The Guild donates small comfort quilts to a number of organizations throughout the year. These quilts are made by the individual members with encouragement by the Community Quilt coordinators. Donated fabric and low cost "charit" batting are available for members use. Throughout the year quilt packets are made available at the monthly meetings, and once a year there is a Sew Night at a Guild meeting for hands on work on the quilts.

Here is a list of the organizations we support and the quilt requirements of each:

Suspected Abuse Response Team (SART)

The staff at SART (of SLO County) examines and interviews children (and some adults) who are suspected of being physically or sexually abused or severely neglected. During the process they are given a quilt as a “cover-up” and a comfort. They chose their own quilt, and they get to keep it. It’s the first step in the recovery process.

The quilts range in size from 36”x42” (a standard panel size) for the youngest, to approx 40/42" x50/52" for the older ones. They should be cheery and appeal to boys, girls, and teens. Many of the clients are teenage girls.

Chemo Cozies

These quilts go to children (infants – 18 yrs) who are undergoing chemo therapy at LA Children’s Hospital. In addition to being cheerful and appealing to boys, girls, or teens, there are two specific requests for the Chemo Cozies.

1. For the younger children (infants to 6 or 8 yrs) a flannel back is requested and the size can be smallish
   (36" x 42").
2. For the mid-grade kids through teens a muslin or light colored solid fabric for the back is requested. The kids have their families, friends and hospital personnel sign and write messages on the quilt backs. They receive an appropriate marking pen with the quilt. Quilts up to 45" x 60" maximum, but 40" x 50" is a good size.

Adult Chemo Cozies

These quilts go to new, incoming patients at Coastal Integrated Cancer Care on Tank Farm Rd in SLO to help keep them warm through the chemo treatments. These should be lap sized quilts (approx 40" x 50"). Fabrics with more adult motifs and color schemes may be used. We try to give them 5 quilts a month.

Teen Pregnancy and Parenting Program (TAPP)

This is a program through EOC Health Services of SLO County. They provide assistance to teen mothers and focus on keeping them in school to finish their high school diploma and/or obtain education to prepare them for a job. Baby quilts are the request here. One or both sides can be flannel, but that is not a necessity. The 36" x 42" (a yard of fabric) is a good size. The teen mothers have very little, and really appreciate the handmade quilts.

Quilts of Valor

These quilts go to veterans and wounded soldiers through a nation wide program. There are a number of specific requirements such as the quilts should be patriotic in theme and measure 55" to 65" wide by 72" to 90" long. For a full list of requirements, go to the Quilts of Valor Requirements page at the Quilts of Valor website. Judy Fry will take care of the quilting if you wish her to do so.

Local Convalescent Homes

When we have extra quilts, or receive quilts just not fitting any of the above categories, we take them to our two local convalescent homes. Lap size is still a requirement – 36" x 42" to 40" x 50" being good.

Concerning Fabric Donations

The Community Quilt Coordinators do accept donations of fabric to use in the quilts.  However, due to the large quantity we already have accumulated, we have needed to become more selective in what we can accept.  Colorful, cheery fabric is always welcome.  Please call and talk to us about your donation before dropping it off.

Additional Organizations We Have Donated To

Women’s Shelter
Independent Living Program through Transitions
Work Training Programs
Painted Turtle Camp
Camp Reach for the Stars
CASA
San Luis Coastal Adult School’s Parent Participation Program
Mount Carmel Luthern Church’s December Homeless Program