbling but we had a vision!
We put the plan into action and each month made a point of reporting (and being accountable) for how many quilts were in the stockpile each month. Each quilt given out and any thank you notes received were documented and shared. We also make sure to let everyone know - every month - that quilts are available and who to contact if they know someone who might really appreciate a “warm hug” with best wishes from our guild.
It took a few months but eventually people got excited and jumped in! We made it clear at the beginning that it really was ok with us if the idea didnt appeal to anyone but us because we were committed to going ahead with it! Our attitude and excitement were very sincere. Now three years later we are still operating in this unconventional manner!
Some members still prefer to participate in a little more organized structure - and have chosen to make Quilts of Valor. We support and understand that and are very happy to see that happen as well! We even have some “overachievers” who contribute to both programs!
I very honestly am so happy that we stepped out there into the unknown.