Thanks for all the comments on what to do with the machine I picked up at the garage sale. It's not fancy, but it works. I especially appreciate the comments on Good Will. I never thought of the things mentioned. I will not be giving it to Good Will. But it is kind of discouraging to me. I'm a retired United Methodist clergy and I always heard Good Will was started by the Methodist Church in 1916. But, things change, and I'm glad you all alerted me. And, thanks for the nice comments. But it's just a small thing I can do. Maybe some can come up with other things to do for good in the context of the quilting hobby. Gary

I know a lady who spent some time in prison. She said people would donate fabric and machines and she learned to quilt while there.

Thanks UBE Quilting. I have a retired minister friend who is very involved in Habitat for Humanity. I'll ck with him. Gary

If you advertise it on a freecycle in your area you could meet the person you give it to
Judy

That's a great idea Teddybear Lady. I worked in a women's prison Work Release program years ago, and one of the women had no money and was able to make her cloths on an old Singer. They were very nice. And she showed others how to sew. All these suggestions are so good. May I be bold and suggest that others may have old machines that aren't "collectibles" and may want to share them. Again, you all are very good people. Gary

I would look for a new home for your machine where you know it will be used.
My daughter's Montessori school has one in the classroom.
Shelters, resident homes,etc.
It would be a shame to wind up in someone's collection.

You quilters are right about some resaleing. I work at a thrift shop and there is an antique dealer lives two blocks anyway,comes in 5 times a day just to see if we put something of value on the shelves. Resales on e-bay.

What a generous heart you have! I like the women's shelter too.
In other countries donated machines can pull a family out of poverty because the woman (usually) can then have a stay at home (or village) income. They can send their children to school and have enough to eat year long. I believe there is an organization in Wisconsin somewhere that collects and sends machines out in groups to these women who receive training and get help in finding work. Its another possibility.
Can you even imagine that a $5-20 machine and someone's kindness could change a whole families world????
These are the miracles that happen everyday when we believe a stranger is also a neighbor.
Bless your heart for such kindness, and good luck in your decision.

Very seldom do I go into a Goodwill store here any more because of what they charge. Now our Salvation Army seems to be going the same way. Cotton shirts for $10-15.00. Sometimes you can find things at a reasonable price but it's getting harder. BrendaK

I look for fabric in our Goodwill. Clothes are cheaper at Walmart.