CHARITY PROJECT
Foster Sew
The Foster Sew Program is a collaborative community service initiative led by the Racing Fingers Quilt Guild and Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church in Ormond Beach. This heartfelt program brings volunteers together to create beautiful, comforting quilts for children in foster care using donated materials and community support.
Volunteers assist with the assembly and construction of quilts, helping transform donated quilt tops into finished pieces ready for donation by piecing quilt tops, attaching backings, layering batting, and supporting general quilt assembly. Basic sewing or quilting skills are helpful but not required, and there are many ways to contribute.
The program meets every Thursday from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church, located at 1035 West Granada Blvd, with additional days occasionally scheduled throughout the year for special high-volume or “blitz” sewing projects. Quilt tops are sourced through generous donations, while the program covers essential internal components including batting and backing materials.
As an ongoing community service opportunity with no fixed deadlines, the Foster Sew Program offers a flexible, welcoming, and low-stress environment for volunteers of all experience levels. The program has also been supported through generous contributions from the Rotary Club of Daytona Beach West, along with continued support from community partners and volunteers dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in foster care.
CHARITY PROJECT
Fidget Quilts
In 2015, members of the Racing Fingers Quilt Guild launched the Fidget Quilts Project to support elderly patients living with Alzheimer’s and dementia at Florida Hospital. The goal was simple but meaningful: provide a safe, engaging way to keep hands occupied and reduce fidgeting with medical equipment during care.
Guild members created nine-patch mini quilts featuring tactile and interactive elements such as textured fabrics, thread spools, cording, zippers, buttons, and Velcro tabs. Each quilt was carefully laundered, packaged with washing instructions, and delivered to the hospital. Nursing staff were thrilled with the donation, and the quilts quickly became a valued comfort item that patients could take home with them. Members continue to create these special quilts today.
In 2019, during American Quilters’ Society Quilt Week at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center, the guild was provided a booth along with generous donations of fabric and embellishments from AQS and other corporations. Many attendees stopped by to participate and learn about the outreach effort, resulting in more than 60 fidget quilts being completed. Most were delivered to Florida Hospital, while over 20 quilts were given to individuals who expressed a specific need — a truly rewarding experience as members witnessed the joy these quilts brought to recipients.
Due to the project’s success, guild members have also been asked to create 13″ x 18″ fidget mats for the Activity Room at the Emory L. Bennett Veterans Nursing Home in Daytona Beach, expanding the impact of this meaningful community service initiative.
Sit-N-Sew
Looking for dedicated time to stitch, create, and connect? The RFQG Sit ’N’ Sew meets on the third Tuesday of each month in Fellowship Hall and is the perfect opportunity to spend time sewing alongside fellow members.
Whether you want to work on charity projects for the guild, bring your own creations to life, or get help with a project, this relaxed gathering offers a welcoming space to sew, share ideas, and enjoy great conversation.
Bring your machine, extension cord, and projects — tables, ironing board, iron, and cutting board are provided. Come ready to get some work done and have a wonderful time visiting with fellow quilters!
Ready to join us or want more details?
Contact Kathi Carlson at info@racingfingersquiltguild.com.
Retreats
As a special perk of membership, the Racing Fingers Quilt Guild offers an exclusive 4-day, 3-night quilting retreat held each spring and fall at the Luther Springs Retreat Center in Hawthorne, Florida. This getaway is the perfect opportunity for members to escape the distractions of daily life and enjoy dedicated time to complete unfinished projects or start something new in a peaceful, inspiring setting. Participants benefit from the fellowship of fellow guild members, sharing ideas, and receiving help or advice on techniques whenever needed. Whether you are stitching late into the night or enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the retreat center, this seasonal tradition fosters a supportive community where creativity and friendship flourish.
Workshops
As a member of the Racing Fingers Quilt Guild, you’ll gain access to engaging programs held on the second Monday evening of every month. To keep the creativity flowing, we also host workshops throughout the year on both weekdays and Saturdays. Our guild boasts a vast knowledge of quilting and fiber arts, making every session an amazing opportunity to learn. Many of our workshops are led by our own members, but we also have visiting teachers lead programs.
Past programs have featured our annual mystery quilt, wool appliqué, fabric dyeing, collage quilting, and bags. A special program is our Christmas in July to help members get a headstart on holiday gifts. It’s always a joy to create together. Come join us and be part of the fun!