Lots of good suggestions so far, and that truly heartbreaking story from Crispy-Frog! It seems to me you were a victim of that disaster, too, and what a sad, neglected loss. I think there's a lesson in that, and I won't donate quilts except through an organization like Project Linus or a guild that has an actual plan for things being used properly.
I thought of one other helpful thing: A lot of times families are driven out of their homes and there are organizations that can help the people, but their pets are a problem. Offering to foster a dog, cat, bird or whatever until they can get back to normal routines might be much appreciated, and might keep the animal from being left to an uncertain fate in a shelter.