I give money to two reputable food banks, because I figure people have to eat!! I give to other organizations I know and trust, but, most to the food banks.

I prefer to give cash or gift card. I only donate quilts to children's groups. I can go to any thrift store and see quilts, blankets, throws, and comforters for sale cheap. The money can buy those if needed for someone in need of them. I don't waste my time making quilts to give away like that. I do not give money to Red Cross or Goodwill.

Shriners, St. Judes, The Call, Salvation Army and local churches get my money.

I donate quilts to kids in foster care. They are usually taken out of the home for various reasons sometimes with no more than the clothes they are wearing. Family services give them a Christmas party and give them and lots of other items to them.

It gives me a way to share my love of quilting with others and keeps them warmer than money would.

Lots of times people give money because it makes them feel good and the money (lots) go for administration costs. People needing money see none or very little. This has been on the news for years. It happens a lot more than you may think.

I donate clothing and other items because I no longer want them or can use them. I feel better donating than just throwing them in the trash.

As a food shelf volunteer, Thank you so much!!! We can do so much more with a cash donation than a food donation.

As for quilts, I have posted before how many years ago the local quilt guild (I was not a member) was making quilts for the dying babies in eastern Europe. They were dying of AIDS because of needles being re-used in hospitals. I wanted to shake someone and say "SELL the quilts and send $$$$ so they can buy some new needles!!!"

This is a great website and I use it all the time. I am very proud that the food shelf where I volunteer has a 100%, four star rating. On the other hand, I got a mail solicitation from a "Children's Wish" type charity, looked it up and saw a zero star rating - that was a first for me.

I donate quilts to local charities and deliver them in person so I can see the gratitude.

Making quilts for children in need is close to my heart so most of my charity sewing is just that. There is a need to be fulfilled. On our block, there are 18 homes and I am the only person who sews, so I figure my quilts are needed.

Before I donate a qui,t or money to any organization I Google it to find out how much is actually for the needy and how much is for administrative needs.

I'm also leary as to how money gifts are used.

I give a lot of things to Goodwill but cash goes to St. Jude's. I don't donate quilts, not because I don't want to but because I am kind of a slow quilter and am still giving them to my loved ones.