Project #38: North Carolina, From Ewe to You

From March 15 to April 15, 2013, we will be creating items for those who need them in North Carolina.

This month, we are partnering with Hannah Moyles of Wake Forest, North Carolina. Hannah started From Ewe to You and delivers items to various agencies in her area, including rescue mission and shelters.

What they need:

9”x9” crocheted/knitted squares (which will later be joined into blankets)
afghans
scarves
hats
mittens
booties

All sizes (men, women, children).

Where to mail:
Hannah Moyles
5609 Thornburg Drive
Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587

Hannah has agreed to keep a count for us, so please remember to tag your items with the Sharing Our Gifts tag. Happy Creating!

 

Project #37: Arkansas, Warming Families

It is time to spread the warmth to the state of Arkansas. From February 15 to March 15, we will be making items for the Compassion Center: Hats and scarves. Sweaters and sweater vests would also be appreciated, but not required for this project. All sizes are needed. Dark colors preferred. Most of the people receiving items live on the streets and in the woods, so items that don’t need special laundry care are best. This means that the best fibers for these items will be acrylic, acrylic blends, and super wash wool. If an abundance of children’s sizes are received, some might be held back for later in the year for their Christmas party. Last year, they had over 300 children for the party, and were happy to have the warm clothing. If other items such as lap throws, afghans, and shawls are donated, there are other local locations that could use those also. I am told the the only thing that they don’t have a use for is mittens and gloves. This project has officially ended, but items are always accepted. Email me for mailing information if you wish to contribute. Please remember to tag items with the Sharing Our Gifts tag. Thank you for participating! Happy Creating!

Project #36: Nebraska, Hats For Hope

This project officially runs from Jan. 15, 2013 to Feb. 15, 2013 (I am posting early so you can begin early if you like…)

 This month, we are joining with Nebraska Hats for Hope initiative. From their group: “The inspiration for this group stems from Emily’s Hats For Hope Initiative located in Morristown, New Jersey. Emily’s Hats For Hope Initiative is an organization that was founded by a 17 year old from New Jersey. This is how Emily wanted her project to evolve. She wanted her concept to be duplicated by people all over the world so that more people could benefit from a warm hat, mittens, gloves, scarf or afghan. Emily set out to show the world that teens can make a difference in the world.”

So, for this project, we will be making items for the VA Hospital in southern midtown Omaha, which serves over 200 homeless vets year-round, providing them with a place to do laundry, receive a hot meal, as well as receive other services as needed. They are always in need of warm WASHABLE hats for the vets.

For this challenge, there are just a few things to keep in mind: Please use acrylic yarns that are washer/dryer safe. Most of these vets are men, so gender-neutral colors are preferred.

You can mail items to: Nebraska Hats For Hope Initiative PO Box 6093 Omaha, NE 68106 - 6093 Please remember to attach the Sharing Our Gifts tag to each item sent. You can find them in the top left sidebar where it says: Printable Tags to attach to donations.

Happy creating!

 

Project #35: California, Modesto charities

This project will run from November 15 - December 15, 2012.

There are two charities that are working together this fall/winter. They are supporting the local non-sectarian homeless shelter, which is mainly adult men and women. Caps/hats, scarves and mittens are the most requested as well as socks. The second charity is a Domestic Violence/Women’s shelter, where children and teens are the ones in the most need. Mittens, scarves, and hats are the main requests, but they are happy to take washcloths, shawls, anything that would help someone, “with very little self esteem, confidence, or happiness” in their life. (Quotation from the director). Modesto has extremely high unemployment, and is one of the lowest income areas in the state of California.

This project has ended.  If you would still like to donate, please email me for address information.

Project #34: New Mexico, Silver Horizons

Project runs from October 15 to November 15, 2012. This month, we are knitting for low-income and disabled Seniors in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Silver horizons is serving about 9 low-income facilities and 9 care homes for Seniors.

They do a program where people can sponsor holiday parties so the Seniors have a wonderful holiday season. I am told there will be 425 Seniors in the program this year, so my goal (that is going to also be posted in the Charity Knitting group on Ravelry) is to have one item for each of them.

The items we have been asked to create are: Hats, scarves, lap blankets, small shawls, slippers, sweater vests, cardigans, socks, mittens, or gloves. Also ok: washcloths, walker caddy pouches, items that are sewn, eyeglass cases, etc.  This pretty much runs the gamut, so there should be something for everybody’s knitting/crochet style. In general, we will need soft, warm, washable, colors for male and female, and a variety of sizes.

Goal: 425 items.

This project has ended, but if you would like to donate for 2013, email me for address information.
Thanks to all the generous participants, WE DONATED 538 ITEMS TO THIS PROJECT!!!

Project #33, Texas: Purple Stitch Project

From September 15 to October 15, 2012:

 Another Purple Project to follow a purple project…it just happens that way sometimes! Rev up the needles and hooks to knit purple fuzzies, cuddlies, and cozies for the Purple Stitch Project of Texas. This project was founded by Vickie Howell to bring more awareness to childhood epilepsy/seizure disorders.

The items made go to babies, children, and teens suffering these disorders as a way to remind them that they are not alone. Craftsy has some super cute free patterns specifically for the Purple Stitch Project, like this Ninja  
who is the official mascot to “give seizures the chop.” Items can be knitted, crocheted, or sewn. As far as I know, any yarn fiber can be used. The color of the finished objects must be purple, or predominantly purple. They can be mailed to:
 Purple Stitch Project 9901 Brodie Ln, Ste 160 #268 Austin, TX 78748 USA

All items should have the Purple Stitch "made by" tag on them, and should say "from Sharing Our Gifts" as well.  Have fun! Purple Power!

 

Project #32: Kansas, Period of Purple Crying

Project #32 runs from August 15 - September 15, 2012

This month, we move to the State of Kansas to knit for babies. The Period of Purple Crying Project helps raise awareness about shaken baby syndrome. The Click for Babies site gives instructions about what to knit/crochet, and what yarns to use.

We will be knitting baby hats in all shades of purple. Other colors may also be worked in, but the items must be at least 50% purple.

The address for sending items is: Purple Hat Project 7942 Reinhardt Lane Prairie Village, KS 66208.

 As always, please be sure to put the Sharing Our Gifts printable tag on your item. Happy creating!

Project #31: Washington, Seattle Children's Hospital

This project runs from July 15 - August 15, 2012.

We are making fun hats for children at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Here’s the info: Seattle Children’s funky fun hats! From infants to teens, Children’s Hospital in Seattle serves the region’s most special little people. Often, patients lose their hair or just have bad hair days. Having a fabulous hat to wear makes a sad day much brighter. Bring out that funky fun fur, those wild colored fibers and go to town making fun and funky rad bad beanies. Sizes needed - all, up to about 20 inches in diameter. Fiber to use, something soft and washable. Have fun and make any style you like. The idea is to brighten the child’s day, and to have the hat be soft enough for sensitive skin.

 As always, please remember to tag your items with the Sharing Our Gifts printable tag. Thank you for joining us!

This project has ended, but if you still wish to donate, email me for mailing information.

 

Project #30, New York, Crouse Hospital NICU

The project runs from June 18 to July 15ish, 2012.

 This month, we will be knitting blankets, hats, booties, and sweater sets, any size from preemie to newborn. Any soft yarn in color(s) of your choice will do. I would stay away from wool, however.

These items will be delivered to the NICU at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse New York.


 Please remember to tag with Sharing Our Gifts when sending. Happy creating!

This project has ended, but if you still wish to donate, email me for information.

 

Project #29: Illinois, Halos of Hope

Onward we go, into the State of Illinois this month, where we will be making chemo caps for Halos of Hope from May 15 to June 15 Halos of Hope is 501 c(3) approved charity committed to providing in-need cancer patients with crafted hats donated by caring volunteers. Hats can be knitted, crocheted, or may be sewn headscarves. As of February, 2012, Halos of Hope supports over 450 cancer centers in the United States. Donations from our group will go to those centers in Illinois. For more information, visit their Ravelry group, or their website at www.halosofhope.org. WE ARE SENDING DIRECT, SO PLEASE PUT THE SHARING OUR GIFTS TAG ON EACH ITEM YOU SEND. Mail to: Halos of Hope Attn: Sharing Our Gifts P.O. Box 1998 Arlington Heights, IL 60006-1998 They need all sizes and colors, including those that can be used for boys and men. The fibers are requested to be soft. Happy creating!

Project #28: New Jersey, Cooper Hospital

From April 15 to May 15, 2012 we will be making items to donate to both the NICU unit (newborn intensive care unit) and the mother/infant unit of Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey.

The NICU unit usually has preemies. Items can be any size, color, and fiber that are appropriate to give to new moms, newborns, and preemies. The blog called Caring For Cooper is a place you can go for further information and to look at past donations. Though it is not a currently updated blog, the project is still ongoing.

Our contact, Barbara, delivers items four times a year, usually around a holiday. The next will be the Summer/July 4th delivery. After that, there will be a Fall/Halloween, Winter/Christmas delivery. If there are more items to deliver, she sometimes goes to deliver items for other special days.

This project has "officially" ended.  However, Cooper always accepts donations.  Please email me for address information.  Please remember to print and attach the Sharing Our Gifts tag when you send your  item(s). Happy Creating!


 

Project #27: Kentucky, Disaster Outreach

This project officially runs March 15 - April 15, 2012.

In response to the devastation in parts of Kentucky from the recent storms, we have decided to jump in and make squares for afghans. A Tangled Yarn (owner of the shop is Lunabudknits on Ravelry) and Sarabee’s Little Yarn Shop (Sarabee's has closed, but the owner still has an active blog) have teamed up to create and receive 7x9 squares to sew into afghans for those in need in West Liberty, Kentucky.

 I think any fiber and/or color is alright, except if using wool, please use superwash, as it would not be good for one square of the afghan to shrink and felt in the wash and make it wonky. ETA: Other items will be accepted in addition to the squares; there is great need there in many areas. One of their requests is for pillow cases. If you sew, feel free to send some that you have sewn. If you don’t sew, I believe that they will be happy to accept purchased pillow cases as well. Don’t forget to attach your Sharing Our Gifts printable tag. Happy creating!

 

Project #26: Rhode Island Homeless, The Amos House

Project 26 officially runs from February 15 to March 15, 2012. This month, we have paired with a newly launched Ravelry group: Knit and Crochet for the Homeless of Rhode Island. The group was started by RSJTA who lives in Rhode Island and wanted to do something to help the many homeless individuals in need there.

Information from the group: All items will be donated to The Amos House, in Providence, RI. The Amos House is a nonprofit social services agency that provides hospitality and direct services to the homeless and poor of RI. Amos House is known for it’s soup kitchen which feeds as many as 800 guests a day. They are the largest in the state.

We are collecting knitted/crocheted scarves, gloves, hats, socks, etc. to help keep as many people as we can warm during these cold months. Any items for men, women and children/babies are needed. The yarn type and pattern is completely up to you. Anything you can provide would be a great help and greatly appreciated. We would also accept knitted/crocheted squares for blankets. We will be happy to sew them together. Fleece items are welcomed too!

 Please also take a look at the Amos House website for further information about its efforts and those it helps.

This project has ended.  However, you can always mail donations directly to:
Amos House
415 Friendship Street
P.O. Box 72873
Providence, RI 02907

Please remember to put the Sharing Our Gifts printable tag on each item you send Now, let’s get to sharing our gifts! Happy creating.

 

Project #25: West Virginia, Appalachian Outreach, Inc.

I hope you have all had a wonderful and relaxing holiday season. Now it is drawing to a close, and it is time to look forward to the new year ahead. I am excited that we begin the new year at the exact halfway mark in our 50 states journey.

WE HAVE REACHED OUR 25TH PROJECT!!! (cue the confetti and noise makers)

Beginning on January 15 and going through February 15, we will be creating items for those in need in the Appalachian region of West Virginia. We will be partnering with the Outreach to Appalachia group on Ravelry and sending baby items to Appalachian Outreach, Inc.

Appalachian Outreach is a charitable relief and support organization. The mission of Appalachian Outreach is to help relieve the burden of poverty and the loss of dignity suffered by the people of Appalachia who, through no fault of their own, struggle to meet the basic needs of daily life.

The need is great. The request is simple. This month, they need baby items of all types. Any pattern is acceptable. Sizes are to be from newborn to 2T. Yarn fiber content and color is your choice.

This means hats, booties, cuddle sacks, bibs, socks, toys, blankets, and any other layette items. Think bath time, nap time, play time, feeding time, and dressing time. If you would like pattern or specific suggestions, just email me and I will point you in a direction.
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Though our projects and our mission are about sending HANDMADE items to those in need, the need for many other items is very great in the Appalachian region. If you are able to contribute any other items on the wish list at Appalachian Outreach, Inc., I encourage you to sent them as well.

As always, please print the "Sharing Our Gifts" printable by clicking on the link at the top left and attach one to each item that you send.

Send to:
Appalachian Outreach, Inc.
1012 Grand View Road
Glen Dale WV 26038

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THESE PROJECTS! Without you, there would be less needs met in these United States of America. I look forward to another 25 states with you.

Happy Creating.!

Project #24: Connecticut, Are You Warm Enough?

This project runs from October 15 to January 15. The reason for its length is that this is a sweater/cardigan project, so the items will take longer to make, and that we are having our winter break along with this project. Mailing deadline is January 15, but you can mail as soon as your item(s) is/are finished. You decide, if, when, and how much break time you take between now and January 15. I thank you all for another stellar year spent sending warmth around the U.S.

This project is for middle school children (grades 5 through 8) in Connecticut. This school of about 650 students has the highest percentage of foster children in the state. Over seventy percent of the students receive free or reduced lunch. The “Are You Warm Enough” initiative collects clothing and money from the community and local businesses to purchase coats, sweaters, and other necessities for the children.

One of our participants, who works at the school, is the volunteer collector and distributor for this project.

The school has a uniform code that requires kids to wear only black, white, or gold sweaters. Vests, pullovers and cardigans will all be greatly appreciated. Male or female, sizes S to XL. If you have charcoal, you may use it, but please note that it will be given to 5th and 6th graders, so please size accordingly.

If you are one who cannot create a sweater, vest, or cardigan, but still want to lend a hand on this project, you may make scarves. I understand that the school uniform code does not allow the children to wear the scarves on campus during school hours, but they are allowed to wear the scarves to and from school. Also, these children do need to be warm outside school as well, and my not have scarves at home for their out-of-school hours.

Address to mail your items:
Carmen Arace Middle School
Attn: Maggie Tarbox
390 Park Avenue
Bloomfield, CT 06002

Please remember to affix the “Sharing Our Gifts” tag to each item you send.

Happy creating!

Project #23: Alabama, Fingerless Mitts for teens

Now begins the month of fingerless mitts. This project will run from 9/15 to 10/15 and will benefit the Salvation Army Christmas Program in Florence, Alabama.

This program needs 200 fingerless mitts for teen girls, ages 13 to 18, to put into their Christmas packages. It can be any type of yarn and can be knitted or crocheted.

Here is the address for mailing this month:
T. Coats
845 County Road 57
Florence AL 35633

Happy creating!

Project #22: Maryland - Helping Kids at Hopkins

(photo property of MiniLaura)

kittyville pattern available free on Ravelry
Not a Ravelry member? Get the pattern here.

August 15 through September 15
Time to turn our heads to the dark of night in the first bite of ensuing winter. The fun of crafting hats for this eve of dressing to ward off ghouls and goblins is upon us…

From Helping Kids at Hopkins Ravelry Group: “Sept/Oct- Halloween Hats are back!!!! This popular and very fun hat collection for the kids on the oncology floor is a fun tradition that is in it’s forth year. Anyone can make a chemo cap, but can you make one for Halloween? Check out our shared projects section to see the great hats from 2008, 2009, & 2010 and spark your creativity for 2011.”

If you are not a member of Ravelry and cannot visit the Helping Kids at Hopkins forum thread for inspiration, you can visit...well, what are you waiting for? It's free to join, and they have the best selection of free patterns that I have found ANYWHERE! (You can try knitpicks.com, lionbrand.com, and knittingpatterncentral.com, but you will have to dig.)

Items should be mailed to:
Helping Kids at Hopkins
PO Box 105
Hanover, MD 21076

As always, don’t forget to attach a tag that says "from Sharing Our Gifts" when sending your items. Thank you again for joining in on our projects.

Happy creating!

Project #20: Indiana - Recovery Buddies

From June 15 to July 15, 2011: The Recovery Buddies Project is a team of people from around the world who hand knit “recovery buddies” to help people through a variety of addictions including eating disorders, self-injury, as well as others. "We strive to remind people that they are not alone in their addictions, and that they don’t have to be alone in their recovery." This is a group for those who help/would like to help make this cuddly reminders for people that they are loved and cared for. Recovery Buddies are to be square like a pillow, with arms, legs, and face. Knitted/crocheted is preferred. Felted is also okay. Your choice of yarn. This project has ended and Recovery Buddies has undergone some changes. Please email for information if you would like to donate.

Project #19: Michigan, Salvation Knitters

This month, we are working to help Salvation Knitters of Michigan. The project runs May 15 to June 15, 2011.

Salvation Knitters helps new moms and babies in need. They need knitted and crocheted items to donate to expectant moms and their babies through the Salvation Army’s Family Services program.  Further information about the programs is provided by the Salvation Army and Booth family Services. 

Desired Items include blankets, hats, booties, socks and other layette items for babies, and comfort shawls which may also serve as nursing blankets for the new moms. They do not require the use of specific fibers or patterns. Use your stash yarn or any pattern or fiber you select. 

Currently, the donations go to a residential facility in Grand Rapids.  Items should be mailed to: Salvation Knitters 11098 56th Ave Allendale MI 49401.

 Please don’t forget to tag each item with the Sharing Our Gifts tag, or a tag of your choice that says Sharing Our Gifts. Happy creating!

 

Project #18b: Pennsylvania, Comfort Scarves Pittsburgh

This month, for the first time, we are making items for two charitable causes in the same state at the same time. This is option Project 18b. This project will run from April 15 to May 15, 2011, along with project 18a. 

We will be sending a little soft comfort to Pittsburgh women and children. What are we making? SCARVES, scarves, and more scarves! Here is the information from the Comfort Scarves Pittsburgh Ravelry group:

“Comfort Scarves - Pittsburgh provides scarves and other handmade items to the following: Women and children entering shelters from domestic violence environments Women and children in shelters for the homeless Our goal is give each woman entering a shelter a handmade scarf to encourage her on her journey and celebrate Her as a person - a way to help raise self esteem. We currently have five participating shelters that serve Allegheny, Washington, Fayette and Green counties with several others requesting donations.” 

This project has ended, but Comfort Scarves Southwestern Pennsylvania is always accepting donations.  Please email bgkbarb@aol.com with Comfort Scarves in the subject area for additional information on how to donate.

 It is still important that we tag each and every item with the Sharing Our Gifts tag. Happy creating!