Project Warmth
As colder weather settles over the Portland metro area, we invite you to help wrap some of our most vulnerable neighbors in warmth, comfort, and kindness through Project Warmth—a community-wide effort to collect handmade AND donated quilts, blankets and afghans for hospice patients and people experiencing homelessness.
Imagine what could happen if each of us contributed just one blanket—or gave a little of our time and talent to make one. Together, we could bring comfort to people facing some of life's most difficult circumstances, while reminding them they haven't been forgotten.
How can I help?
Sew Handmade Quilts for Hospice Patients
For a hospice patient facing life's final chapter, a handmade quilt can offer a measure of warmth, dignity, and reassurance. When the patient passes, families have a beautiful legacy of love to hold onto.
Specific Requests
Lightweight
4' x 5'
Colors: Americana or Neutral
FREE FABRIC AVAILABLE: Thanks to generous donor and retired hospice social worker Maggie Alberton, LCSW, we have beautiful fabric for this project. If you'd like to pick up free fabric, email info@PositiveChargePDX.org. A PC! PDX angel will contact you to arrange pick-up in SW. First come, first served with quantity available.
A single quilt or blanket may seem like a small gift, but multiplied across our community, those gifts can become a powerful expression of compassion. That's the potential of Project Warmth: turning individual acts of kindness into a collective embrace of our neighbors.
Good Deed A
Good Deed B
Blanket the Homeless
For someone living in a shelter or on the streets, a blanket or afghan can provide a welcome layer of protection against the cold.
Crochet or Knit an Afghan
(or 8" Squares & we'll assemble!)
Washable yarn
All sizes up to 6' x 4' (twin-bed size)
Donate a Fleece Blanket
All sizes up to 6' x 4'
(prefer twin-bed size)
With or without "fringed edges" . . . a great project to do with a group or kids!
Donate Any Blanket
(purchased new or gently used)
All sizes up to 6' x 4'
(prefer twin-bed size)
NEED YARN? We have a limited supply of FREE YARN available! If you would like to pick up some, email info@PositiveChargePDX.org. A PC! PDX Angel will contact you to arrange pick-up in SW.
Drop-off Locations
November 1 - 29
Bolt Neighborhood Fabric Boutique
2904 NE Alberta St.
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Downtown - 808 SW 10th Ave.
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Alberta - 2022 NE Alberta St.
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Beaverton - 4955 SW Western Ave.
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Lake Oswego - 429 First St.
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Portland - 8325 SE Stark
Note: Please place your quilts or blankets in a plastic bag before dropping them in a PC! PDX collection bin.
FAQs
Who's receiving the items?
To "home" the handmade quilts, we're working with hospice programs and nursing facilities in the area such as Assured Hospice.
The blankets and afghans will be delivered to Portland-area organizations that serve our unhoused neighbors such as Blanchet House, Portland Rescue Mission, Operation Nightwatch, and others.
What type of fabric should I use for the quilts?
Quilt-weight 100% cotton. If you have "fat quarters" or can pick those up at a fabric store, those would work great. Regarding the batting, make your quilt lightweight. Remember you are blanketing a fragile beloved.
What about the quilt fabric design?
The hospice programs note there’s an EVEN SPLIT ON GENDER NEEDS for these items. Many are veterans, which is why we're requesting Americana-themed quilts. Neutral fabrics can be used for any gender.
What type of yarn should I use for the knit or crocheted afghans or squares?
Try to use an acrylic or polyester yarn because it is washable and dryable. HOWEVER, if you have lots of superwash wool, that is great, too. As long as the yarn can be washed or get wet without felting or shrinking, you're good!
What size should I make my squares?
Try to keep the squares 8 x 8 or 9 x 9, if possible. BUT . . . f they are off-sized, IT'S NOT A PROBLEM! If you are trying to teach knitting to someone, and it turns out an interesting shape, no worries. We can make different sizes work together.
What type of stitching should I use to make squares?
You can use any stitch you like! Everything from basic knit through to cables. Crochet is great, too. This project is wonderful for practicing a new stitch!