Knitting for charities

Knitting for charities is a tradition dating back to the Spanish American war (1898) when knitters knit for mariners: mariners who were away at sea during Christmas. Reports the Seaman's church organization (http://www.seamenschurch.org/cas.htm ) which has continued this tradition.
Of course charity knitting could date further back than 1898 - whose to know.

Googling "knitting for charities" resulted in 520,000 sites. Here is a very brief list:

Hugs for Homeless Animals
http://www.h4ha.org/snuggles/

Warm up America!
http://www.warmupamerica.com/
2500 Lowell Rd
Gastonia, NC
28054

Blankets for Canada
http://www.blankets4canada.ca/
214-905-1 Avenue South
Suite 217
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
T1J 4M7

Project Linus
"It is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need." http://www.projectlinus.org/
PO Box 5621
Bloomington, IL
61702-5621
Project Linus reports that they donated 1,347,961 blankets in ten years.

There are many fine state/province-wide charities. Unfortunately, space limitations prevent me from listing them here. If you would like a lengthier list here are two sites which have extensive lists:

http://www.interweave.com/knit/charities.asp

http://www.woolworks.org/charity.html

Both of these lists focus on American charities.

Be forewarned, charities vary with the amount of work they expect from their volunteers. Some national charities may expect their volunteers to do paper work.

When you are selecting charities don't forget to look in your own backyard. What groups or individuals would benefit from your stitches?

Ask: your friends, coworkers, and family members
local hospitals, doctor's office or public health nurse
shetlers, transition houses, hospice
local nursing homes, day care centers
police stations (officer), victim assistance programs
places of worship, food distribution centres
your local governmental officials

It has been my experience that once word spreads that you are knitting for charities acquiring yarn is not an issue. If you are having trouble locating yarn supplies recruit your local yarn store, thrift shops or post an advertisement in your local paper.

When selecting yarn for charity knitting it is important to bear in mind durability and ease of care. As well, when knitting for babies select a soft yarn.
Once your item is ready to donate, attach a tag stating the fiber content and care instructions.

Currently, the Mayne Island knitting group, Knit Witts, are knitting for

The Capital Mental Health Association which distribute gifts to their clients. Many of their clients may only receive this gift for Christmas.

Our group is also knitting for White Gift Sunday. Gifts collected on this day are distributed to island families who are in need.

This year I was too bogged down with other commitments as a results my charity knitting suffered. I was only able to donate one small bag (a few hats and some scarves). Next year I hope to knit at least one item for charity per month. I will let you know how this goes.

Knit on!