American Charities That Accept Handmade Donations: Where Your Sewing Talents Make a Difference
If you’re a sewing enthusiast looking for a way to make an impact with your handmade creations, there are plenty of USA-based charities that welcome donations of sewn goods. From quilts and blankets to clothing and accessories, these organizations help people in need while allowing you to give back in a creative and personal way. Inspired by The Sewing Hub‘s November Challenge, take a look at this roundup of charities that accept sewn items and how you can get involved!
1. Project Linus
Mission: Project Linus provides homemade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need of comfort. With chapters across the country, it’s easy to find a local branch where you can donate your handmade blankets.
Items Needed: Quilts, blankets, and afghans made from washable, soft materials.
How to Donate: Visit the Project Linus website to find your local chapter and get guidelines on what materials and sizes are preferred.
2. Dress a Girl Around the World
Mission: This charity is dedicated to providing new, handmade dresses to girls in need around the world. The organization believes that every girl deserves at least one dress, and they welcome volunteers to sew simple dresses that are easy to make yet impactful.
Items Needed: Handmade dresses in various sizes (instructions are available on their website).
How to Donate: Check out Dress a Girl Around the World for guidelines, patterns, and the address for sending in your donations.
Try: Some of our incredible dress patterns!
3. Ryan’s Case for Smiles
Mission: Ryan’s Case for Smiles is committed to providing hospitalized children with cheerful, handmade pillowcases that bring comfort and a sense of home during their hospital stays.
Items Needed: Brightly colored, kid-friendly pillowcases in standard sizes. The pillowcases are designed to be washable and soft to ensure comfort.
How to Donate: Visit the Ryan’s Case for Smiles website for detailed pillowcase guidelines, fabric suggestions, and information on local chapters.
4. The Little Dresses for Africa
Mission: The Little Dresses for Africa initiative provides clothing to children in underprivileged areas of Africa and other parts of the world. They focus on creating simple dresses for girls and shorts for boys.
Items Needed: Cotton dresses for girls and shorts for boys, made using simple sewing patterns provided by the organization.
How to Donate: To participate, go to the Little Dresses for Africa website to find instructions and donation information.
Try: FREE Haiti’s Pillowcase Dress
5. Quilts of Valor Foundation
Mission: Quilts of Valor honors military veterans by providing them with handmade quilts. Each quilt is intended as a lasting reminder of gratitude for their service and sacrifices.
Items Needed: High-quality quilts in a range of sizes. The organization has specific guidelines regarding fabric and patterns to ensure uniformity and quality.
How to Donate: Explore the Quilts of Valor Foundation website to find information on quilt requirements and how to submit your creation.
6. Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan’s Purse)
Mission: Operation Christmas Child provides shoeboxes filled with gifts, including handmade items, to children in need around the world. Sewists can donate small items that fit into a shoebox, such as clothes, toys, and bags.
Items Needed: Small handmade toys, bags, clothes, or accessories suitable for a child.
How to Donate: Find instructions on donating and packing on the Operation Christmas Child page and look for drop-off locations near you.
Try: FREE Pixie Panties or FREE Barb’s Knit Headband
7. Baby2Baby
Mission: Baby2Baby supports children in poverty, providing essentials such as diapers, clothing, and other necessities. Sewists can contribute by making blankets, bibs, hats, and other infant and toddler items.
Items Needed: Baby blankets, bibs, hats, and small accessories made from soft, washable fabrics.
How to Donate: Check the Baby2Baby website to find more details on what’s needed and how to donate.
8. Operation Gratitude
Mission: Operation Gratitude provides care packages to deployed troops, veterans, first responders, and military families. They appreciate handmade items that bring warmth and comfort, like scarves and hats.
Items Needed: Handmade scarves, hats, and other small comfort items.
How to Donate: Visit the Operation Gratitude website to find details on acceptable materials, patterns, and donation guidelines.
Try: FREE Blitzen Beanie
Tips for Donating Handmade Items
- Check Donation Guidelines: Each charity has specific requirements for materials, sizes, and styles, so check their website for up-to-date instructions before starting a project.
- Use New, High-Quality Materials: Most charities ask for new, unused materials that are soft, durable, and washable.
- Label Items When Necessary: Some organizations require labels with washing instructions or other details, so make sure to check before sending.
- Stay Connected: Many charities have volunteer networks or local chapters. Joining can help you stay informed and feel more connected to the cause.
Giving Back Through Sewing
By creating and donating handmade items, you’re bringing warmth, comfort, and joy to those who need it most. Every stitch counts, and there’s nothing quite as rewarding as knowing your sewing skills are making a positive impact on someone’s life.
Join The Sewing Hub and share your charitable makes for a chance at some incredible prize packages and discounts!
