Crochet For A Cause
Crocheting is not only a creative hobby, but it can also be a way to spread love and warmth (both literally and figuratively) to those in need. There are many charities and organizations that would be delighted to receive handmade items from talented crafters like you. Below we will introduce you to a selection of wonderful charities that would love to receive your crocheted creations (this list is not exhaustive), from cozy blankets to cute hats.
Grab your hooks and let's get started on making a difference in the world!
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10 charities that would love to receive your crocheted donations!
The Warm Baby Project - this UK based charity was founded with the aim of keeping premature babies warm. Over time their giving has expanded to not only support NHS hospitals, but baby banks, refugee camps, and many other worthy causes besides. They accept both knitted and crocheted items. The items they are seeking vary depending on the appeal, but up-to-date information can always be found on their website or Facebook page. So enthusiastic are they about supporting those in need that they also maintain a network of ‘wool banks’ up and down Great Britain. At these banks, should you be willing to donate your time, you can collect free yarn to support you crafting items for their appeals.
2. Project Linus - is a charity that donates quilts and blankets to vulnerable children around the world. This charity was founded in America, and now has branches around the world. They accept quilted, knitted and crocheted items. It is recommended that you contact your local area coordinator before beginning your work to see which items are most in demand at the time.
3. Octopus For A Preemie - another charity that supports premature babies by supplying knitted and crocheted octopi. They supply neonatal intensive care and special care baby units across the NHS. They can only accept donations made using their pattern, which has been specially designed to meet the strict safety requirements required to keep these tiny babies safe.
4. Mother Bear Project - a US based charity that supports children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations. They provide a gift of love through a handmade bear. So far they have provided 187,000 bears to those in need - what a feat! All of the bears must be made using their specially designed pattern, and can be knitted or crocheted.
If you’d like to purchase a pattern whose proceeds support a charitable organisation too, click HERE to check out our ‘Hooked on Giving’ blog post.
5. Friday Morning Charity - I discovered Kelly and her amazing work when I won a giveaway that she hosted (FYI as I believe in being transparent). She runs 3-4 charity drives per year in support of various charities across the US. A variety of crocheted items are accepted, depending on the current drive’s requirements - full details of the drives planned for 2023 can be found on her Instagram page.
6. Knit for Syria - another worthy charity in search of crocheted items to distribute to Syrians in need. They are currently accepting jumpers, blankets, scarves, gloves, mittens and teddies to give to dsplaced individuals, and children in hospitals.
7. Age UK - the ‘Innocent Big Knit’ in a charity drive that supports Age UK. Tiny crocheted or knitted hats are placed atop bottles of Innocent smoothie. For each purchased bottle, Innocent then makes a monetary donation to Age UK. This drive has raised over £3 million to date!
8. Woolly Hugs - is a wonderful organisation that gives the gift of love to babies, children, and families, in the form of a blanket. They support individuals in both UK hospitals, and developing/low income nations around the world.
9. Knit A Square - this fabulous organisation has distributed over 90,000 blankets to the orphaned and vulnerable children of South Africa. They accept both crocheted and knitted eight inch squares which are then assembled into blankets that are filled with love. They have a gallery of squares to inspire you, and run monthly themed challenges for those who wish to take part.
10. Crochet For Cancer - is a non-profit that donates handmade chemo caps to cancer centres for those experiencing hair loss. Just like some of the other charities above, they are also happy for crochet pattern designers to offer their patterns up to be made by their volunteers.
This is only a small sample of the selfless organisations all doing their part to support those in need. Hundreds of thousands of incredible volunteers work with them to share love far and wide through their crochet.
I hope that this blog post has inspired you to donate any excess items that you create to a good cause. I guarantee that they will be gratefully received!