Preemies Need Warm Woolens and Orphans Need Blankets
by Jane Lake
Crafters are generous, warm-hearted people. Here we try to link you with charitable sites and organizations that would appreciate donations of homemade knitting, crochet and craft works for people in need all over the world.
This list is just a few of the worthwhile causes that can use the products of your handiwork. If you would like me to list a charity here, or list an applicable website, please send details to: editor=@=allfreecrafts.com (remember to delete the two = signs before sending).
Please be sure the organization that you are referring is reputable and has a valid charitable aim.
Aid for Orphans Have a heart for service? If you have a sewing machine and can spare a few hours, you can be a blessing to a Ukrainian orphan child. This organization accepts donations of simple baby overalls, made to a free pattern you can download from their site.
All Crafts For Charity
This charitable Yahoo group has helped thousands of individuals and created over 1 million items to go to needy individuals all over the world. The recipients are people too poor to afford the necessities of clothes and basic care items for themselves and their children. AC4C needs all kinds of crafted items - knitted, crocheted, sewn and miscellaneous donations.
BronxHomeWorks
This non-profit organization serves needy people suffering from mental health issues in New York. Although most have shelter of some kind, some rely on homeless shelters - and all, particularly those with children, are in dire need of warm winter clothing this winter. If you can donate an item of warm clothing, please do so - babies, teens, adults and the elderly are all in need. Warm accessories such as hats, scarfs, gloves and mitts are also welcome. Please send all donations to: Bronx HomeWORKS, c/o Andrew Kissel, 2488 Grand Concourse, suite 301, Bronx, NY 10458.
Caps for Kids
You'll find a Swirled Knitted Ski Cap and a Crocheted Preemie Cap pattern at this link. Caps for Kids provides needy children with cozy hats to keep them warm. Caps are collected and distributed to agencies serving children through participating stores across the country. To obtain the name of a registered store in your area, write to: Caps for Kids - CYCA, c/o Bonnie Greene, 30112 Echo Blue Dr., Penn Valley, CA 95946-9422.
Care Wear Patterns and Volunteers Nationwide group of volunteers who knit, crochet, and/or sew, providing handmade baby items to hospitals. All Care Wear items are given free to infants, children and their parents. They have general directions, and sewing, knitting and crochet patterns for bibs, jackets, hats, booties, burial gowns, blankets, and toys.
HalfKnits.com The slogan of this group of volunteers is "creating with our hands, giving with our hearts." Knitted or crocheted items are donated to many deserving organizations. HalfKnits also offers free patterns for a variety of six inch blocks, blanket edgings and hats.
Keikicards.org A non-profit organization called Keiki Cards sends handmade cards on a weekly basis to children with life threatening diseases around the United states and Canada. Handmade cards and other small items such as handmade bookmarks, plus money for mailing costs, are always needed.
Marine Corps Kids
Non-profit charitable organization sends care packages to the families of deployed troops when babies are born while the dad is deployed. The packages typically include a hand crocheted baby afghan, perhaps a tiny bonnet, or small toy. Check out their Marine Corps Kids Blog for updates, links to patterns, and some photos of donations.
Teddies for Tragedies Canadian charity that donates teddy bears to children in tragic situations around the world; recipients have included orphanages in Craiova, Romania, Lebanon, Costa Rica and Brazil. This site includes free teddy bear patterns and instructions.
The Ships Project.
Formerly known as The Bataan Project this enterprise began in response to a letter requesting warm items, especially slippers, for the ladies on board the USS Bataan. The project has grown way beyond what was first envisioned. Other requests from sailors/Marines on other ships were received and responded to, and packages are now also going to the Marines and Special Forces on the ground in Afghanistan, to the 101st Airborne, and members of the Air Force who are deployed in Operation Enduring Freedom. The specific requirements vary with time although knitted, crocheted or sewn slippers and socks in Men's sizes and and colors are popular. Click The Ships Project link, above, for ideas on what is most needed and how to donate.
Webb Babies Volunteers who donate blankets, and knit, sewn or crocheted items to babies in intensive care; includes links to patterns.
Wings of Hope - Crafty Angels A crafty group that provides handmade items to Domestic Violence Shelters and referred domestic violence survivors throughout the United States. Craft needs include afghans, washcloths, socks, towels and personal hygiene baskets. You can donate crocheted or knitted squares to be assembled into blankets, or assist in many other ways.
A crafty group that provides handmade items to Domestic Violence Shelters and referred domestic violence survivors throughout the United States. Craft needs include afghans, washcloths, socks, towels and personal hygiene baskets. You can donate crocheted or knitted squares to be assembled into blankets, or assist in many other ways.