How To Craft For Charity

Why do people knit or crochet for charity? It’s a question that has us pondering the countless motivations behind those who craft for charity. Perhaps it’s the joy of giving, a way to use up extra yarn, or simply a way to pass the time while making a difference.

In a world that often seems chaotic, crafting for charity offers a beacon of hope and tangible kindness. You, dear reader, are probably buzzing with ideas and ready to dive in. But where to start? Fear not, because today we share not only the ‘why,’ but the ‘how’ and ‘what’ to get involved in this beautiful movement.

What Can I Make For Charity?

Over the years, I have whipped up a colourful array of hats, scarves, and blankets for various charities. The choice of what to make often hinges on three things: your current interest, the yarn you have, and the time you can dedicate.

Feeling adventurous? Consider who truly tugs at your heartstrings. Is it the adorable animals waiting for a cozy new blanket at the shelter? Or perhaps it’s the wide-eyed children in need of a soft hat to keep warm? Maybe you want to leave garments anonymously for someone in need to find and cherish. Your options are as wide as your imagination.

Charities For Your Consideration

So, we know what to make and who will receive our lovingly crafted items. The next puzzle piece? Finding where to give. I’ve done my homework and compiled a list of fantastic charities to consider, tailored to various groups in need for whom you can craft for charity.

Crafting for charity is more than an act of giving. It’s a way to spread love and warmth one stitch at a time. So pick up those knitting needles or crochet hooks, gather your yarn, and become a crafting hero today.

Animal Charities

The Snuggles Project remains a very popular program of the 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.

Women and Children’s Charities

Project Linus provides handmade blankets to children in need across the United States and Canada. Volunteers (known as “blanketeers”) create and donate new, handmade blankets or afghans, which are then distributed to hospitals, shelters, and social service agencies.

Blankets for Canada distributes handmade blankets to those experiencing homelessness or in need throughout Canada. Volunteers create and donate new, handmade blankets or afghans.

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.

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.

The Salvation Army has various programs that accept knitted and crocheted items. These handmade goods are distributed to people experiencing homelessness and those in need.

The Toronto Knitters Guild runs the Street Knit Project that accepts knitted and crocheted items to help people experiencing homelessness in Toronto. They request donations of warm clothing items like hats, scarves, and mittens.

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, and 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.

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.

Finding The Right Charity For Your Craft

Craft for charity is a noble endeavor that allows you to use your knitting and crocheting skills to help those in need. Still haven’t found a charity that resonates with you? Ravelry is an excellent resource that serves as a community site, organizational tool, and yarn and pattern database for knitters and crocheters. Within this platform, you can join groups and forums specifically dedicated to charity knitting and crocheting. These groups can guide you in finding causes that you are passionate about and help you connect with like-minded individuals.

If you are so moved to make a craft for charity, leave a comment below and tell us which charity you will support. Let’s inspire each other with our contributions!

“There is nothing more rewarding than using our talents to make a difference and support a good cause.”

Elizabeth Ruth

This post was originally published on November 11, 2019.