WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR DONATING QUILTS TO QUILTS BEYOND BORDERS?

Quilts Beyond Borders (QBB) works hard to utilize donated quilts in the most effective way possible to provide warmth, comfort and hope to people affected by war, poverty, natural disasters and illness all over the world. To ensure your quilt donation can be properly processed and distributed through their relief programs, please follow the guidelines below when preparing a quilt donation for QBB.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR DONATING QUILTS TO QUILTS BEYOND BORDERS?

The first step is making sure your quilt meets QBB's size specifications. For ease of transport and distribution, they request that all quilts be no smaller than 40 inches by 50 inches and no larger than 72 inches by 90 inches. These standard twin and queen sizes allow the greatest number of people to be helped while fitting efficiently inside shipping containers. Quilts should be finished with all raw edges enclosed so they are safe and won't unravel over time and repeated washings. 

Once your quilt is complete and meets the size criteria, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Even new quilts can harbor dust, pet dander or other allergens that may cause harm to recipients. QBB requires that all donated quilts be freshly washed in hot water and dried on the highest heat setting prior to shipment. This high heat sanitization process helps eliminate any potential allergens or bacteria. Fabric softener sheets or dryer balls can be included in the dryer load to add a fresh, comforting scent.

After washing and drying, it's time to package your quilt donation properly for shipping. Quilts should be folded or rolled as compactly as possible before placing inside a protective fabric wrapping, such as a pillow case or cotton laundry bag. Plastic bags are not recommended as they can promote mildew growth during prolonged storage or transport. A small label with your name and address should be securely sewn or pinned to the outside of the package in case QBB needs to contact you about your donation.

When the quilt package is complete, you have two shipping options. For smaller donations, quilts can be mailed using USPS Priority Mail shipping boxes and labels available from your local post office. Simply address the box to Quilts Beyond Borders at their headquarters in St. Louis, MO. The other preferred option is dropping off packaged quilts at one of QBB's 50 authorized donation drop-off locations across the U.S., which are usually partner quilting shops, fabric stores and churches. 

Regardless of shipping method, QBB asks that donated quilts be sent during the warmer months from April through September when extreme heat and cold are less of an issue. Winter months put recipients at greater risk of hypothermia, so QBB focuses distribution then on manufacturing quilts locally from their fabric stash. Proper timing helps ensure donated quilts can be quickly processed and sent where they'll provide maximum benefit.

Once received, all donated quilts go through a final quality inspection before being inventoried, packaged and shipped overseas. QBB works with established international relief partners to distribute quilts to refugee camps, hospitals, orphanages and disaster zones. Distribution is handled carefully to select locations and recipients most in need. QBB sends periodic newsletters and posts stories on their website sharing photos and updates on how donated quilts are warming lives around the world.

Thank you for your consideration of quilt donations to Quilts Beyond Borders. By following their guidelines, you can help ensure your gift of warmth and comfort reaches those who need it most. QBB is able to transfer so much hope one stitch at a time thanks to the generous support of quilters worldwide. Please let me know if you have any other questions!