Cross posted from Community Quilt Project
Medallion for Nurse Kelley's quilt
There is a contest on for free booth space at NN11. If you are on Facebook, you can vote here. The Community Quilt Project is currently in third place -- we need more votes. You can help us by voting, of course, but also by spreading the word.
Let me tell you a little more about the thinking behind this new non profit.
There are a lot of charities out there where people can volunteer time or donate money. But the hard truth in this terrible economic time is if you have time, you probably don't have money. And if you have money, you may not have much time. There are people out there who would like to do something good -- but can't afford to do it for nothing. I know, I am one of them. And I found a way, in the large internet room that is Daily Kos, to lift people's spirits, build a sense of community, and support healing through quilting. People have been very glad to support the effort. My sister and I have been blessed to have this work.
Now is the time to spread the effort. There are more people in this room who quilt and who have limited means. Perhaps they are disabled, perhaps they are unemployed, perhaps their income is so limited that come bill paying time every month, things are squeaky tight. I imagine the Community Quilt Project to be a way to make a gift give twice -- by paying something for the loving work of someone's hands and by producing useful things for other charitable organizations.
The first project is for Familia Unida, a multicultural organization in Los Angeles that serves people with MS and other disabilities. Irma Resendez runs that organization -- and she has thought of a way so that the gifts will give not twice but three times. This enterprising woman will create an event to benefit Familia Unida -- an auction or a party with an opportunity to donate -- around the wheelchair quilts we will provide. Then they will be given to the people Familia Unida serves. I am thinking that other organizations we might work with will do the same. Those organizations are likely to include clinics, women's shelters, veteran's homes -- and more.
If you love the quilts we've been making, vote for us. If you like the idea of helping women who are having a hard time making ends meet, vote for us. If you like the idea of charitable gifts having a profound ripple effect, vote for us.
And help us spread the word.
I hope to see you in Minneapolis.
Boots says, "Thank you for supporting the Community Quilt Project!"
VOTE HERE
Namaste.