All Volunteer, All Heart from Binky Patrol

Today is a short episode requesting you consider these requests:
Consider starting a local chapter - 2 - 100 people! Great way to build community and make friends. (info here)
Make binkies, aka blankets. We can send you the labels. (info here)
Host a Bink-A-Thon at your company or in your community - we'll give you all the stuff you need. (what's a bink-a-thon?)
Sponsor Binky Patrol - podcast, website, events - request a sponsor package. (info here) (request a package)

Today we're catching up with Russ Cassavah, founder and president of Little Bricks Charity. It's been over a year since we last spoke with Russ, and the changes in his organization are remarkable.
In this episode, Russ shares how Little Bricks Charity has transformed its approach to helping hospitalized children. We'll hear about their innovative livestream building sessions that combine LEGO construction with educational content, including collaborations with local zoos.
A highlight of their new initiatives is the "Happy Puck" - a custom LEGO set designed as both a communication tool for children in hospitals and a creative fundraising opportunity. This hockey puck-themed set allows kids to express their emotions without words and serves as a physical reminder to seek happiness. It's also part of an exciting partnership with the local Norfolk Admirals hockey team and the ECHL.
Russ's journey demonstrates how smaller nonprofits can evolve by embracing feedback, fostering partnerships, and thinking creatively about their mission. Let's dive in to hear how Little Bricks Charity is using LEGO, technology, and innovative ideas to bring more joy and support to kids in hospitals.
Links from this episode:
Little Bricks Charity

In this episode, Binky Patrol founder Susan Finch delivers a candid and passionate message about the importance of quality in our mission to comfort children through handmade blankets. Susan's 'tough love' approach tackles a growing concern: the influx of hastily-made fleece blankets that don't quite meet the mark.
Get ready for a mix of hands-on tips, heartfelt pleas, and a dash of humor as Susan guides us through the do's and don'ts of creating blankets that truly show care. Whether you're a long-time volunteer, a community service seeker, or just curious about how to make a difference, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
So, grab your scissors, settle in, and let's learn how to put our best stitch forward for the kids who need it most. It's time to tie up some loose ends – literally and figuratively – on 'All-Volunteer, All Heart.'"
Links from this episode:
https://binkypatrol.org/category/patterns/fleece-blanket-patterns/
https://binkypatrol.org
 

In this episode, we join Susan Finch as she chats with Kimberly Legg, who runs the Temecula chapter in California. Prepare for a story that's hilarious and inspiring, as Kimberly recounts how she unexpectedly became the recipient of a truly massive fabric donation - we're talking about $30,000 worth of material!
How did this fabric bonanza come about? Well, it all started with a late quilter's playful revenge on her golf-obsessed husband. What follows is a delightful conversation about managing this overwhelming gift, the creative ways Kimberly's chapter is putting it to good use, and how one person's quirky hobby has turned into an incredible legacy of comfort for countless children and families in need.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to be amazed by the power of generosity, community spirit, and a whole lot of Raggedy Ann and Andy fabric!
https://michellesplace.org/
https://wishesanddreamers.org 
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#joeythebear #raggedyanne #raggedyandy #binkypatrol #temecula 
#temeculavalley #makingadifference #thingstodoinsocal #thingstodointemecula #temeculaca #winchester #Cityoftemecula #Gratitude #volunteerappreciation #temeculavalley #makingadifference #thingstodointemecula #temeculaca #Cityoftemecula #cancercentervolunteer #communitymatters #bettertogether #supportingyourneighbors #cancersupportcommunity #connectedbycommunity #communitycomingtogether #temeculatalk #murrietatalk #fallbrooktalk

Our topic today is Quilting for Community: From Grief to Nonprofit Success with guest Lizz Leral, Executive Director of Quilting for Community. She shares how personal loss sparked a quilting journey that grew into a thriving nonprofit. You'll hear her story and ideas about:
Transforming personal healing into community service
Building an intergenerational crafting community
Creative fundraising through a fabric thrift store
Balancing volunteer passion with business necessities
Learn how quilting fosters connections and supports those in need.
Lizz Leral, a Philadelphia transplant, founded Quilting for Community in Los Angeles in 2018 after losing her Dad. Previous to quilting, Lizz was a singer/songwriter and independently released 3 albums under her moniker Lizz Fields. Her professional experiences revolved around performing, teaching, and creating. 
Upon discovering quilting to be emotionally & mentally beneficial, Lizz had the vision to create a space for the community to learn quilting, free of charge. “Newbies” learn the basics, then after 3-4 quilts, they guide the next batch of newbies. The classroom quilts are donated to those in hospice, hospitals, and shelters. Since its inception, Quilting for Community has delivered 1,423 quilts and taught 679 students.
Social Mediahttps://www.tiktok.com/quiltingforcommunity https://www.instagram.com/quiltingforcommunity/https://www.facebook.com/quiltingforcommunity

Susan Finch of Binky Patrol interviews Mara James, founder and CEO of the Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF). Listeners will learn about ELF's mission to improve children's mental health and emotional wellness through programs like Piggie Bear and the HUGS School Life Healing Center. Mara shares her personal journey of overcoming mental health challenges and how it inspired her to create tools for children to build emotional awareness and resilience.
The episode highlights the importance of teaching children emotional wellness skills from an early age, reframing mental health challenges in a positive light, and providing holistic healing options. Listeners will discover how Piggie Bear books and plush toys are being used in schools and hospitals to help children cope with difficult emotions. For those working with or caring for children experiencing trauma or emotional challenges, this episode offers valuable insights into innovative, compassionate approaches to supporting young people's mental health and well-being.
Links from this episode:
https://elfempowers.org
https://hugslife.org
https://binkypatrol.org
 
 

There are many ways to list your volunteer opportunities. This short episode goes over some of our favorite volunteer and matching fund portals. They include: volunteermatch.org, benevity.com, and joindeed.org.
Tips include:
Have a checkbox that they agree to have their photos taken and used for your site and social media accounts
Link to a form if you are posting this somewhere like NextDoor or Facebook to get their info into your database
Include a checkbox for privacy policies and your promises to them.
Be detailed and keep the opportunities simple. 
Create a short video for the opportunity landing pages and specific landing pages on your site encouraging people to volunteer.

Susan Finch, founder of Binky Patrol, discusses the importance of having a cohesive branding package for nonprofit organizations looking to scale up. She shares insights from her own experience, highlighting the need for consistent messaging, logos, fonts, and phrasing across all chapters and volunteers. Susan also touches on the benefits of streamlining processes, such as providing digital patterns and outsourcing printing, to save time and money. By creating a comprehensive branding guide, nonprofits can ensure that their volunteers have the tools they need to represent the organization effectively and maintain a strong, recognizable brand. Whether you're a small nonprofit just starting out or an established organization looking to grow, this episode offers valuable advice on the power of branding and the steps you can take to create a cohesive brand identity.
 
Overall takeaways:
A cohesive branding package is essential for nonprofits looking to scale up and maintain a strong, recognizable brand identity.
Consistency in messaging, logos, fonts, colors, and phrasing across all chapters and volunteers is key to building a successful brand.
Streamlining processes, such as providing digital patterns and outsourcing printing, can save time and money while ensuring brand consistency.
Maintaining control over chapter branding and online presence is crucial to protecting the organization's reputation and mission.
Creating a comprehensive branding guide empowers volunteers to effectively represent the organization and its values.
The Binky Patrol branding guide sample covered in this episode (PDF)

In the second half of the conversation, Fran Morgan and Donna Robertson from Fabric Cafe share their passion for quilting and discuss the importance of passing down the love for sewing to younger generations. Fran expresses her wish to continue producing excellent books and patterns while expanding their reach to younger quilters, ensuring the craft thrives. The hosts discuss how sewing skipped a generation but is now making a comeback, with people learning through YouTube and other resources. They also touch on the growing trend of repurposing and reusing materials, turning old items into beautiful new creations. Fran and Donna share advice for those who have inherited fabric stashes and those who want to learn to quilt, suggesting they contact local quilt guilds or organizations for guidance and support.
Links from this episode:
Fabric Cafe
3-yard Quilts
Fabric Cafe on YouTube
Fabric Cafe on Instagram
National Bink-A-Thon October 19

In this heartwarming episode of All Volunteer, All Heart from Binky Patrol, host Susan Finch sits down with the dynamic duo behind Fabric Cafe, Fran Morgan and Donna Robertson. Discover how their passion for quilting led them to leave corporate America and build a thriving business that inspires creativity and joy in the quilting community. Explore the power of quilting to bring people together, create a sense of community, and make a difference in the lives of others. Learn about Fabric Cafe's mission to keep quilting simple, fast, and fun, making it accessible to beginners and experienced quilters alike. Join Susan, Fran, and Donna as they discuss the versatility of quilting, the importance of communication with their audience, and the incredible growth of their YouTube channel since the start of the pandemic. Get ready to be inspired by their infectious enthusiasm and love for the art of quilting.
Links from this episode:
Fabric Cafe
3-yard Quilts
Fabric Cafe on YouTube
Fabric Cafe on Instagram
National Bink-A-Thon October 19