The Ultimate Guide to Quilt Donations: A List of Where and How to Donate Quilts

A comprehensive list of charities around the world that want quilt donations. Share your love of sewing and give away a quilt! suzyquilts.com

Below is a complete guide and list of tips to making quilt donations. Written in a similar style to our list of longarm quilters, I've put together a comprehensive list of charities and organizations that would love your handmade quilts. If you've never given away a quilt before, I also have four tips so you know for sure that your quilt will arrive in good hands, safe and sound.

Whether you have made one quilt or one hundred quilts, you know first hand what a wonderful and personal gift they are. Very few things in my life rank as high on the pleasure spectrum as the spark of pure joy I get from giving away a handmade quilt.

A comprehensive list of charities around the world that want quilt donations. Share your love of sewing and give away a quilt! suzyquilts.com

Above is a Thrive quilt my 10 year old niece made with me. Desi, my 18-month old boy, is in the middle.

Tips for Giving Away a Quilt

Tip #1: Include washing instructions.

My number one tip when donating a quilt is to assume the person or charity that is receiving this wonderful gift has absolutely no idea how to wash it.

If possible, include washing instructions and maybe even some added notes about what kind of fabrics and batting you used. Don't be afraid to get specific if you think that's what this quilt needs.

Trending patterns!

If you want tips on how to wash and care for your quilt, I have a couple blog posts to help!

Tip #2: Include quilt details.

Was there a special reason you picked the quilt pattern? Include that! Is there something personal about the prints or fabric? I'm sure the recipient would love to know. Even a small anecdote is enough – "I grow strawberries in my garden so that's why one of the prints has strawberries."

Any thoughtful notes or added background will enhance the personalized charm of this wonderful gift; however, even if you don't feel like talking about the quilt, a simple note with your signature is a wonderful option too – "I hope you enjoy snuggling with this quilt. I made it with love! - Betty" 

Tip #3: Seal it in a bag.

Anytime you mail a quilt or give one to an organization, it's best to seal it in an airtight, water-resistant bag. You don't know where it might get tossed while making the journey to its new owner, so it's best to play it safe.

If you are giving away multiple quilts, you may want to ask the charity if they prefer you to place each one in its own bag, or if one large bag is good enough. Everyone is being extra cautious right now because of COVID, so individually wrapped quilts might be the current standard.

I just bought these ziploc plastic bags and they work great for a throw and possibly up to a twin – 16" x 18" Clear Storage Bags.

Tip #4: Call ahead.

If a charity has made its way onto this list, it is actively receiving quilt donations, however you should still call or email someone at the organization to make sure the timing and drop-off location work well for them. 

Don't get me wrong, showing up at a friend's house unannounced and surprising them with a handmade quilt is the best! But even though it's sooo fun to see someone's face once you've surprised them with a quilt, it's very possible you won't get the facial expression you're looking for if you show up without an appointment at a busy non-profit during a pandemic. That's just a guess on my part, but you might as well call to double check. 😉

A comprehensive list of charities around the world that want quilt donations. Share your love of sewing and give away a quilt! suzyquilts.com

We Sew Together 2020 Sew Along

As of now we are 7 months into a global pandemic. Life feels weird and sometimes scary, but there are things we can hold onto that won't change – and one of those things is how giving will always expand our hearts and strengthen our communities.

Starting on August 26, 2020, I will lead a four-week sew along called We Sew Together 2020, #wesewtogether2020 on Instagram. For all of the details check out this post - We Sew Together 2020: A Sew Along for Charity. It will be short and simple and the rules look like this:

  • From August 26 - September 22 make any quilt top you like. If you would like to make an SQ pattern use coupon code WESEWTOGETHER for 20% off. Expires September 16, 2020.
  • Follow along with what others are making by using #wesewtogether2020 on Instagram.
  • There is no official sign up. Since we will all be making different quilts there won't be added tutorials or instructions, but if you are on Instagram it will be fun to share and see the quilty creativity!
  • Weekly prizes will be handed out every Tuesday afternoon during the sew along. You must use the hashtag, #wesewtogether2020, on Instagram to be entered to win a prize.
  • Check out past sew alongs for more details.
  • Once the four weeks are finished, quilt and bind your quilt top, then donate it! If you don't know where to donate your freshly made quilt, check out the list below.

Quilt Donations: A List of Charities that Want Your Quilts

A comprehensive list of charities around the world that want quilt donations. Share your love of sewing and give away a quilt! suzyquilts.com

Abba’s House

Contact: [email protected] | 307-856-0999
Location: Riverton, WY

Altamesa Church of Christ partnership with Hope Kidz

Contact: Andria Tucker | [email protected]
Location: Fort Worth, TX

American Red Cross of Missouri

Contact: [email protected] | 314-516-2789
Location: St Joseph, MO

Cadence International

Worldwide – contact a Missionary via the website to ask about donating to their ministry

Cancer Support Community (a.k.a. Gilda’s Club)

Worldwide – find your local chapter on their website.

Camp Quality

Contact: [email protected] | 416-406-2267
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Change the World RVA

Contact: Natalie May| [email protected]
Location: Richmond, VA

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Contact: Ansley Johnson | [email protected] (Engleston location)
Location: Atlanta, GA

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Contact: Dee Rodriguez | [email protected]
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Daniel’s Heart Foundation

Contact: Sara Larson | [email protected]
Location: Friday Harbor, WA

DAR – Major Winfield Scott Chapter

Contact: [email protected]
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Door to Hope

Contact: [email protected]
Location: Salinas, CA

Family Crisis Support Services

Contact: Marybeth Adkins | [email protected] | 276-275-0441
Location: Norton, VA

Haven of Rest Rescue Mission

Contact: Alice at 423-968-2011
Location: Bristol, TN

Heart to Heart Quilt Ministry

Contact: Marie Schlameus | [email protected] | 512-468-4247
Location: Round Rock, TX

Hearts Knit Together

Contact: Linda Simmons | [email protected] | 801-598-3218
Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Hope Hollow

Contact: [email protected] | 614-459-4673
Location: Columbus, OH

Hope House of Colorado

Contact: Lisa Schlarbaum | [email protected] | 303-429-1012 ext. 241
Location: Arvada, CO

Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS

Contact: [email protected]

Hospice of the Shenandoah

Contact: [email protected]
Location: Fishersville, VA

Indiana Comfort Care Quilting

Contact: Ashley Meagher via the group’s Facebook page
Location: Indianapolis, IN

Life Options Clinic

Contact: [email protected] | 850-983-2730
Location: Milton, FL

Little Lambs Foundation for Kids

Contact: Edward Chalfant | [email protected] | 435-764-4439
Location: Logan, UT

Love, INC of Columbia, MO

Contact: [email protected] | 573-256-7662
Location: Columbia, MO

Mito Quilts of Hope

Contact: Christine Knox | [email protected] | 604-800-0839
Location: US and Canada

New Beginnings

Contact: Nicole Pollock | [email protected] | 207-795-4077
Location: Lewiston, ME

New Moms

Contact: Lauren Callaghan | [email protected] | 773-525-3253 ext. 107
Location: Chicago, IL

Operation Happy Nurse

Contact: Shannon McPeek | [email protected]
Location: Arlington, VA

Pathway Homes, Inc

Contact: [email protected]
Location: Fairfax, VA and Orlando, FL

Project Linus

Worldwide – find your local chapter on their website.

Quilt for a Cause

Contact: Terry Gallegos | [email protected] | 520-405-5478
Location: Tucson, AZ

Quilts for Kids

Nationwide – find your local chapter on their website.

Quilts of Compassion

Contact: Janice Grimes | [email protected] | 419-708-9343
Location: Toledo, OH

Quilts of Valor

Nationwide – visit their website for quilt requirements and to request a destination to mail your finished quilt.

Ray Hickey Hospice House

Contact: Jennifer Linde | [email protected] | 360-696-5059
Location: Vancouver, WA

Red Mountain Grace

Contact: Ashlee French | [email protected]
Location: Birmingham, AL

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Worldwide – find your local chapter on their website.

SafeHaven of Tarrant County

Contact: [email protected]
Location: Arlington, TX

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

Contact: [email protected]
Location: Seattle, WA

Shriners Hospital for Children

Contact: [email protected] | 971-544-3338
Location: Portland, OR

Siblings Together

Contact: [email protected]
Location: London, UK

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Worldwide – find your local chapter on their website.

Stitchers Mending Hearts, Inc.

Contact: [email protected] | 870-267-5616
Location: Cabot, AR

The Baby House Westville

Contact: [email protected]
Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Three Day Stampede

Contact: Bonita Bedard | 802-453-3952
Location: Bristol, VT

Titirangi Community House – Foster Hope

Contact: Janet Wyeth | [email protected] | 021 326 80
Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Tubman

Contact: [email protected] | 612-825-3333
Location: Minneapolis, MN

Young Parents Network

Contact: The We Care Shop | 319-364-8909
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA

A comprehensive list of charities around the world that want quilt donations. Share your love of sewing and give away a quilt! suzyquilts.com

50 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to Quilt Donations: A List of Where and How to Donate Quilts

  1. Cal says:

    Fellow NY quilters! Any ideas for area specific quilt donations? If not I will look into a local chapter of one of the organizations

  2. Gin Tadvick says:

    I would also check with your local Community Pregnancy Center. I know ours is always looking for quilts (baby size) to put in their Hope store.

  3. Elle Irby says:

    Hi,
    My favorite two places to donate to aren’t on your list, but I can assure you that they do wonderful work and are gladly accepting quilt donations! Comfort Cases in Rockville, Maryland, accepts quilts for kids entering foster care nationwide and includes them in a Comfort case with new pajamas, toiletries, books, stuffed animals, etc. Their website is http://www.comfortcases.org and their phone number is (301) 605-7813. The DC Modern Quilt Guild and Baltimore Modern Quilt Guild have given hundreds of quilts to them over the years! Another great organization is My Very Own Blanket in Westerville, Ohio. Their phone number is (614) 530-3327 and their email is [email protected] and their website is http://www.myveryownblanket.org. Before I learned about Comfort Cases (which is local to me so I can save on shipping), I gave all my charity quilts to MVOB.
    I love that you are encouraging everyone to make quilts for charity. I’m pretty passionate about it, and I’d so love to see a big bunch of donations of beautiful quilts for children entering foster care! Your sugar pop pattern is one of my go-tos for this purpose! In fact, I might have to go quilt a Sugar Pop top I made earlier in the pandemic today just because of this post! Thank you!

  4. Linda H says:

    I’d like to add 2 charities to the list: 1) Project Linus (quilts for sick and abused children)— Go to ProjectLinus.org to find your local chapter. 2) Jack’s Basket (quilt for babies with Down Syndrome)—Go to JacksBasket.org for info on how to donate. These are both great charities.

  5. Barbara says:

    This is the perfect idea! I love making quilt tops, but am still learning to quilt them. But, I cannot possibly use all the ones I have made. So I thought I would donate. Now I have a list of places I can send to. Thank you!

    • Suzy Quilts says:

      That’s great! If you are looking for a longarm quilter to help with finishing a quilt top, check out https://www.tracecreekquilting.com/ During the We Sew Together 2020 sew along she is offering 25% off longarm quilting and binding services for any quilt being donated. You must mention WeSewTogether and the intended charity on the order form for the discount to be applied and quilts must arrive in the studio by September 30,2020.

  6. Marie Eddins says:

    Our quilt guild has a very active charity arm called “Love & Comfort Quilts”. One of the charities we like to include is “The Linus Connection”. It is based out of Austin, TX and distributes all through Central Texas. Their website is http://www.thelinusconnection.org/. Thanks Suzy for highlighting this charitable effort!

  7. Maggie Drafts says:

    Suzy, and here I sit with a (bright pink) cast on my right hand and half way up my arm!!!! It will probably be another 3 months before I will be able to sew again!!! But I do so appreciate your giving spirit and encouragement to others! Maybe I can catch up later on!

  8. Rachel says:

    The Salvation Army is a world wide organisation and has all sorts of programmes supporting people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. They rely heavily on donations to carry out their work. Imagine getting a quilt when you are at your lowest point! Google what services they have in your area.

  9. Lea says:

    Hi Suzy, I love that you are doing this. Making quilts for others is a way for us quilters to help bring comfort to others, and let them know that others care about them and what they are going through.

    Unfortunately these days I am not able to work on any quilts. Hopefully, someday soon.

    I have e-mailed two organizations to find out if they would like to be added to this list. If I hear back from them I’ll come back here and add them to the list.

  10. Lea says:

    Hi Suzy, I heard back from Molly’s House. Molly’s House gives families a place to stay while their loved one is a patient, similar to Ronald McDonald House. Molly’s House is a beautiful home away from home filled with caring and compassionate people. They are located in Stuart Florida.

    People of all ages stay at Molly’s House from the very young to older folks. So the would like quilts of all sizes.

    Here is a link to their site: https://www.mollyshouse.org/

  11. Lea says:

    Some police departments like to receive quilts. They keep them in their cars and can use them to comfort children. Sometimes fire departments like to receive quilts for children too. Check first to make sure they would like to receive them.

    I know a quilter who works with a police department in her area to donate quilts. The quilts she makes go to the police officer and then she distributes them to women who have been sexually assaulted.

    Schools are also often familiar with children who could use a quilt. They are familiar with the families who are going through a difficult time.

  12. Shannon Lookenott says:

    Good Evening, I live in Tennessee and am trying to talk to someone with Monroe Carell Junior Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit to see how to donate a quilt to them.

  13. Teresa Palmer says:

    I am very excited about this project since I have several unfinished quilts. I would like to know the approximate size quilt that is best to donate.
    Thank you

  14. Colleen says:

    Thank you for including Quilt for a Cause, Tucson, AZ in your list of charities that accept quilt donations. We are so grateful to the quilters that have donated quilts to us. We have raised over a million dollars since 2003 and disbursed it to Arizona groups that screen, treat and support patients with breast and gynecologic cancers. Thank you again.

  15. Colette R says:

    I love Quilts for Kids. They send you the pre-cut quilt pieces (you pay for postage) and directions.
    This was a great activity for me to do during the Covid shutdown. I have done four so far. A great organization.

  16. Susan Sheridan says:

    The VA hospitals in Lake City and Gainesville, Fl take lap quilts 36″ x 48″. Check with the VA hospitals in your area to see if they take quilts.

  17. Lynn Hanks says:

    I would like information about organizations who will accept finished tops ,as well as backing fabric, to be quilted. As well as pillow cases.
    Simple carry all bags etc.

  18. Debbie says:

    I run a charity that accepts quilt tops, quilts and fabric. Our website is: goldheartquilters.com. We accept from baby through twin sizes. Contact me through the website. Check us out! Thank you!

  19. Deborah McColloch says:

    I am a member of a small, but mighty, quilt club in Philadelphia called the Wild Geese Quilters. We have been making quilts for St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children for over 30 years. We make quilts using a “challenge fabric”- each year a different Goose picks out a fabric and each member gets a quarter yard to use in her quilt. It is big fun to see all the different ways the same fabric is used! We collect the finished quilts at our annual holiday party and someone coordinates the delivery to St. Christopher’s. This year we donated 74 quilts!! ( Not all used the challenge fabric). Not bad for a club with only 22 members!

  20. Linda Dodd says:

    I have around 25 vintage handsewn quilts, some nearly 100 years old, in very good condition that I would like to donate to a charity that could use them. Do any organizations take such quilts? From my initial research, it seems that machine made modern quilts are preferred.

    Thanks,
    Linda

    • Tiana Mylene says:

      Hi Linda,
      I have the same situation, antique quilts in great condition, but don’t know where to donate them.
      Hopefully, someone here has a creative idea!

      Very best,
      Tiana

    • Laura Hopper says:

      Hi Megan! If none of the organizations in this blog post are currently doing donations to teachers, feel free to reach out to local guilds in your area to see if they have charity projects or are interested in helping. Best of luck!

  21. Theresa Craviotto says:

    Another suggestion is to look for local church congregations who have quilting groups, (maybe your own church!). Starting with donated fabrics and yarns in 2021, our small group made and gave away 29 quilts. We also have raffles and a craft fair to raise money for batting & other supplies. People are so generous, and these groups will use “Mom’s or Auntie’s” stashes and unfinished tops with love. God’s Gifted Hands Ministry

  22. Lynn says:

    I am looking for an animal
    Charity to donate quilts for fundraising purposes. I live in Wisconsin but would ship.

    • Laura Hopper says:

      That sounds like a wonderful idea, Lynn! We would recommend reaching out to local animal shelters and other animal charities in your area to ask if they have any upcoming fundraisers. Some have silent auctions you could donate a quilt to! Start there and just give them a call or visit to talk to a staffer or volunteer in person 🙂

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