In response to the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, the nonprofit organization Wrap the World with Quilts has mobilized quickly to provide essential aid. Trucks loaded with handmade quilts and hygiene kits are on their way to the affected areas, offering comfort and support to those who have lost so much. What began as a small effort to help Ukrainian refugees has blossomed into a worldwide movement of generosity and care.
Founded in Lehi, Utah, in 2022 by Gina and Hal Halladay, alongside Beth Hawkins, Wrap the World with Quilts initially set out to deliver a few quilts to those displaced by war. But the mission quickly grew into something much larger. To date, the nonprofit has delivered nearly 52,000 handmade quilts to people in crisis—ranging from victims of wildfires to survivors of earthquakes and other disasters.
“When we started this project, we expected to have a couple of hundred quilts; we now have nearly 52,000. My husband and I feel like this is our calling; this is what we were meant to do,” shared Gina Halladay, co-founder of the organization.
The nonprofit is currently focused on aiding those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Gina reflected, “One of the best things about running a nonprofit is that we get a front seat to all the good people doing good. It is a positive and hopeful view of the world.”
The organization’s mission is simple but profound: to provide comfort, warmth, love, healing, and human connection to those suffering worldwide. Each quilt is more than just a piece of fabric—it represents a tangible symbol of care and solidarity, wrapping recipients in warmth not just physically, but emotionally.
The community response has been overwhelming. Supporters can drop off donations of quilts and supplies at a local drop box in Lehi, Utah, or ship them directly to the organization. The response has been so strong that it required the Halladays to move their operations from their living room to a dedicated office space to handle the growing volume of contributions.
Wrap the World with Quilts has a proven track record of responding to crises. Beyond Ukrainian refugees, they have delivered aid to survivors of the tragic fires in Lahaina and Maui, earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, and many others in dire need. The nonprofit works in partnership with organizations like American Fork-based Lifting Hands International to ensure the supplies reach those who need them most.
The Halladays’ deep compassion is at the heart of the organization’s success. Despite having limited experience in humanitarian aid when they first started, their passion for helping displaced and suffering people drove them to action. “We knew so little about humanitarian aid, but we cared about those who were displaced and suffering. And we knew quilters were givers,” Gina explained.
For those wishing to support Wrap the World with Quilts, there are various ways to get involved. Donations of quilts, hygiene kits, and monetary contributions are always needed to help sustain operations. The organization also provides regular updates and current needs through its social media platform, @wraptheworldwithquilts.
Gina Halladay summed up the impact of their work: “We have the privilege of witnessing the goodness and generosity of people every day. It’s a hopeful reminder that, even in difficult times, kindness can make a world of difference.”
Through every stitch, every quilt, and every act of giving, Wrap the World with Quilts continues to show that kindness and compassion transcend borders—and that even the smallest acts of generosity can make a huge difference in the lives of those in need.