Give a Day, Get a Day
During the Give a Day, Get a Day, the question came up a couple of times, ” I am assuming that a quilted blanket is worth more than the listed price of a no sew fleece which only takes about 30 minutes to complete.”
First, because you chose to make a sewn blanket rather than a tied fleece blanket was your choice. We all have our personal styles. Some spend $30 on fleece to get what they want, and other find old fabric from someone who died in the family and make a quilt.
During the Give a Day, Get a Day, the question came up a couple of times, " I am assuming that a quilted blanket is worth more than the listed price of a no sew fleece which only takes about 30 minutes to complete." I have to say I’m worn out from these self serving attitudes. Who is this person to say it takes 30 minutes? I’ve spent hours with children who wanted to make a difference and this was the only type of blanket they could make. It took them hours because they wanted to cut each fringe piece straight and "not mess up" for the kids. They had more heart than most.
First, because you chose to make a sewn blanket rather than a tied fleece blanket was your choice. We all have our personal styles. Some spend $30 on fleece to get what they want, and other find old fabric from someone who died in the family and make a quilt.
Some purchase expensive fat quarters from quilt boutiques and make fancy quilts that take days or weeks, some of us use scraps from previous projects and strip-piece them for a quick quilt. The results are the same – you made a blanket that is a certain size.
To the IRS, that’s what matters: How many blankets, what size?
To the children, that’s what matters.
I realize that a lot of you have spent hours and pride yourself on your pristine stitches. You do that for you. To expect to receive a tax deduction based upon the hours spent doesn’t work.
Think of this: Two groups paint a house for a poor family. They both buy paint, drop cloth, masking tape for the windows.
One group gets done in 2 hours because a member of their group has a sprayer. The job is done thoroughly and their half of the house is painted.
The other group took three days to paint the house with brushes to give it a more quality look. Their half of the house is also painted, but it took a lot longer and may look nicer for those who can tell the difference.
The cost of the paint was the same. The cost of the paint is deductible – that’s all. The MATERIALS, not the time.
Does it mean the first group enjoyed it or was less dedicated? No, it was personal preference and working within their own abilities.
Before you volunteer for us, please think about your motivation. Are you doing it for a tax receipt, a Disney ticket or are you doing it to provide comfort to a child through a loving gift?
If the first answer fits you, please find another organization. You are not a fit for us or our philosophy. Giving is just that – a GIFT – not a barter for a tax deduction or a ticket. It’s from your heart to make a difference. We’re picky that way. We prefer to have your egos left outside if you join us, your pride that you are better than any other volunteer with fewer crafting skills. If you need to prove yourself with your craftsmanship of a quilt, please enter your local county fair!