In the Why Do People Knit For Charity post, we considered what motivates people to craft for charity and why it’s important. Many of you asked how exactly they could get involved. Today I’m sharing some ways for you to get started.
What Can I Make For Charity?
Over the years, I have made many things for charity including hats, scarves and blankets.
I decided based on my current interest, yarn stash, and time available to dedicate to crafting the pieces.
If you are open to all things, consider who you would like to make it for. Do you get warm and fuzzy when you think of donating to an animal shelter? Or how about children? Or maybe you prefer to leave a finished scarf for someone in need to find on their own?
Charities For Your Consideration
We’ve thought about what you’d like to make and who to give to. Now let’s find out where we can give. I’ve researched charities and will list them by who will benefit below.
1. Animal Charities
The Snuggles Project remains a very popular program of Hugs Society (formerly Hugs for Homeless Animals). Its popularity is worldwide. People from all around the world make Snuggles and donate them to their local animal shelters and rescues. Since its inception, we have provided more than a million Snuggles to shelter animals around the world. And that number continues to grow.
Comfort for Critters is a volunteer program that donates free handmade blankets to comfort homeless pets living in animal shelters across the US.
2. Women and Children’s Charities
The Mother Bear Project is dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations. By giving them a gift of love in the form of a hand-knit or crocheted bear.
Wool-Aid is a community of knitters and crocheters who create warm woollen garments for children who live in the coldest climates and have the least access to resources.
The Pink Slipper Project is an endeavour to warm the hearts and toes of women and children living in shelters for victims of domestic violence. Not only will a pair of handmade slippers help keep them warm, but remind them that they are not alone and that someone cared enough to make something special just for them. Simple kindness goes a long way in the healing process.
Octopus for a Preemie is a U.K. group of people who crochet and knit little octopuses and jellyfish to comfort babies who came into the world a little earlier than expected. To the premature baby, our carefully made octopus’ tentacles feel like their mother’s umbilical cord.
3. Homeless Charities
Warm Up America is a national non-profit that since 1992 has provided hand-knitted and crocheted blankets, clothing and accessories made by volunteers across the country and donated to people in need.
Blankets for Canada Society makes 8″ (20 cm) squares by knitting or crocheting. When 48 of these are sewn together we have a blanket 48″ X 64″. The blankets are given FREE to the organization in your area that cares for those without shelter or in need of warmth. No blanket is sent out of Canada. Blankets are kept as close to where they are made as there is a need.
4. Health Charities
Red Scarf is a movement bringing the community together to raise real awareness and knowledge about the positive advances in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. Red Scarf stands against stigma to improve the lives of those living with, affected by and at risk for HIV/AIDS in our community.
Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. Traditional breast prosthetics are usually expensive, heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers, on the other hand, are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. Our special volunteer knitters provide these FREE to those requesting them.
5. Local Charities
Comforting the Cold Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Ontario, Canada who distributes handmade socks, hats, mittens, scarves and blankets cold Canadian winters.
Still haven’t found a charity that resonates with you? Check out the Crochet Guild of America’s directory of places you can crochet for charity.
If you are so moved to make a craft for charity, leave a comment below and tell us which charity you will support.
“There is nothing more rewarding than using our talents to make a difference and support a good cause.”
Elizabeth Ruth
