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Where Volunteers Make a Difference

Giving from Our Hands and Our Hearts

If you would like to touch lives in your community using your creative sewing, knitting or crocheting skills, consider this program. Volunteers create items like quilts, afghans, shawls, fidget/activity quilts, mittens, face masks and more to donate to nonprofit organizations to help people of all ages throughout Dane County. On average, approximately 15,000 items are made and distributed annually to help others stay warm, safe and comfortable. Click here for a list of organizations that have received our handmade items.

Our volunteers often tell us this program is what gets them going in the morning—to give from the hand and the heart to neighbors in Dane County. Whether you choose to enjoy the camaraderie of a sewing or knitting group (Group Projects) or create your donations independently and safely at home (homeworker), you will be able to use your creative passion to make a difference in people's lives. 

How to Become a Knitting or Sewing Volunteer

Join us! Help us positively impact our community as a Group Projects & Homeworker volunteer! To find a sewing or knitting group near you or register as a homeworker, contact Kate Seal at 608-310-7280, or complete this online form. There are optional patterns and supplies available, but this truly is an opportunity to make what you love and how you love to make it, whenever you have time and desire. All skill levels welcome!

Donations are Gladly Accepted

Each year, RSVP recycles thousands of pounds of donated materials. Instead of being sent to landfills, these items are crafted into beautiful, handmade items that are much appreciated by the community members who receive them. If you have acrylic or washable yarns, cotton quilting fabric, fleece, flannel, denim, corduroy, upholstery fabric, sewing notions or batting to donate, contact Kate Seal at or 608-310-7280. 

How to Receive Our Handcrafted Donations

If you represent a community group or local nonprofit agency and need items of warmth and safety to give to those you serve, please download a Request for Handmade Items Form in printable pdf format and mail to Kate Seal, RSVP, 6501 Watts Road, Suite 250, Madison, WI 53719, email to or fax it to 608-238-7931. We will be honored and delighted to share our volunteer-crafted donations with your organization. Each item is beautifully unique and offers warmth, safety, comfort and supportive sentiment.

 

 

 

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Volunteers & Recipients Tell Us

A Gift for Someone Else
“During the winter, I have no transportation and very little contact with my friends, except for my RSVP group. So I sew. I love everything about quilting. I love that my mother taught me and that her mother taught her. I love that quilts are both warm and beautiful. And, I love that it is something I can do for someone else."
- RSVP Group Projects Volunteer
Caring
"RSVP items provide welcoming warmth and pride in cold winter months for both adults and children who would otherwise go without. Also provides a world view that people care."
- Community Recipient