Thursday, August 20, 2009

Iraqi Bundles of Love

So, as usual, I'm one of the last ones to the party (having been laid up with a bad back and all) but I just have to do my part to help spread the word about a fabulous project I learned about from Quiltdivajulie. It's called Iraqi Bundles of Love and was conceived by thoughtful and caring US citizens currently serving in Iraq.

Because I still can't spend a long time sitting I'm just going to copy and paste some of the more pertinent information directly from Mr. IBOL's blog...

It is intended to be a simple project, requiring little effort and little expenditures from those wishing to participate. It is based upon my assessment that sewing fanatics and quilters and knitters tend to have stashes that far exceed their actual needs, and that sewing fanatics and quilters and knitters are passionate both about sewing / quilting / knitting, and about sharing with others.

The general premise is this. I am in Iraq, and I can get mail through the US Postal System. Willing contributors can send to me a flat-rate box of sewing / quilting supplies, all bundled up. I’d open the box, pull out the fully-contained bundle, and hand it off (with others) to our counterparts in the Iraqi Security Forces (Army and others) or the local police, for them to distribute. The stated intent of this operation is to put sewing and quilting and knitting supplies into the hands of two types of recipients: locals who desperately need such things, and local sewing co-ops who have received grants or loans (typically to purchase sewing machines, rent space, etc).

Here you can find out what to put in the bundle.

And here's the link to how to build a bundle.

To get the address for shipping your box you'll need to go to Iraqi Bundles of Love and leave a comment. But be quick - these boxes have to be shipped by September 7!

4 comments:

  1. 26 bundles have already arrived in Iraq - my three are on the way - and I love seeing how many others are sharing the info and getting involved (I heard about it from Lazy Gal Tonya)! All of which proves his point to a "T" ~ quilters are the best!

    Take care and feel better soon!!

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  2. I picked up some boxes today, heaven knows I have enough stuff to fill them both many times over. Its a great guilt free way to get rid of some inunspiring UFOs.

    Thanks for the heads up.

    Heather

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  3. Great job Sue! I think many are just learning of these and stepping up.
    I DID get to see PJ on Saturday, just as I thought...the whole epidsode on the Lifetime channel. Check it out if you want re-runs or more connections. *VBS* Hugs, Finn

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  4. I'm packing four boxes now. But I hadn't heard that the distribution is going through local men. I lived there for a year and am concerned that the bundles will be opened and sold by the men. But I'll take the chance and send my boxes anyway. Women connecting to women is a wonderful idea. Just wish the bundles could go directly into the hands of women.

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