Tink's Mom

There are many, many more organizations that have need for your lovely quilts...Just ask and I'm sure that people will help you find another location to send your donations. I sent several out this past year...and only heard an acknowledgement that they were received from 2 of the 4 organizations.

littlebitoheaven

My thoughts, at this time, are with paulina in that it may be difficult to respond because of high volume of work and low numbers of workers. Many of these workers must be volunteers. I know, personally, that I like and would expect a simple reply. This is human and normal. I think that maybe we, as quilters and givers, could try to not get upset at non-profit organizations when we do not receive a response. On the other hand, I believe that it is crucial that a gift to an individual be recognized. I became involved in a situation last year where we (quilt board members) were asked to make "shrouds" or give colored sheets w/designs on them to cover our soldiers who die at Veteran's hospitals. I believe I sent 4 sheets but never heard back from the nurse who asked for them. I too was hurt and surprised at the non-response. My reaction to this was not to do or send any more sheets. In retrospect, I believe that I should have been more empathetic to this caregiver and lowered my expectations of her. I believe that in this instance, I was the one who "let the ball drop" and not her. I actually am ashamed of myself for my reaction. Plan to be more empathetic and less expectant in the future. Just my thoughts. Hopefully, they will help you feel better about yourself and your charitable work. I actually learned many years ago that if you give something to someone because you believe you will get something in return, you will most likely always be disappointed (and this is in regard to my own family). Yolanda Wood River

patdesign

Sounds to me like the recipient is very lax in doing their job. Send your quilts where they don't have to be followed up on.

nancia

every organization that deals with volunteers walks a fine line keeping their voluteers happy. a donation is a gift given voluntarily. you don't have to, and they need to be aware of that if they aren't. they depend on your willingness to continue to give of your time and skill and materials in the form of quilts. if all it takes is an acknowledgement it is shortsighted and foolish to the extreme for them to overlook it. it does make you wonder what else they are overlooking. still, it is a harsh climate for non-profits and many will go under for lack of donations and workers. i would say if it is a cause dear to your heart, make it as easy as possible for them and cut them every bit of slack you can.

GloriaC

Instead of making quilts and mailing to another state (?) how bout going to your local charities and give to them instead?

rahaube

A delivery confirmation would let you know that the quilts got to their destination more quickly than anything else. I think your follow-up e-mail was the second best solution. Both of these allow you to know the quilt was not lost and don't depend solely on the charity (probably volunteers) to get back to you.

DeMaris

IMO they should have at a minimum acknowledge receipt. I'm sorry they didn't until you emailed them. I understand that people get busy in life and life happens around us, however, there is a common courtesy. Glad they arrived safely.

Jennie and Me

I once saw an article about donating quilts for the homeless. It stated that the quilts should be "ugly" because somebody might try to steal it from the recepiant(SP) or it might never get to the homeless. That's sad but probably true.

nycquilter

Nope, that thought NEVER occurred to me. I am sure she gave the quilts as promised.

Murphy

Great, positive suggestions here. Thank you for sharing these tips.