Crochet for Charity

Crochet can create beautiful items to wear, to decorate your home with, to play with or snuggle up with.  Often, crafters share these creations with family and friends.  There is another way to spread joy by doing something you love, crochet for charity!  There are many ways to work locally and globally to share your craft for charity.  Here are some ideas for local and global contributions you can make.

Hospitals

Local hospitals usually love to receive a variety of items for their patients.  Preemie hats, outfits and booties are almost always gladly received.  Also, small Afghans for pediatric wards are usually gladly accepted.  These warm, snuggly items will bring a ray of home and hope to the sometimes-bleak world of the NICU and special care nurseries.  Children suffering from disease and serious injury can be cheered up and comforted by a soft and cuddly blanket. Also, creating cuddly stuffed animals and small toys for children can be a welcome addition to a pediatric unit.  Cancer units usually also enjoy lapghans, afghans, hats and shawls for patients. These items are appreciated in both adult and child size, for males and females.

Police and Fire Departments

Police and Fire fighters usually meet people at some of their lowest moments of their lives. Small blankets or crocheted cuddly toys for children can take a terrible situation and make it just a tiny bit more bearable.  Afghans for adults as well can be welcome at times, especially for fire departments. As well, ask about any local fundraisers that the local police and firefighters may be having.  They may appreciate donations of your creations for their fundraisers to be sold, auctioned or raffled off.

Humane Societies and Animal Rescue Groups

Humane societies, animal rescue groups and animal shelter are always on the lookout for donations.  One thing that seems to be a constant need is a small blanket to put into crates/cages for the rescued animals.  Crocheted toys can be used to entertain animals and reduce the anxiety that this new situation can create for the cats and dogs.  Also, they usually have fundraisers and sometimes even small stores where they can raise funds for food and housing costs.  Creating doggie jackets, Afghans, dog booties, treat bags or other novelty items could raise a lot of money for these animals in need.

Veterans Administration Hospitals and Nursing Homes

Places like VA homes and hospitals and nursing homes always enjoy receiving cheerful afghans, shawls and adult slippers for their clients.  It can add that special touch of home to bring a smile to the resident's faces.  VA hospitals can defiantly use items to give to soldiers who were recently injured and trying to face the road to recovery as bravely as possible. 

Other Civic and Private Charity Organizations

Always be on the lookout for any local organization which may be having fundraisers to help further their charitable activities.  Ask them what they would appreciate having the most and try to accommodate if possible.

There are always opportunities to do good with something you love.  Just keep your eye out and your heart open.  Check out Creative Spirit Creations for crochet patterns to inspire your charitable work!