by Katrina Chapman

Created on: July 11, 2008

I love to knit and do so for at least 2 hours everyday, probably more. Most of my knitting is for me and my etsy shop. However some of my knitting is for charity. There are several different charities you can knit for these are just a few examples.

You can knit, or crochet, cage blankets for you local animal shelter. The animals really appreciate having something between them and the cold metal floor of their cages. If you're an animal lover and this is something that you're interested in doing please contact your local shelter and get the dimensions of the cages. Even a garter stitch square made of acrylic is great for them.

You can knit, or crochet, sweaters, hats, gloves, mittens, socks, and any other cold weather wear you can think of for children in impoverished conditions. I know of several charities that accept hand knit gifts for children of all ages. Usually for children in orphanages in places like Yugoslavia and former USSR states. Do a search online for charity knitting for orphans and you'll find lots of places you can send your stuff too.

You can knit, or crochet, for our troops. There are men and women stationed places that need warm clothing. They're not all in the Middle East. There are people stationed in Alaska, and Greenland that need warm clothes. Just contact your nearest base to find out where you can donate items.

You can knit, or crochet, hats for cancer patients that have lost their hair. Some really love having a hat made out of some sort of fun fur type yarn to look like they have hair again. Some just like having their heads covered so they don't get cold, or sun burned. Either way most cancer patients that have lost their hair due to chemo therapy like having some sort of head cover. Contact your local hospital and I'm sure you'll be able to get some information.

You can knit, or crochet, for your local elder care facility. A lot of the residents at these facilities are alone and a simple gift of a washcloth or pair or house socks can go a long way towards making them have a good year. Contact your local facility for ideas of what kind of items would be most useful.

You also don't have to spend tons of money on yarn or supplies for your knitting, or crochet. Most local thrift stores have a section where you can purchase bags of old yarn to use for these charity knitting projects. Sometimes you get a great surprise in these bags as well.

Whatever you decide to do please donate at least some of your knitting, or crochet, to a charity. Not only do you help someone less fortunate than you, but you make the world a better place. You also feed your soul by giving.

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