Charity work at NSQG is a big part of what we do and we strongly encourage member participation in service to others. Our Guild offers support in several areas and the following projects are currently in progress under the direction of Sharon Pokropinski (pokrops@att.net):

• AFLAC Cancer Center - Quilts are created for children who have cancer. Children range in age from newborn through age 18. Quilts are presented to the child by their Child Life Specialist. The AFLAC Cancer Center serves 54 children in the in-patient status.
  http://www.aflac.com/aboutaflac/corporatephilanthropy/fightingpediatriccancer.aspx
  
  
• Buddy Foundation - An all volunteer organization established in 1995 as a safe haven for homeless animals. The shelter provides immediate safety and care for stray, abused and abandoned cats and dogs. Adoption services are also available and encouraged. Guild members sew and stuff pet beds for these furry friends.
  http://thebuddyfoundation.sc102.info
  
  
• ConKerr Cancer - Brightly colored pillowcases are made for children dealing with cancer. ConKerr Chicago Chapter currently provides cases to Children's Memorial, UIC Chicago, Rush Medical Center, Lutheran General Hospital and St. Alexius Medical Center. The Guild has kits available that can be sewn, but members are also encouraged to furnish the fabric to sew their own.
  http://www.conkerrcancer.org
  
  
• Disaster Victims - Quilts and quilting supplies are collected and sent to disaster victims in Joplin, MO and Tuscaloosa, AL to provide comfort for those who have suffered so much in the past year and to help quilters get back on their feet. Quilts have also been shipped to Japan to comfort survivors of the March 11 earthquake and resulting tsunami.
  
  
• Hospice Quilts - Guild members assist Helene Detzner in making quilts for the Rainbow Hospice in Park Ridge which cares for critically ill patients who are no longer able to receive sufficient care at home and can no longer be taken care of in a hospital. A quilt is on the foot of the bed when a new patient is admitted and becomes a treasured keepsake of the family when the patient has expired. Kits are available containing ten 4-1/2-inch strips of fabric 45 inches long, four pieces of 2-1/2-inch fabric for binding and a 45x48-inch piece of fabric for backing; batting is furnished by the quilter. Volunteers may also use their own fabrics using these specifications or create their own designs that do not exceed approximately 45x45-inches finished dimensions. Fabric donations are also welcome.
  http://www.rainbowhospice.org
  
  
• Local Hospitals - Guild members knit or crochet hats for premature babies. The hats are distributed to local hospitals.
  
  
• Operation Gratitude - Guild members make handmade hats and scarves that are included in care packages which are sent to U.S. service members deployed in hostile regions and to wounded warriors recuperating in transition units.
  http://www.operationgratitude.com
  
  
• Project Linus - Handmade blankets and afghans are collected and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug to provide a sense of security, warmth and comfort.
  http://www.projectlinus.org