Finding Donations of Fleece for Charity Project?

Pghgirl40
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks

June 28, 20180 found this helpful

Hi..there are always people on our Nextdoor site nextdoor.com/ with fabric...so maybe if you have the same sites you can find a match in your area. Or put out a wanted notice for what you need...if you include pix of your finished products people would see your nice work!

There is also a center in Ann Arbor (like we have in Pittsburgh) that is a non profit...maybe you can work with them:

scrapbox.org/

This list has a bunch of Michigan sites that take donations...perhaps you could partner to divert fleece for your projects:

www.reimaginetrash.org/.../

My last suggestion is one of my favorite things to do which is barter....maybe your group and another church or religious group could do trades...for example if they are knitting baby hats for preemies, perhaps they would trade you their fleece for your unwanted yarn.

As a last result you could approach your local big box charities like Goodwill and Salvation Army and see if they would work with you. I have heard some limited success stories with this....but not in my neck of the woods.

Good luck! This sounds like a neat project!

Judy
Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts

June 28, 20180 found this helpful

Put want ads on Craigslist and Freecycle. You can also go to fabric stores and ask for donations

cybergrannie
Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks

June 28, 20180 found this helpful

You say you are working with a group from a church so what method have you used to request help from members of your church?

• You say ASAP so I can only assume your group has been working on this project for a some time but since it is for blankets don't you still have a little time before the weather turns cold?
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• I only ask this as most donation requests do not reach perspective donors or get donations in a "short" period of time.
• How does your church feel about this project? Is everyone on board and willing to help it be a success?
• Has your church provided regular announcements promoting your project?
• Placed donation boxes in well seen areas so anyone can donate at anytime? Placed a box near the front office desk?
• I'm only asking these questions because these are your first and foremost donors that may be able to help with your needs on a timely basis. Other requests are going to take time and a lot of follow-up.
• You may be missing your best opportunity by just asking for fleece as there are so many places requesting fleece for blankets (in your area also) that I feel sure the supply is getting low.
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• How about finding out how much the fleece would cost - per blanket - as well as any other materials/supplies you need and make up a bulletin/flyer with details about your project and the cost per blanket. (Craft stores will usually give a good discount if they know what you are doing and that you plan to buy a large amount so be sure to check on this). Show some photos of group and any finished or unfinished blankets (if possible). Use several phone numbers to call and make the the little tear off links/strips at the bottom so anyone can take the number home for later (no one will take the time to write a number down).
• You will be looking for fleece donations but mainly money donations (be sure to start with your church) so place posters anywhere you can find a suitable spot.
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• Your church, other local churches, thrift stores, minute markets/gas stations, laundromats, etc.
• Craigslist and Freecycle are very good if you get your wanted ad in quickly and make sure it is well understood what your project is and who will benefit.

cybergrannie
Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks

June 28, 20180 found this helpful

I did mean to list this link as it is sometimes a life saver when seeking help with worthwhile projects (like the one you are doing) but you need to start early so you will have time for people to see your project.
It would not hurt to place your request now but definitely with any new project you have.
www.gofundme.com/