An observation:

Some of the people I have sent things to have been very very appreciative - and it was a joy to have been able to help them.

A couple of other people responded to a give-away within seconds - it would have been nice/appreciated if they would have at least sent "I got it" with the same speed that they were able to type in "I want it"

I got a pm not too long ago from someone I didn't know asking for fabric -- I didn't answer but I think I will send to Admin.... :D

I agree and for all of the members who read this I would encourage the same. Needing and asking for help is not abuse. Taking advantage of people is abuse (in my opinion).

I think I can add my 2cents worth here. I have listed several things to give away. When someone asks for them, I do check their profile listings to see if they participate on the board. I have meet and made some dear friends here by PMing to each other. I was ready to fill up landfill space before I joined. What I'm trying to add is, use your own judgement when giving away, selling, or buying from others. And the minute that pkg is out the door, don't worry over it anymore.

Now about the "fabric police", well thats a whole nuther story.

I was raised to help when I can, and that is what I try to do. I am more than happy to help with any request I can and my only request is that the good deed be passed along to someone else. I am not responsible for anyone but myself and will not have to answer for anyone else's misrepresentations. I agree with Maggie, the universe will sort it out.

For me, this story is what we DO NOT want to lose. I've been on forums (not quilting) that eventually forbid asking or posting that someone needs this or that. I think the only inappropriate thing is the individual targeting of folks you don't know or haven't had interaction with. If I see a post like yours, and i can help, I will. Given the option, I would say lots of folks would. Being pressured by a stranger feels totally different.

Bev, You are a very special person and no one would complain about your requests...I've sent you 1 box and have started another. I'm on SSI also, but my husband is still earning a decent wage. I have seen the results from the little packages of fabric and the joy in you. Please don't stop reminding us...sometimes we just get busy and forget....

Gosh, this topic is of interest to me. I read on here someone requesting fabric and thought it strange, (but I don't belong to a lot of forums and had never incountered it before) Several days went by and I could not get the lady and her request off my mind. It was like I must do something. So I went through my stash and boxed up the fabric I thought I no longer wanted and sent it to her. I expected an open forum thank you so watched the board carefully and didn't see one. At first I thought maybe I had been taken advantage of, but said a little prayer asking God to bless the receiver of the package- then I received a PM thanking me. I feel that all is well. I don't want to be taken advantage of - but if I can help I want to. There was a time when I didn't have the resources to help when I wanted to, so now that I am a little better off I want to help with what I have. Just my feelings.

I have been cleaning put my sewing room and had lots of stuff boxed up when I heard Fredericksburg, VA had taken in 25 Ladies and their children from Burundi(?), I placed a call and explained most of it was for quilting and they said they would make it work but they didn't know about quilts. I dropped it off and 100 hugs and kisses later, left. I just had a call they saw some of the quilt patterns I sent and are interested in learning to quilt so as to sell things at Christmas. Boy, that does my old heart so much joy, helping other and God thanking my by making new quilters.

What I get weary of is the "Oh, I wish I could afford it." line. It just gets old.

Bev, Hugs! I think its totally okay to ask for help if you really need it. If people can and want to help, they will, if they dont, no one will be mad either.
I think it makes me feel good to give, thats why I like to do quilts for charity..........
I have a Little Sister on SS, and she makes so little...I help any way I can, so I KNOW its very hard to live on...not much for any fun or extras!

I'm so glad you are getting a good response and that the packages are arriving. I'm looking forward to the pictures.

Yes, I agree, barnbum.
I do believe in helping people out and do most of my helping here close to home.

I received a PM today and someone was asking for fabric. It did strike me as odd. With that feeling in my heart..I don't think it is a good idea to respond. I always listen to my inner self.
I had 5 requests for a certain pattern not to long ago. I was offered money and or money to send the pattern. I stated I didn't want money for anything as it was a charity pattern. Of the 5 I sent, only one person acknowledge that it was received. One person sent me a snide comment..wondering why she had to wait a week to get the pattern.
Over the past few weeks I have been cleaning out my fabric..making a few boxes to share..now I know from reading the above who will get a box.

Marsye,
Thanks for starting this thread....it is an interesting read....I think that many of us have been wondering :-)

Ditto.

thanks Marsye

I agree about not giving money. We were stopped at a Carl's Jr. and a fella came up and asked for an odd amount of money, something like $16.53. He said he had car trouble and needed help to buy the part he needed. We told him we would go get the part for him and meet him at his car (supposedly just past the on ramp on the freeway). He was no longer interested and then went to other cars in the parking lot. When someone on this board posts a need for them selves or someone they know needs help I am usually willing to help if I can. Many quilters on this board wouldn't be able to sew with out some assistance and it would be sad if there was no pay it forward. If and when the decision to help out is made it is then in God's hands. It's better to be snookered than not help a deserving person.

Bev you do not overdo it. We know your situation and are glad to help.

Well ok!!! Great! Now that we have it settled you guys can send me all your stash. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: I'm kidding!!!!! ;-)

I do not give to anyone online, because people can really make themselves sound alot worse off than they really are. I know it from experience. Don't mean to sound bitter, just telling it like it has been in my experience. I apologize to those of you who really are in need.

I think it's strange/forward for folks to ask... just raise your hand if someone offers.

Ditto again Marsye.
Months ago I sent a large box, never heard a thing. I have sent out a couple on the pay if forward thread, and have one more to go out. All have responed with a thank you. For the last two I did have to ask for postage, like many here, unemployement has run out.

Ditto! Or the " I have no money" line.

These statements make me feel guilty due to what I do have. I love to help a fellow quilter out if they need it. And I do. But...there is a fine line in helping and full fledge supporting their hobby. If I could not afford to sew or quilt, I would not expect anyone else to support my hobby. I will help anyone that needs help if I can though. Fully supporting them, no.

Exactly. When we had little extra money, I used a Joanne's credit card for the points and waited for the 15th of each month to get the gift card in the mail in order to shop.

I would never ever ever have asked anyone for fabric. Nor would I have hinted I'd like some.

Just a turn off for me...

I have to agree with Barnbum:

"I would never ever ever have asked anyone for fabric. Nor would I have hinted I'd like some."

I too have gotten the pm for selvedges.. so she does not attend the board now? I was going to mail some as I got some lol. Now I am not sure .

I would never ask for ANYTHING unless I was awful desperate!
But I don't mind giving when I can when I know they need it. I will feed you if your hungry but I won't buy you cigarettes.

Seems this is another topic that raises eyebrows. Being helpful and being used are two different things. And as some have said, a thank you or a display of something being made with the donation is a true gift in return. I am sure there are times when we all could use a donation to get one through a rough period. I won't say that someone should not quilt because they cannot afford fabric, as we all know, it is an outlet and great for the mind and relaxing as well. Many here have come up with ingenious ideas of how to work around being without, such as yard sales, thrift shops, clothes no longer being worn etc. but, a gift from a quilter, a friend or new friend is always a blessing in times of need. I hope no one becomes to cynical to close the door to a healthy donation for the good of another, be it small or large, for most it is greatly appreciated.

I'm sooooooo hungry!!!!!!!!!!!

MARRRRR SYE
Are you listening???????????

OK OK!!!! I'm here now!!! Geeeezzzzz!!!

Hey, pass the ketchup....I love Tbone!

Dang Marsye! I am coming to your house for dinner!!

roseofsharon - if you got a PM looking for selvedges from someone who joined 4/23 - no she does not post, nor has she ever. I was collecting selvedges for her, but then decided to check her out and when I discovered she apparently only joined so she could request something, I decided not to send.

Marsye - you're killing me with the donuts, steak, fries, etc. I'm trying to watch my cholesterol so I don't have to go on meds. You're not helping! :)

HMMMMMMMM, ketchup GUY isnt too bad either, but dont tell BF, lol!

I was thinking I wanted fabric too but then decided that I really want Marsye's steak!
I too, have doubted some of the pleas for fabric etc...but it is my choice to give or not. I try to believe that the recipient is honest...and if they aren't - well, I can sleep good at nights for having given and if they can sleep with what they have done -well, it is not me they have to answer to.