Charity Giving -
 

why does it seem easier - for some of us, anyway - to give a quilt to a charity than to donate money (as in "cash"?

In many cases, money would be more useful at the time than another quilt that has to be stored until the possible recipients could use them.

Because we have the quilts and or fabric on hand(for which we have spent lots of money) and love to make quilts, therefore we must do something with them, we give them to charity.

Actually I give money too, and quilts only when they are asked for, mostly Project Linus. I never do the disaster charities knowing that the amount of quilts and clothing cannot be handled properly, too overwhelming.

For me, I have much more time and fabric than money. So, donating my time and fabric into making a quilt is the best way for me to give. Project Linus utilizes those quilts locally. I also quilt for Quilts of Valor. We actually give those quilts in person.....the only middle-man is the QOV site that coordinates recipients requests. Hopefully, you can find a local charity where you can see the fruits of your labor making a difference. I would weep if I saw my quilts in a pile of stuff.

I love to sew & love to do for other people so making something for charities is a perfect way for me to fulfill my passion and my inner being. I am not able to make complete quilts for charity but I can and do make requested quilt blocks that are sent in & then made into the finished quilts by volunteers. I find this very rewarding & fun & see it as a win/win situation for me & the charity. I would never donate a quilt in a disaster relief situation as I too have seen what happens to much of the items that have been donated.

I donate to local charities as nursing homes, crisis centers and such. I know they will use the quilts there. When donating cash a lot goes for operating expenses. I prefer not to give to somebody's paycheck when the intent it to assist the needy. Besides I need to do something with all this fabric and my desire to sew

I give cash only if I trust the organization or know someone volunteering in the org who can vouch for the its integrity. If I can find out a very specific need for something sewn, I have done that. I prefer to give a quilt only where I have a level of trust in those who will direct it according to my intentions.

I enjoy quilting but do not need any quilts in my home - neither does my family or friends - so I make quilts for a charity that asks for them. This satisfies my quilting urges!

Maybe it's just me but I'm leary of giving money to a lot of places since I don't know how much will be used for "administration costs."

Our minister brought to the attention of the congregation a website called "Charity Navigator". It specifically rates charities as to how much of the $$ gets to those in need and how much is taken up by administrative costs. It has proven to be very helpful.