We are well into November, a month that is perfect for making grand gestures of thankfulness. This month I am challenging myself to make things for others. As I was racking my brain, I asked myself, what should I make this year? So I did some poking around on the web. Here is a list of charity project ideas that I hope to make. These items would be perfect to give to a number of different charities nationwide. I have included a link to each project, why they can be useful, and ideas on where you can donate them. Different regions have different organizations, so here is another link to a website (click here) that helps you find organizations in your area. If you want to participate in this challenge, I would love to have you! Share your creations on Instagram with #thegivingchallenge2019.

Charity Project Ideas

• For children who don’t have much, they can use pillow cases as a way to transport their items in a rush. It can be a detail in their life that is bright and cheerful. The free pattern that I am linking to is from All People Quilt. They have a pillowcase making challenge. You can donate these to foster homes, women’s shelters, and other children support organizations. >>> http://millionpillowcases.allpeoplequilt.com/

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• Dolls are always a good idea. These can really brighten a child’s life and become a friend to a child in need. The pattern I am linking to is one that Karly shared on Crazy Little Projects website. These adorable dolls can be taken to some children’s hospitals, foster homes, women’s shelters, and other children support organizations. >>> https://crazylittleprojects.com/doll-pattern/

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• A backpack is always helpful. They can be ways to transport children’s items and can be used for school, too. The tutorial I am linking to is by Amaia from You Made My Day. Backpacks can be taken to some children’s hospitals, foster homes, women’s shelters, and other children support charities. >>> https://www.you-made-my-day.com/diy-backpack-sewing-tutorial/

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• Surgical/Scrub Hat. I didn’t even think about his one but as I was talking to someone at a local hospital here in Tucson, she said that they need them in all different sizes. They can be something fun to focus on, for a child experiencing a scary procedure. The project I am linking to, is by Project Lady. They can be taken to children’s hospitals. https://theprojectlady.com/tutorial-for-making-pediatric-surgical-caps-service-project/

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• Of course my go-to project is a quilt. If you have a quilt that you are thinking about selling, there are many charities that have actions to raise money for good causes, such as medical research. Here in Tucson we have Quilts for a Cause.

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• This one is my favorite, a Quilt. It is very versatile and can be donated to so many charities. Hospitals, halfway houses, men’s shelters, women’s shelters, foster homes, Project Linus, Quilts of Valor (make sure you look into this one because it is awarded to veterans, so there are size and color requirements), and many different veteran organizations. Currently I hear there is a shortage of quilts for teens.

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• Receiving blankets are wonderful because when swaddled just right, they provide comfort to the baby. Merissa from Little House Living made a great tutorial on this. They can be taken to some children’s hospitals and Catholic Charities. >>> https://www.littlehouseliving.com/10-minute-simple-baby-receiving-blanket-pattern.html

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• This heart pillow is a wonderful idea. They are made especially for those that are recovering from breast surgery because they can help relieve pain. I am linking a pattern by Sachiko from Tea Rose Home. You can take them directly to Oncology doctor’s offices and hospitals. >>> http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2019/
  

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• I have a feral cat that I have been feeding and worrying about. One day it came to the house full of scratches and swollen up, so I went to PAC to get a cat trap to get it medical attention. However it got better so I haven’t used it. While I was there, I asked them what they needed and the lady said soft cones. Tutorial to come.

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• Flower bouquets for nursing home are the perfect way to brighten up a room. They are fabric, so they won’t lose petals and make a mess. Anj created this tutorial for her blog called Snowy Bliss. These can be donated to nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice care. >>> http://snowybliss.blogspot.com/2010/06/long-stemmed-fabric-flowers.html

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• Mini quilts can be a fun way to add something to someone’s wall. I created a tutorial on a simple weave called the Plus Three Mini. They can be donated to retirement homes and hospice care. >>> https://www.brownbirddesignsquilts.com/2018/02/plus-three-mini-quilt/

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• Decorative Pillows are an easy way to brighten up the room. When someone stays for an extended time or lives in just one room, it can be hard to find ways to add bright spots. Most rooms have a bed, so these are perfect. The tutorial is by Mary from Craft Buds. Ruffle pillows can be donated to nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice care. >>> https://www.craftbuds.com/page/167/

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• Wall hangings are a great way to add some interest in a room. I created an EPPed flower wall hanging that would be wonderful for someone recovering in a hospital or someone that needs a little love showered on them. Here is a link to my project. I made mine larger because the ladies in my Quilt Guild helped me make the EPPed flowers and I wanted to use as many as I could. This could be scaled down easily. >>> https://www.brownbirddesignsquilts.com/2018/04/quilting-for-others/

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• How helpful can a walker caddy be to someone that has their hands full just by moving. Melissa from Melly Sews is the creator of this fun and simple tutorial. It can be donated to nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice care. >>> https://mellysews.com/walker-caddy-tutorial/

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• Bereavement bags are something that a hospital can give to a grieving family. They fill them with helpful items like tissue, sunglasses, pamphlets etc. I would assume that these should be a little more tranquil and less bright and crazy. These can be taken to hospitals, but I am sure that most organizations will take a bag like this. I am linking to a tutorial from Skip to My Lou. >>> >>> https://www.skiptomylou.org/how-to-make-a-simple-reversible-totebag/

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Organizations list

Catholic Charities
Department of Human Services
Dialysis centers
Hospice centers
Lutheran Refugee Services
Missions
Nursing homes
Oncology units
Operation Support for Deployed Military
Pediatric Surgery Centers of local hospitals
Red Cross
Ronald McDonald House
Runaway shelters
Transitional Residences
United Way
Veteran’s clinics/hospitals
Victims of disasters like fires, floods, hurricanes
Youth shelters
YMCA’s and YWCA’s

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These are some of my favorites charity project ideas on what we, as crafters, can make for others this month (and throughout the year). If you have any other ideas, I would love to hear them. Today I am giving away a Jelly Roll Rug pattern, Batting On-A-Roll (to make the rug), and a jelly roll of Boundless Batiks High Tide Precut Fabric from BluPrint. To enter into this giveaway, add a comment to this blog post about what you think would be good to make for others. I will pick a random winner and announce it here on this blog post on November 29 of 2019. Good luck everyone!!

The giveaway is now closed!!! The winner is Janet T. Hooray! I will email you tomorrow and ask for your mailing address. Thank you guys for all your ideas! You are wonderful!