Hi...No, I am not a Floridian and thanks for allowing me to come on in and comment. I noticed that the Central Florida Embroiderers were debating on a worthy charity. All ideas mentioned are special.
I just wanted to jump in on a view from the "other side". I was a Crisis Intervention Team Member for a police department for 4 years (unfortunately, I moved from the area and my response time was no longer healthy and put me in danger). My role was to arrive to the situation after the perpretrator was removed and to be with the victim(s) whether it be a man, woman, senior, child, etc.
This particular area had a few remodeled homes as safehouses. Most people will donate used items and sometimes, not in very good condition. Receiving new items in these safehouses is fanstastic, preferred and most welcomed. Children are uprooted from their homes (many times in the middle of the night at 2AM, 3AM) and placed in this environment and it is scarey. To have a quilt, a teddy bear, a doll - even a simple fabric pillowcase (border can be embroidered simply) would be welcomed. Pillowcases are so easy and whip up in no time. The children in these situations are not always able to bring their favorite toy, doll, blanket, etc.
Homeless Shelters are devastating as well. But I believe they are mostly funded by the state, town, Salvation Army. Also, in this area is United Way. Every March, they do what they call "Baby Bundles" where they accept all new baby items and they love receiving blankets and quilts. Baby Bundles usually go to unwed mothers and they receive this gift at the hospital.
Unfortunately, history usually repeats itself. I would venture a guess and say that domestic violence will be on the uprise. With unemployment, heating oil price increase and heck, let's face it, food costs......tension mounts.
Good Luck Ladies on your endeavor. Whatever charity you decide on, y'all are doing a good thing here.
Joan/NJ