Knit for a Cause: Charities Helping People in Need During the Pandemic
This past year has been quite challenging for all of us. At the same time, I’ve also noticed that it’s brought out the best in people: whether it be paying for someone else’s groceries, cooking for your neighbors, or donating things to people in need.
Within the knitting community, we also saw folks take initiative to use their talents and their crafts to do good.
Did you participate in events with a cause in the last year? Or are you considering giving your projects away to people in need? If you have any finished work or looking for something to do next, there are tons of charities that raise money for different causes and accept donations of money or your knit creations to give to people in need.
Here are some charities that have raised money or donated knit projects to help people in need during these times:
01 The Knit for Food Knit-a-thon
I recently participated in the Knit for Food Knit-a-thon. It was a 12-hour knitting marathon on April 11th. Over 700 hundred knitters joined in and raised a whopping total of $270,660 which was equally distributed to the following organizations: Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, Team No Kid Hungry, and Meals on Wheels. I am so thankful and honored to be a part of this event.
Visit Laura Nelkin’s website to learn more about the event and sign up for her mailing list to find out about the next knit-a-thon if you are interested.
Here’s an article about the great success of this first time fund raiser!
02 Knots of Love Knot-a-thon
Late last year, there was another marathon-style event! The annual Knit & Knot-a-thon raised over $13,000. The goal was to send knit or crochet beanies, PICC covers, or NICU blankets to cancer patients.
It doesn’t stop there! If you are interested, you can still donate. Their website has a guideline for knitters and crocheters on yarn recommendations, measurements, and how to donate. Learn more »
03 Mittens for Detroit
It’s never too early to start preparing for the winter months! Mittens for Detroit is a charity that distributes winter accessories such as mittens and gloves to those in need. Help this charity reach its goal of having 50,000 pairs of mittens/gloves for children, teens, and adults for this next winter. Learn how you can help here »
04 The Covid 19 Memorial Blanket Project
In Canada, people who love arts and crafts are participating in the COVID-19 memorial blanket. The project aims to bring comfort to those who may need it. The project began with a large art installation blanket. Then, one 12-inch square is added to the blanket which represents one soul lost due to Covid-19.
If you have any questions, check out their website to learn more about the blanket project!
05 More Charities to Donate to!
Last spring, many designers including myself wanted to do something to help first responders, people in need, and underpaid workers.
We donated pattern sales to the following organizations: Get Us PPE, One Fair Wage, Feeding America, and–in my case, a charity near and dear to my heart–The Actors Fund. Check out these charities to find out how you can help!
It is never too late to participate in donating any of your knit projects. There are so many wonderful places to give and it will make a huge difference in someone’s life. What is on your list to donate this year? A blanket? Mittens? Let me know in the comments!
I have crocheted (not knitted sorry) 3,000+ caps for homeless, chemo & hospice folks- does that count?
OF COURSE ❤️❤️
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WONDERFUL WORK. WILL YOU ACCEPT KNITTING PATTERNS?
Are you asking about a donation to a charity? You would have to contact each charity to see what they need. I don’t think most charities need patterns. They accept donations or finished objects.
Where are you donating to in this current situation.
All the charities in this post have links to get more information about how to donate.