10 Ideas for Charity Knitting

As the Knit for Food Knit-a-Thon nears, many of us are starting to plan the projects we’ll be working on for those TWELVE hours of crafting. This has become a big topic of conversation over in the Knit For Food Facebook Group! 

Recently the idea of charity knitting came up, so we decided to put together a list of organizations for anyone interested in using their needles for good.

I also want to say that I support anyone knitting for whatever reason they want! If that is charity, great! If that is to make yourself a sweater, great! If you are knitting something for one of your donors, awesome! However you decide to use your time is just right.  Being a part of the knit-a-thon and spreading the word is already commendable work!

If you are wanting to donate your hand work, there are so many ways to do that!
Below is a list of organizations we are inspired by:

1. Lasagna Love
Laura's Da Love pattern is free... knit one and share it with a Lasagna Love chef near you!

We learned about Lasagna Love when they talked about their work during last year's knit-a-thon. If you haven't heard of Lasagna Love they are a global nonprofit and grassroots movement that aims to positively impact communities by connecting neighbors with neighbors through homemade meal delivery. Their aim is not only to help address the incredible rise in food insecurity among families, but also to provide an act of love and kindness. The mission is simple: feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities.⁠

2.  Think local!  

There are places in every community that accept donations: the NICU at your local hospital, Cancer Resource Centers, homeless shelters, mutual aid groups, etc. Call around, ask your local knitting guild or LYS… they are sure to have a list.

3.  Knit the Rainbow

At least 40% of homeless youth in New York City identify as LGBTQ+. Knit the Rainbow works to empower and protect these youth by providing them with handmade knit & crochet winter clothing accessories. 

4.  Foster Care to Success Red Scarf Project 

The care package program is an opportunity to give a little that means a lot. The Red Scarf Project sends handmade scarves each winter to a college student from foster care.

5.  Project Linus

Project Linus sends new handmade blankets to children in need. Blankets are lovingly made by adults and children from all walks of life and many different sources.

6.  Warmth For Warriors

Warmth for Warriors is dedicated to supporting our soldiers both active and retired. Handmade items from us help boost morale and let our soldiers know we are grateful for all they do.

7.  Knitted Knockers 

Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. Traditional breast prosthetics are usually expensive, heavy, sweaty, and uncomfortable. Knitted Knockers on the other hand are soft, comfortable, and free to those requesting them.

8.  Mother Bear Project 

Mother Bear Project is dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations by giving them a gift of love in the form of a hand-knit or crocheted bear.

9.  The Magic Yarn Project

The Magic Yarn Project crafts character wigs for children with medical hair loss. Their mission is to bring magic into the lives of children battling cancer, and to inspire volunteerism to make a difference.

10.  Hat Not Hate

Hat Not Hate is an anti-bullying campaign.  We ask knitters and crocheters to make handmade hate and donate them to our cause.  In October, National Bullying Prevention Month, we distribute the hats across the country for students to wear, empowering them to stand up to bullying.

There are so many ways to use our knitting skills to help those in need. If you know of any others, please share them (with a link) in the comments.

Together we can craft a brighter future for everyone.