Joyful Heart is so inspired by what all of you are doing to give back to your local communities. We've created this People Giving Back section to share stories about our supporters and all their great ideas for helping to spread our mission and help survivors of violence and abuse. 

Sew Honeybee has been sending handmade quilts to domestic violence and rape crisis centers to show their support in a crafty way. I was so inspired by the incredible quilts that Sew Honeybee was sending. What a beautiful and creative way to show someone in need that their community feels for them and wishes to provide them some simple comfort during a difficult time.

Here is Sew Honeybee’s story:

I discovered the Joyful Heart Foundation accidentally one day after a Law & Order: SVU episode that I wanted more information about. At the time, I was unemployed and moving back home. I had been toying with the idea of starting a sewing business. As I packed, I thought about how I would like to donate to JHF, but I knew that I could not help financially. I thought about trying to sell a quilt and send the proceeds to the Foundation, but I didn’t think I had the advertising power to sell something, even on the Foundation’s behalf.

I knew of a few quilting organizations that gave quilts to people in need. I decided that if I could not send money, I could at least help by sending my talent. I made the art quilt Joyful Kaleidoscope, and I had always intended to frame it and sell it. Instead, I framed it and sent it to JHF.

The second quilt I sent was much more functional. I thought the cheerful colors and Carebear theme would brighten a child’s day, and I hoped that someone would love it and drag it all over the place.

I made the third quilt, Sand & Seaglass, because I was inspired by the JHF website design and the organization's unique programming.I took on an ambitious project in the fourth quilt I sent, Mending Hearts. I chose a full-sized scrap quilt design that also reminded me of JHF. The hearts on the quilt are not a single fabric, but rather a patchwork of similar colored fabrics sewn together. Many who suffer rape and domestic violence find that their heart is in pieces. I felt that this quilt represented how JHF helps mend their hearts, so they once again feel whole. 

As I was about to send another quilt, I received an e-mail from JHF, thanking me for the quilts and suggesting I send them to a local shelter. I found TESSA of Colorado Springs, and brought them the Blue Kitty baby quilt.

I am honored that I was asked to share my story, and I hope that it helps inspire others to give help where they can. Although most shelters need money the most, sometimes a home-made item can bring comfort in an otherwise bad situation.

Because Joyful Heart does not serve as a shelter or crisis center, we sent Sew Honeybee’s beautiful designs to a local DV shelter with which we partner. And we want to encourage Sew Honeybee and any of you who might be interested in sharing your talent  with survivors to look to your local shelters and centers and find out if they accept donations of this kind. And if you're looking for inspiration on what to make, there are many crafting sites that can help you. More on those soon! Check out more on Sew Honeybee: http://sewhoneybee.blogspot.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/SewHoneybee/ (Personally, I’m a big fan of the lavender and rice eye pillows.)

Are you crafting to support a local rape crisis center or DV shelter? Tell us about it in the comments below.