Charity Idea OUTpost: Beginner's Guide to Charity Crafting

Back when the world was younger, the internet came into vogue for the general public.  I had a very noisy modem and a "dot matrix" printer... also noisy.  But I found there communities of knitters and crocheters using rudamentary chat forums to others to give back to groups like Project Linus.   Knitting and crocheting were not at all the national phenomenon that they have become in the last several years.  I began my journey into charity crocheting at first, then knitting.  It can be a bit overwhelming with so many people looking for your assistance so I am writing this article as a kind of guide to aid you in finding the best fit for your work. 

First, believe it or not, there are some "charities" accepting knit or crocheted items that are not really reputable so it is always good to look into the charity before donation.  However, there are some well known bloggers, websites, and organizations that offer lists of charities.  These are generally nationally known charities that have established good reputations over the years.  Let's begin with my favorite: Bev's Country Cottage.  Bev's Country Cottage has researched the list of charities she provides and is comfortable recommending them to you.  Craftsy is a very well known website offering everything from yarn and patterns to classes on cooking and painting.  They have access to an entire array of resources from the Art/Craft world.  Ashley Little wrote this article to help people looking to donate their handmade items.  There is an entire website devoted to giving handmades entitled "Giving Artfully".  Their goal is to connect the fiber artists with charities that need their help.  The coolest thing is that they have an entire program for children!   It helps children reach their full potential by learning to give to others through crafting.  I'm SO glad someone took the time.  Two skill specific organizations The Crochet Crowd and Knitting For Charity have extensive lists of charities on their pages.  The great people at The Crochet Crowd and Knitting For Charity do their best every day to help create an attitude of giving and gratitude but, they can't choose the right charity for you.  That will take research, knowing what motivates you, where you can do the most good, how much time you have to devote, and if you have the skill set necessary.  Above all please read the guidelines for each charity carefully and give something that you would be proud to give a friend or family member.  

Sometimes people have an overwhelming passion for a certain kind of charity.  For instance toymaking, creating shawls, blankets, nests for baby animals, or blankets for homeless animals   Finding a charity might be more difficult so here are a few specific charities that may assist  you in following your passion. 

• Stuffed Toys gftw.org/current-projects/teddybearbrigade/
• Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (including military families) 
• www.shawlministry.com/ Donations of prayer shawls for comfort during berevement, emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatment ect.
• The very first charity I worked with when I started out was Project Linus.  It is a fantastic charity making blankets for kids.  While this may seem obvious for a charity there are not many with the same long standing reputation as Project Linus or Binky Patrol. 
• World wide people can count on Needles & Hooks, Angels & Preemies to meet needs for vital handmade items for tiny babies born in the poorest parts of the world to adults with alzhemiers.  Based in the United Kingdom, NHAP works diligently to use every item donated where it can do the most good.  It is one of the greatest charities I've ever been associated with.  
• Wildlife rescues are a great way to help people and nature get back on their feet so check out Wildlife Rescue Nests.  
  
• The Snuggles Project helps shelter animals have a warm blanket of their own to keep them comforted.  I have a rescue dog myself.  She lived in a shelter that was a recipient of some beautiful blankets.  I'm sure Ginger had a blanket of her own.  
  

If you need patterns, check my archives for Indy Designers or Charity Idea OUTpost free patterns.  You'll find zillions!   I know some debate the validity of giving handmade items to charity however, no one can debate the validity of giving of yourself to others.  There is no limit to the amount of lives that can be touched by one person who is kind enough to share of themselves.  Thank you in advance.