The first one that I've been working on is the donation of tiny hats for tiny heads. I hooked up with a gal on a fb group that donates tiny hats to a NICU in her area. Since we don't have a NICU in our local hospital I'm going to send my hats to her. If you have a NICU in your area, of course call them and ask if they take donations, and about any restrictions they may have. If you don't have a place to send hats - email me and I'll hook you up with somewhere to send them. Here is the preemie hat pattern that I'm using, but you can also check Ravelry and Youtube. I only use the soft yarn - Red Heart SS has some really scratchy colors in their line that I stay away from for this project. Just use your best judgement.
A little boy named Mason has started a project called Mason's Wish. He is collecting chapsticks and crochet/knit holders for people with Gastroparesis. There are some patterns/instructions on youtube, or check ravelry. The short description of this condition is that the stomach muscles in these patients do not work to push food along it's route, thus making eating and drinking very difficult or impossible. As such people with this condition are often dehydrated and keep chapstick with them always - also the flavored lip balms are a treat for kids that are unable to eat or drink - they like to be able to taste these flavors that they can't get from food. As such Mason also gratefully takes donations of not only lip balm holders, but the flavored lip balms also.
Theholders can be made onto keychains or into a necklace type holder. You can email me for the info on where to send these or check Mason's fb page: Mason's Wish.
This is a great link for some other organizations you can help out...
Charity Crochet and Knit
Some other ideas are:
Do you know someone in the military that might like/need a little handmade happiness? Contact them and see what they can use. I just heard of a woman whose son is on a ship with the Navy. She crocheted some amigurumi super hero dolls for him and now everyone wants one, or to have some sent to their sons/daughters. There are nearly 500 people on that ship so she has her work cut out for her. lol.
Find a need in your community... people all over are leaving hats and scarves in zip bags attached to fences/trees in parks for people to take if they need them. Ask at your shelters, and soup kitchens. If you have homeless people in your city there is usually somewhere where you can leave items and they will find them. Or, better yet, when you see someone in need talk to them {if it's safe of course; just like anyone else you approach in your community}, see what they need. It might be handy to have a supply of hats, scarves, and gloves in your car ready to give.
These are just a few ideas - if you have any others please comment below and I can add them above.
Peace & light,
Linda
Here are a few charities that take donations, these are just a few and there may be others in your area. Please read over the specifications of what each group will accept before sending items.
A good stitch for preemie blankets as it produces no holes:
http://www.crochetspot.com/how-to-crochet-linked-half-double-crochet-lhdc/
Remember, only patterns that would have no holes in the fabric can be used for preemies:
http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/2012/11/15-most-popular-free-crochet-baby-blanket-patterns/
http://danettesangels.tripod.com/patterns/
http://www.projectlinus.org/
http://www.knitheartstrings.com/member-services/handmade-baby-item-donations
http://startingchain.com/10-charities-that-need-crocheted-items/
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