The Love Project is an ongoing program that strives to show love to individuals and communities through the sewing and giving of quilts. Each quilt is handmade by volunteers and is meant to represent a warm hug, a symbol that reminds our recipients of how much they are loved.

The Love Project was started by our executive director, Marquetta Smith, and her mother as a way to heal from personal experiences with domestic violence. Quilting first as a way to work through their pain, anger, and uncertainty, they turned their crafting into an opportunity to make the world a better place.

The ultimate goal of the Love Project is to sew and donate one million quilts. At this time, 340 quilts have already been crafted and given away with an abundance of love. Those eligible to receive a quilt include military families, abuse victims, children suffering from terminal illnesses, and deployed service members.

In addition to these groups, anyone who needs a hug of appreciation can also receive a quilt. At Safe Harbor International Ministries (SHIM), we are big believers in reminding as many people as possible how incredible they are to the community around them. We invite you to nominate an extraordinary person to be a recipient of The Love Project by using the Love Project form on our website here.

Volunteers at the Tommy Thompson Center (July)

As mentioned above, our goal of one million quilts is one we are determined to meet and exceed. However, we cannot achieve it without the love and enthusiasm of our community. Our partnerships with several organizations and groups have helped make our goal a reality. In July, we were privileged to sew and bond with the lovely volunteers from the Tommy Thompson Senior Center.

In September, we spent time with other volunteers at the Fayetteville Georgia Senior Center to hand sew pillows for children suffering from terminal illnesses. SHIM is also an active partner with the Promise Place Shelter. This is a place for those affected by domestic violence to find restoration, and we have shared love and hugs with them through finished quilts, pillows, and hats. We want to thank every single person who continues to make this project possible.

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please fill out the volunteer form. We are always looking to grow our volunteer community.

Fayetteville Senior Center volunteers Sue and Yolanda (September)

Recent recipients of our quilts have ranged from nursing home residents to young children suffering from traumatic illnesses. Many of our recipients have been astounded to learn of their nominations. Our children recipients include 10-year-old Lydia, who had a significant tumor removed in mid-July. Through this diverse spectrum of recipients, we hope our hugs reach people in all stages of life. Check out some of our incredible recipients here.

Marquetta with volunteers at the Tommy Thompson Center (July)

Every smile that we can bring to individuals in our community is what drives us to go above and beyond to meet our goal. As SHIM grows, we will continue to give your family the warmest hugs possible through our quilts.

Written by Rebecca Kochaneck, office administration team member at Safe Harbor International Ministries