Help! Ideas needed!!!
 

Help! I belong to a small group of Quilters/Knitters/Crafters at my COA. We want to do some charity work, but we are running out of ideas. We have done quilts, lap robes, hats, etc for babies, pillow cases for veterans, etc., and adult bibs for nursing homes. We are looking for more ideas, but our poor brains are not responding. :( Any help would be appreciated.

Walker or Wheelchair Bags?

http://www.asg.org/files/projects/Anti_Ouch_Pouch.pdf
http://www.nancysnotions.com/categor...for+charity.do
https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/02/charity-sewing/
http://www.handcraftingwithlove.net/.../hcharity.html
Fidget quilts for dementia patients, Activity mats for Alzheimer patients

Our group has done lap quilts, afghans and single bed quilts for the local women's shelter.

Scarves for the infusion unit at the local hospital (for cancer patients). Could be knitted or sewn. The crafters could add beads or rhinestones if they wanted.

Also, there is a local charity by me that puts together a "layette set" for new mothers. People contribute hats, bibs, booties, receiving blankets, diaper bags, small stuffed toys (my favorite is a little felt bear that I make as a rattle by taping together two lids from prescription bottles with rice inside & sewing that inside the bear to make noise), etc. The organization adds in onesies and sleep sacks & presents to the mothers. I like it because each person can decide what they want to contribute.

You can also do quilts/blankets for older children-- foster kids, children getting surgery (my son has one from when he had eye surgery), etc.

Knit socks are amazing, you could do those in various sizes (although the yarn can get expensive, so might not be feasible).

Fleece or flannel pj pants for new moms would be warm and comfy.

Beads of courage bags.
http://www.beadsofcourage.org/pages/quilters.htm
less fabric and lots quicker than some other projects.

I saw this recently on Sewing with nancy .... It touched my heart and I am thinking of helping out.

http://www.creativeblossoms.com/pretty-pockets

Quilts of Valor (Wounded Warriors) is always a good effort. Some rules but certainly doable. Pillowcases for Shriners' Hospital, kids colors. I made fingerless gloves by tracing my hand (I am 6' tall, big hands). Three quick seams, scrap fleece. Very welcome in cold weather. Scarves if you have enough fleece. Could be sets to match with gloves and scarf. Small marble puzzles for those that have to stay in bed (Marble sewn into a maze between fabric pieces). Womens' shelters and new mothers' groups can tell you what they need. Our guild donated over 50 receiving blankets and 100 quilts, some burp cloths and changing pads (flannel bought when Hancocks went out of business) and they were thrilled. Knitted or crocheted items (scarves, gloves, socks) are always welcome. Our raffle quilt proceeds goes to House of Ruth, Food Bank, Cancer center and new mothers' group. Lots of opportunities out there. Bless your efforts.

A quilting friend who also goes on dental missionary trips to Africa told us about a need yesterday. They have been making and taking pillowcase dresses for the little girls. They found that one item that was greatly needed were long wraps that the woman can wrap around their babies on their chests so that they can carry them with their arms free. They can then work and farm with their babies strapped to their chests. There's a name for this wrap but it escapes me. Anyway, you cut 3 yards of fabric in half lengthwise (20" by 3 yards long pieces) and hem them. That's it. Any charity that takes items to mothers and children in Africa will know what to do with them!