Calling All Angels

Last year I worked with a project that we ended up calling "Quilt Angels"  If  you click on that link you can read the posts from last year. (This post will probably show up there also )

We received a total of 16 quilts, one for every resident that was there.  The day of the delivery was amazing.  We delivered on Christmas Eve (partly because we started the project too late to manage it any time sooner.)  There were two residents that did not go home for Christmas. Why? (I had to ask, didn't I?)  The one answer made me so sad, but also glad that we had done the project.  "It just isn't a safe place for her to be right now."  While this broke my heart for her, I realized that I have so much to be grateful for. My parent's house has always been a safe place for me.  Even to this day, when I am acting as partial caregiver to my mom, I feel safe and loved at her house.  I am truly grateful that I always had a safe haven.
One touching moment from the delivery was when the two picked their quilt from the stack.  One picked her quilt and was really looking it over when she saw that the giver had put a label.  In awe, she asked "Did someone in Virginia really make this for me?"  Obviously she had never had so tangible a gift that was given with unconditional love.  I managed to smile through the entire time we were there for the delivery but at times the tears really threatened.  I thought I knew the real meaning of Christmas before that but it really gained a deeper meaning for me that day.

Okay so, here is what I am asking:  Could you, would you be able to find it in your heart to make a quilt for this endeavor?  We would like to match the number we did last year which is 16 quilts.  The quilts need to be 45" by 60" inches or bigger as these are all teenagers.  We prefer a gender neutral fabric selection as there are both boys and girls in the shelter. The quilt needs to be here by December 12th but if you are running behind communicate with me and we can probably work out a late time for you. (however, earlier is better)
Your binding can be finished by machine - it is generally faster and stronger, but if you want to hand sew it down that is okay too.  Labels are a great addition to the quilt - you don't have to put your name if you don't want to.  I would love for you to put the STATE your are sending it from and maybe "made with love" on it.
If you wish to donate a quilt but remain anonymous, please put a note in with your quilt so I don't mess up and list your name in a blog post.

If possible we will deliver on Christmas Eve again. It really made Christmas more meaningful to me last year.

Last year we had a prize and this year we want to have prizes too. We are offering two gift certificates for $50 each to an online fabric store such as Connecting Threads or Fabric.com.  If you win I will let you choose the store. So there will be two prize winners.  But honestly everyone who has enough love in their heart to do this is already a winner.
I will also be happy to accept prizes from other sources.  So if you have a store(or just a big heart)  and want to sponsor a prize, please let me know.  I answer all comments unless the post states otherwise.  You can also email me at geneblack At gmail (dot) com.

The shelter home for this project is The Ogden House.  This shelter is a part of the Tennessee Valley Family Services organization.  They operate on a minimum budget and rely a lot on donations.  Needless to say, the quilts are probably the best Christmas present the residents get.  One of my friends is making a pillowcase to go with the quilt she is making. I will probably include a machine embroidered lace bookmark with mine. An extra gift is appreciated but not at all necessary.  But just for the fun of it, if you include an extra gift I will do another giveaway with a small prize that I will make just for you. Just be aware that it may take me some time to get it to you as I will make it specifically for you.
I really look forward to hearing from you.