by Belinda Simon

Created on: September 11, 2010

If you enjoy knitting or crochet you may enjoy creating some items and giving them to charity.

There are numerous charities and not-for-profit organizations, which would be grateful for your handiwork.

Hospitals

Your local hospital is sure to have a volunteer department. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator and ask if they need any knitted or crocheted donations for an upcoming stall. Hospitals, especially church-run facilities, usually run stalls to raise funds and handmade items always sell well. Knitted or crocheted baby booties, bonnets, and shawls are especially popular. Often very small garments are needed for premature babies.

Churches

Local places of worship always need warm clothing for the needy in their community. They often have fetes and fairs to raise money for their charitable projects. Knitted and crocheted items are sure to be appreciated.

Homeless shelters

There is a great need for warm clothing in homeless shelters. The managers here are likely to accept anything to keep their residents warm, especially blankets, sweaters, scarves, socks, gloves, and beanies. Start making them now so they will be ready before winter.

Halfway and safe houses

Women and children sometimes flee abusive homes and relationships. Often when they leave, they are not able to take extra clothes with them. They need to rely on charities and generous people to provide their basic necessities until they have a more permanent home. Warm, hand knitted or crocheted clothing would be appreciated, especially during the colder months.

Registered charities

The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul are just two charities, which provide shelter, a hot meal, and warm clothing for the poorest in the community and to victims of disaster. You can help by volunteering to knit and crochet for them.

Children in undeveloped countries

Knitting or crocheting clothing and blankets for children and babies in war-torn and disaster-stricken countries can save lives. Often these children have little or no clothes. Millions of children starving or are the innocent victims of AIDS and HIV infections.

Specialized projects

There is a sad need for a particular line of baby clothes. Despite the tremendous advances in medical science, tragically some babies are stillborn. Many parents like a photograph of themselves holding their baby dressed in white, non-lacy layettes as a keepsake. These special layettes help ease the burden of the grieving patients at a time of great distress and pain.

These are only some of the ways you can knit or crochet for people in need. Knitting and crocheting for charity is a personally rewarding venture. If your friends know you are knitting or crocheting for charity, they may be encouraged to join in. Your favorite charity will thank you.

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