Every year on June 23rd, the United Nations Public Service Day celebrates the value and virtue of public service to the community. Let’s celebrate by knitting for some amazing organizations! Today, we are sharing 5 ways to serve your community with your knitting skills, including several charities where you can donate your knits.
Project Linus
Project Linus local chapter coordinators accept new, handmade, washable blankets and afghans. The recipients are children ages 0-18 years. Since some chapters have specific requirements based on the needs of the facilities to which they donate, always check with your local chapter coordinator before making a donation.
Warm Up America!
If you’d like to help, but don’t have time to knit an entire blanket, Warm Up America is a great organization for you! Along with finished blankets, they also accept 7×9″ sections which are assembled into blankets by volunteers. WUA! blankets are distributed to individuals and families in need through community service organizations as well as through chapters of national organizations such as the American Red Cross. Warm Up America! also accepts finished scarves, gloves or mittens, adult hats, and baby clothes.
Knitted Knockers
Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prosthesis for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. They are soft, comfortable, beautiful, and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. Donated knockers must be made from approved patterns and materials, so please refer to their website for all the latest information about donation requirements. Neutral colors and matching pairs are greatly needed.
Red Scarf Project
Care packages from home are important to college students. Sadly, few foster youth receive them. That’s why Foster Care to Success developed the Care Package Program. Each school year, their students receive two care packages to help them feel just like their college peers. Included in the Valentine’s Day care packages are handmade red scarves. ‘Red’ could be burgundy, cherry, russet, red stripes combined with other colors, or multicolor including red, so you can let your imagination soar! Because they have limited storage space, scarves are only accepted between September 1st and December 15 each year. Visit their website for more information about donation requirements.
Find a local group!
Many of us want to lend our skills to an organization within our community. Luckily, it’s easy to find one! Start calling around, and you will surely find a group that needs your help. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Pediatric surgery centers of local hospitals
- Children’s hospitals
- Dialysis centers
- Nursing homes
- Homeless shelters
- Hospice centers
- Oncology units
- Veteran’s clinics/hospitals
- Women’s shelters
- Youth shelters
- Animal shelters
Before donating to any local organizations, it’s a good idea to check to make sure they are legitimate. So check their social pages and website to make sure they’re contributing where they say they are. Next, check their legal status as a charity organization. Also, think about local organizations who might like you to come teach your skills. After-school youth programs, adult homes, scouts groups… what a great way to introduce someone to knitting!
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