Today I am happy to have Jessica from Found the Marbles guest posting. Not only am I a big fan of Found the Marbles but as the daughter of a quilter I love Jessica’s Worthy Wednesday post!
Last spring I was in line at a store and began chatting with the man in front of me. Before long, he had told me all about an organization that has become a huge part of his life. In awe over his enthusiasm, I inquired a bit more.
Quilts for Kids is a non-profit organization based in the Philadelphia region whose mission is to brighten the day of children worldwide by giving them their very own patchwork quilt. From children in hospitals to children affected by natural disasters such as hurricane Sandy, Quilts for Kids lets children who have lost so much enjoy a little comfort and let them know that someone cares.
In August, 2000, Linda Arye was placing an order for a client at the Philadelphia Design Center when she noticed a room full of trash bags filled with discontinued designer fabrics ready to be thrown away. Linda wanted to find a way to use the fabric so it would not go to waste. Then she remembered that when her daughter had been hospitalized as a child she was not allowed to bring her stuffed animal to the hospital for comfort. Quilts, however, were acceptable. At that moment Linda decided to use the fabric to make quilts for children in hospitals. She could then comfort a few children and save the fabric from a landfill. Her friends thought she was a little crazy then, but twelve years later, Quilts for Kids continues to brighten the days of children worldwide. Each quilt is still made by a volunteer and much of the fabric is still donated.
You can support Quilts for Kids by purchasing a quilt for a child at: www.QuiltsforKids.org. You can make a purchase for a child you already know, or donate funds that will send a quilt to a child who needs one. Quilts for kids could use support in other ways as well:
– If you are a quilter, you can use their brightly colored kid-friendly fabric to create patchwork quilts. Simply request a kit and they will send one to you.
– If you happen to have unused fabric you can donate, please contact your local chapter or send them to the Quilts for Kids headquarters. Please note that your fabric donations are tax-deductible.
– If you don’t sew but still want to help you can adopt a quilt. A financial donation of any sort will go toward shipping quilts to children at children’s hospitals across the country.
– If you are purchasing new bedding for your home, consider buying from Calico Corners because they donate a portion of their proceeds from every custom bedding purchase to Quilts for Kids.
Who knew that by simply heading out to a store one morning I would have the opportunity to learn about an incredible organization such as Quilts for Kids? After meeting my new friend in line that morning, I spent some time at the organization’s headquarters to see them in action. Their efforts are incredibly inspiring. To learn more or to find your local chapter, go to www.QuiltsforKids.org.
Jessica Cohen says that it’s not about losing your marbles; it’s what you do once you find them that matters. She blogs at Found the Marbles, a look at social good, life and paying it forward. Prior to blogging she spent 15 years in media research and strategy for several major consumer magazines. Today she ghost writes and works as a strategic brand and social media consultant. In her spare time Jessica runs a shuttle (also known as her SUV). Connect with her on Twitter @FoundtheMarbles.
Thanks for having me on the site today. It’s an honor!