11 Charities for Yarn Crafters to Support

Here at Darn Good Yarn, we are huge believers in making this world a better place. Each and every day we work toward that goal. Today's blog gives a few suggestions to our wonderful community of crafters on ways to pay it forward and give it back!

Knitted Knockers

1. Breast cancer has certainly touched all of our lives in one form or another. Here is a great way to help people who are struggling with the challenges of breast procedures. Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prosthesis for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. Traditional breast prosthetics are usually expensive, heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery.

Knitted Knockers on the other hand are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. Special volunteer knitters provide these free to those requesting them. Knitted Knockers are made of cotton to provide a soft, comfortable feel against the skin.

Keep It Cozy

2. Project Linus may be a crafting charity that you have heard of. But, have you donated to them yet? The mission of this organization is to provide homemade blankets to children in need. The blankets are lovingly made by adults and children from all walks of life and many different sources. The diversity of people, purpose, product associated with this project is wonderful. I have donated to this cause and there are locations throughout the country.

3. Speaking of blankets, have you heard of the Snuggles Project? This is an organization that promotes giving pets the cozy comfort they need and deserve while waiting for their forever home. The Snuggles Project was founded in 1996 because of a heartfelt need to do something for the innocent victims who find themselves in animal shelters without a bit of comfort to call their own. Security blankets for shelter animals! The security blankets are called "Snuggles."

4.And how about the binky patrol? Unfortunately, many babies are born with addiction issues due to the effects of drug abuse. This organization gives blankets to babies to help them feel safe and secure. There are a few pattern options for the blankets they call binkies, too.

5. If you would like to donate blankets, hats, and scarves for people in need, check out Warm Up America! Warm America sends all donated items to homeless shelters, women's shelters, chapters of The American Red Cross, senior centers, and more! Click here to learn more about how to get invloved! 

For The Troops

6 .Warmth for warriors provides hats for troops and you can use a variety of yarns though they want you to note what the hats are made of. Hats for overseas soldiers must be made of 100% wool. As of March 2016, 41,357 hats had been distributed!

7. Another great opportunity to help soldiers is The Ships Project. This project is a great way to make a difference in the lives of those military members who are deployed on the ground or at sea. Whenever they are away from home, it's nice to provide "hugs from home" in the form of hand-knit and crocheted hats, slippers, knitted socks, sewn fleece hats, and sewn cool ties. They also supply warm items to those who have been injured or wounded. 

Your Square!

Crochet squares (or granny squares as I know them) is a quick and easy way to bust that yarn stash and perhaps make room for more fiber! So what do with those squares once you get going on breaking up that stash? Here are a few suggestions of places looking for donations of granny squares. Be sure to follow their instructions for square sizing as that will matter when being put together! Crochet is easy and squares are a great place to start but size does matter!

8. Sunshine International Blankets of Love (SIBOL) provides blankets to Alzheimer's patients around the world. What a worthy endeavor to bring a small bit of comfort to those who struggle with day to day things. We all like to feel warm and cozy no matter the circumstances. How about some fun fiber for this such as the Firecracker Recycled Resolution Silk Yarn to bring that cozy feeling with fun, bright colors?

9. Another great spot for your crocheted squares is Afghans for Soldiers. They accept yarn, squares and completed blankets for wounded soldiers and this can be both at home or abroad. So whether you crochet squares or not, yarn is certainly a welcome option to donate to this organization.

Going Local (Loco?)

10. What can you do locally? I participate in a local project to be sure kids have warm hats to get them through the cold winter weather here in New England. I may make one hat or I may make several but just one hat can warm one head and that makes a difference! Grab some darn good fiber and see what you can do for your community.

11. Donate yarn! Not sure if you have the time or commitment to make things for others? You can still pay it forward by donating your fiber to schools, nursing homes, and libraries. Craftsy.com has some great suggestions on how and why to donate your excess stash. And if you get rid of some fibers, you know you can now buy more yarns!

Yes, we love making the world a better place, whether it's with providing work for over 600 women globally, offering recycled fibers to our customers, or donating yarns to our local senior facility. Our promise is to start at love and we encourage you to do the same. Craft for joy and  to help make the world a better place. Let us know where you donate your hand made crafts!