We are thrilled to share the news with you that the LWR Quilt & Kit Ministry is expanding to reach neighbors in need in the United States. This means that quilts and kits will now comfort families here in the U.S. — and abroad, as they always have.
This expansion is possible entirely because of the enduring generosity of the LWR Quilt & Kit Ministry community — the tens of thousands of individuals across the U.S. who contribute their time and talents to make and assemble quilts and kits.
In fact, LWR quilts and kits are already on the way to partners in the U.S., with the first distributions expected to happen later this year.
The Quilt & Kit Ministry is our longest-running program, born in 1945 — the same year as Lutheran World Relief. Over these last 80 years, the Ministry has grown considerably, which means we can now expand our reach to comfort and care for more of our neighbors, both near and far.
Together, we serve a God of incredible abundance! Thank you.
You’ll be happy to know that our U.S. partners are thankful, too. Humanitarian and social services organizations — including our newest partner Lutheran Family Services of the Rocky Mountains — are eager to share your gifts of care and comfort with children, women and men in their communities. These organizations reach people who are affected by disasters, coping with crises or struggling in poverty.
We know you have questions — we have answers!
There are no changes to the quilt and kit guidelines. All guidelines will remain in place to allow maximum flexibility for reaching neighbors in need at any given time and in any country.
Please keep reading for additional information about the expansion and answers to commonly asked questions. You can also download this information as a PDF here.
Can individuals/groups designate where they want their quilts and kits to be distributed? Can individuals/groups designate quilts and kits to a particular U.S. partner, emergency or location?
No, quilts and kits cannot be designated because shipments are based on need. Our international and domestic partners complete applications to request quilts and kits. Applications are received and reviewed on a rolling basis. This process — combined with the enduring generosity of our quilters and kit makers — has helped us effectively respond where needs are greatest. That process will remain in place as we move forward in this exciting expansion.
Will any of the guidelines change since quilts and kits will now be distributed in the United States?
All guidelines will remain in place to allow maximum flexibility for reaching our neighbors in need at any given time and in any country.
What is the process for determining where quilts and kits are shipped in the United States?
In the same way that our international partners complete applications to request quilts and kits, our national partners will do the same. All partners must clearly demonstrate needs, how quilts and kits fit into their comprehensive programming, and how the partner works with the local community to ensure engagement in decision making and distribution plans. Applications are received and reviewed on a rolling basis, and that process will continue.
Should we send quilts and kits to local partners instead of LWR?
Although we know many groups send their quilts and kits to local partners, please continue to send your quilts and kits to LWR the same way you always have so we can continue to meet the needs of neighbors near and far.
Emergency situations: LWR coordinates with multiple organizations responding at the local level when communities in the U.S. are affected by disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, flood and wildfires. This coordination is critical to ensure quilts and kits are delivered where resources are most needed and to avoid local organizations from becoming overwhelmed with inventory. If you would like to ship quilts and kits directly to a local organization, please confirm that the organization is equipped to accept the donation. And please continue to ship quilts and kits to LWR as you always have to ensure we are able to respond to demand for resources.
What percentage of quilts and kits will be shipped domestically?
While the percentage will fluctuate annually depending on need, we expect that more quilts and kits will be shipped internationally simply because there is a larger combined population outside the U.S.
Will the cost to ship quilts and kits change?
No, not initially. As we move more deeply into domestic distributions, we will track transportation costs over time and adjust accordingly.
Can individuals and congregations request quilts and kits be distributed in their community, whether in response to a natural disaster or other need?
To best facilitate coordination and quick access to quilts and kits, we are working with local Lutheran social service agencies. Please contact your nearest agency and follow their procedures for requesting assistance.
Thank You
We are tremendously grateful to you and the entire Quilt & Kit Ministry community for making this significant and historic expansion possible. Please continue to make quilts and kits for neighbors in need around the world, including at home in the U.S.