Donating a quilt is one of the most meaningful ways to share your passion for quilting while making a real impact. Handmade quilts offer warmth, comfort, and a sense of care to those facing difficult times, from children in foster care to veterans and patients in hospice. If you’re looking for the best places to donate your quilt, how to prepare it for donation, or tips for choosing the right charity, this guide has everything you need. Learn how to earn the Donate a Quilt badge, connect with worthy causes, and use your quilting skills to spread kindness—one stitch at a time.
Table of Contents
- About the Badge
- Where to Donate Your Quilt
- How to Prepare Your Quilt for Donation
- Printable Quilt Donation Checklist
About the Badge
The Donate a Quilt badge honors the spirit of generosity and compassion in quilting by encouraging Scouts to create and donate a quilt to a person or organization in need. This badge recognizes the power of handmade quilts to offer comfort, warmth, and care to those going through difficult times. Scouts who earn this badge use their quilting skills to give back to their communities, spreading kindness through their craft.
Badge Requirements
- Research and choose a charity, community organization, or individual in need of a quilt. Some examples include hospitals, shelters, disaster relief organizations, or foster care agencies. Ensure the organization accepts quilt donations and is a good fit for your contribution.
- Design and construct a quilt specifically for donation. It can be a simple or complex design, but make sure it meets the size and requirements of the recipient organization. Use high-quality materials and pay attention to craftsmanship to ensure the quilt is durable, comfortable, and well-made for its intended use.
- Complete the quilt by quilting, binding, and labeling it appropriately. Some organizations may have specific labeling or size requirements, so check their guidelines before finishing the quilt. Make sure the quilt is clean, free of pet hair, and ready for gifting.
- Arrange to donate the quilt to the chosen organization or individual, whether by mail or in person. Document the delivery process and, if possible, share how the donation made a positive impact.
- Reflect on your experience of making and donating the quilt.
- Bonus: Inspire fellow Quilt Scouts by sharing your story or photos of the donation process. You can encourage others to use their quilting skills to make a difference in their communities by hosting a quilt drive or sharing information about worthy causes.
Shop Badges
Order your Donate a Quilt Badge here.
Where to Donate Your Quilt
This month, we’re talking about a badge that speaks to the heart of quilting: the Donate a Quilt badge. There’s nothing more fulfilling than creating a beautiful quilt and then passing it along to someone who can use its warmth and love. As you prepare to donate your quilt and earn this meaningful badge, here’s everything you need to know about where to give and how to get your quilt donation-ready!
There are many wonderful organizations that accept quilt donations, each with unique missions and guidelines. Here’s a list of some incredible organizations that would be honored to receive your quilt:
American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region
- Mission: The American Red Cross “Quilts for Veterans” project brings care and comfort to local veterans through the warmth of quilts.
- Accepts Finished Quilts: Yes
- Accepts Quilt Tops: No
- Location: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota
Project Linus
- Mission: Provides handmade blankets to children in need, offering security and comfort during challenging times.
- Accepts Finished Quilts: Yes
- Accepts Quilt Tops: No
- Location: Visit the Find Chapters page to locate one near you.
Quilts Without Borders
- Mission: Reaches out to under-served children, mainly orphans, across the world to provide a handmade quilt and spread love and hope.
- Accepts Finished Quilts: Yes
- Accepts Quilt Tops: Yes
- Location: United States
Quilts for a Cause
- Mission: Quilt for a Cause auctions and sells handmade quilts donated by quilters, quilt patterns and quilt related products to support breast and gynecological screening and treatment.
- Accepts Finished Quilts: Yes
- Accepts Quilt Tops: No
- Location: Tucson, AZ
Quilts for Kids
- Mission: Sends quilts to children facing serious illness, trauma, abuse or natural disasters.
- Accepts Finished Quilts: Yes
- Accepts Quilt Tops: No
- Location: Local Chapters throughout the United States and Ontario, Canada
Quilts of Honor
- Mission: Quilts of Honor are made by the loving hands of countless volunteers who wish to thank those who have served and to honor their service and sacrifice.
- Accepts Finished Quilts: Yes
- Accepts Quilt Tops: No
- Location: Local Chapters throughout the United States
Quilts of Valor
- Mission: Honors and comforts service members and veterans with handmade quilts.
- Accepts Finished Quilts: Yes
- Accepts Quilt Tops: No
- Location: Participating shops and groups can be found throughout the United States
Victoria’s Quilts Canada
- Mission: Provides quilts to individuals with cancer, offering warmth and hope.
- Accepts Finished Quilts: Yes
- Accepts Quilt Tops: Yes
- Location: Victoria’s Quilts Canada has branches in nearly every province across Canada.
Victoria’s Quilts USA
- Mission: Provides quilts to individuals with cancer, offering warmth and hope.
- Accepts Finished Quilts: Yes
- Accepts Quilt Tops: No
- Location: Gardena, California
Wrap Them in Love
- Mission: Sends quilts to children in need worldwide, including orphanages and shelters.
- Accepts Finished Quilts: Yes
- Accepts Quilt Tops: Yes
- Location: Mt. Vernon, Washington
Hospice & Nursing Care Facilities
To find facilities in your area that accept quilt donations, start by reaching out to local hospices, nursing homes, and assisted living centers. A quick online search like “hospice accepting quilt donations near me” or “local nursing homes in need of quilt donations” can bring up nearby options. You can also call or visit their websites to check if they accept quilts, as each facility has different needs and guidelines. Many facilities warmly welcome handmade quilts, so don’t hesitate to ask about specific donation requirements and preferences.
Local Shelters & Community Centers
To find facilities in your area, start by searching online for phrases like “shelters accepting quilt donations near me” or “community centers in need of blanket donations.” Many shelters and centers have websites or social media pages where they post about donation needs and guidelines. You can also call local non-profit organizations, housing assistance programs, or even city government offices, as they can often direct you to places actively seeking quilt donations. Each center may have specific requirements regarding quilt sizes and materials, so a quick call or message can help ensure your quilt meets their needs and reaches the people who will benefit most.
How to Prepare Your Quilt for Donation
- Check Organization Requirements: Every organization may have different requirements for quilt sizes, colors, patterns, and materials. Always check their website or call to verify these guidelines. Some places require new quilts, while others may accept gently used ones.
- Use High-Quality, Durable Materials: Select high-quality materials when making donation quilts, as they’ll last longer and bring comfort over time. Use durable thread, sturdy backing fabrics, and a batting that provides enough warmth without being too bulky.
- Pre-Wash Fabric: Pre-washing your fabric can prevent shrinking and color bleeding. It’s especially important if your quilt will go to a child or someone with sensitivities. This step also gives the quilt a fresh, clean scent.
- Wash the Completed Quilt: Washing your quilt after completion is essential to remove any dust or stray fibers from the quilting process. Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent, and air-dry if possible. Make sure the quilt is completely dry before folding.
- Attach a Quilt Label: Add a label to your quilt if the organization allows it. Labels can include your name, location, and the date it was completed. This personal touch reminds the recipient that the quilt was made with care and love just for them.
- Secure Loose Threads: Take a few minutes to clip any loose threads and ensure all seams are tight. A well-finished quilt not only looks beautiful but will also stand up to wear and washing.
- Package Thoughtfully: Fold your quilt neatly and package it in a clean, waterproof bag. This helps keep it safe during transit and ensures it arrives in pristine condition.
- Write a Note (Optional): Some organizations allow you to include a note. A small, heartfelt message adds a personal touch that can mean so much to the recipient. A simple “Made with love and warmth from a fellow Quilt Scout” can be incredibly meaningful.
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