Hands2Help Charity Quilt Challenge

I have decided to participate in the Hands2Help Charity Challenge 2014.  They have three wonderful wonderful charities to choose from this year.

Option #1 - Quilts of Compassion

Quilts of Compassion makes and collects quilts that are then given to a wide variety of people, but most recently they have found themselves out in the trenches, handing out quilts to people suffering from the after-effects of the tornadoes that have hit the midwest so devastatingly.  This group got together and made 200 quilts in three days.  And they recently distributed over 1600 quilts to the people in their Quilts For Oklahoma drive.  They need quilts for men, women, children and infants.  Quilts can be quilted or tied, in any size.  Living in Texas I have seen the devastation of a tornado, so this is the charity I've chosen. I plan to do at least one quilt for them.

Option #2 - Hurricane Sandy Survivors

The senior high school students of Gladeville Baptist Church have start a mission project in New Jersey, helping Hurricane Sandy survivors rebuild their homes and lives.  They will be going for a week in October as their first foray into this particular mission field, following up with additional trips on spring and summer breaks.  They worked in New Orleans for five years after Katrina, and it's entirely possible that New Jersey will prove to be a similar situation.  What many people don't realize is that the needs of the communities hit by natural disasters actually go on for years.  There's always an outpouring of support initially, but then it dies off and the survivors are left on their own to deal with the aftermath, including PTSD and depression. Sharing quilts with these folks seems like a good idea, especially after this winter!  Once again, quilts will be needed for men, women, children and babies, so any size is appropriate.  Quilts can be quilted or tied, although we do ask that they be sturdy so that they can be used rather than admired, and will hold up to wear and washing well.

Option #3 - Happy Chemo!

Happy Chemo, an organization that provides quilts and comfort for chemo patients.  They also collect up and provide information about freebies and discounts that may be of use to chemo patients. Quilts can be 45” square to 60”x 72”.  Any style of quilt is accepted as cancer effects men and women, children and adults.  Happy Chemo is trying to reach a goal of 1500 quilts donated, and they have already donated nearly 600.

Options 2 and 3 are also wonderful choices, so if you quilt and want to help feel free to help any of them.  If you need more information you can check out Confessions of a Fabric Addict's blog who is leading this challenge.