March 20 is National Quilting Day here in the U.S. (though, you can celebrate anywhere in the world, of course). What better way to celebrate than doing some good for someone else with quilting? Check Distributors has some wonderful ideas for ways to give back through quilting on National Quilting Day. Here is a summary of their charitable ideas:

Quilts of Valor

This program was started by Catherine Roberts in 2003 when her son was deployed to Iraq.  She wanted to cover all wounded and injured service members with a quilt.  Since it’s inception, this program has donated over 15,000 quilts to the cause.  Visit their website for more information.

Quilts for Kids

Quilts for Kids, Inc. transforms discontinued, unwanted and other fabrics into quilts that comfort children in need.  These children are fighting a life battle with cancer, AIDS, and other serious illnesses.  They also gift to children of abuse.  Their goal is to link design centers and other fabric sources nationwide to their communities, so that children in need in those regions may be served. This program has been so successful because every effort is made to keep the quilts in the areas in which they are made.  Visit their website for a list of the organizations who accept donations.

Project Linus

Project Linus has distributed over 3,000,000 quilts since1995 through 378 chapters nationwide.  Visit their website to find an active chapter in your area. Their mission is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriouslty ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gits of new, handmade blankets and afghans, created by volunteer “blanketeers.”

One Million Pillowcase Challenge

American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine has joined forces with many of the top companies in the industry [including Fabric Shoppers Unite, sister to Fabtalk] to support an effort by quilters to produce 1,000,000 pillowcases.  These cases are distributed as a token of love to anyone that needs  a hug.  The recipient may be a cancer patient; a foster child, a battered woman, or a nursing home resident.  To participate, visit their website.

Hospital Gowns – Free Pattern

Independent quilt shop owner Rita Fischel teamed with Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl fame to write a pattern in both adult and childrens sizes.  You are encouraged to give these handmade gowns to someone you know who is in the hospital or a nursing home–a hospital gown in a fun fabric would certain brighten the day of many people battling an illness or injury. These patterns are available as free downloads on Joan’s website.

Of course, many local charities would also be thrilled to received your gift of a quilt or home sewn item. If you have a favorite cause or charity, ask them if they have use for such items.

Also, if you are looking for other ideas for quilting for good all year round, the newish book by Katherine Bell, Quilting for Peace, has over 25 project ideas as well as profiles of organizations and people involved in quilting for charity. Some of the stories brought tears to my eyes, and I’m sure they will yours as well.

Image credit: “Binding Queen: Rainy Day Sunshine” by IndieHouse, submitted to the FabTalk Flickr group.