Charity Knitting

Since learning to knit I have always tried to include some charity knitting in amongst all the other knitted items I make. Currently, I have two charities that I provide with knitted (and other goodies) items. I knit the items, collect them and then about twice a year try to mail all I have created off to be gifted by the charitable organization.

When doing charity knitting it is important to follow the directions and requirements. Try not to use yarns that will need special care. I find Red Heart yarn works very well for all charity hand knit items. The yarn tends to wear very well, not pill and can withstand abuse (both in laundering and general living).

I have knit items for The Seamen's Church Institute Christmas at Sea program. This organization provides hand knit items to ships that dock in New York. Their website contains all the information you will need along with their patterns. This charity especially is very specific about what they receive as donations. The majority of the reason has to do with safety issues. The hat, scarf and helmet patterns are very easy - almost mindless knitting. It is exciting to think about just how far some of your lovely hand-knits will travel once they have been gifted to a mariner.

I also send items to the Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation. I have sent items over the years both to South Dakota and also to Arizona. They appear to be in some ways a clearing house for reservations and their donation drives. They are very accepting of almost all kinds of donations. You can even purchase items from Amazon and have them delivered for you. For example, I always shop the back to school sales in the summer and fill a few boxes with general school supplies. Pencils, erasers, notebooks and books are needed by every school in the world.

I do not need to receive a thank you note from the organizations. It is enough for me to know I tried to help others in a way. I would rather they save their money to spend it on buying needed items, not postage.