Julie Finn
Warm Up America! distributes knitted and crocheted items to non-profits and needy individuals all over the country, but their real claim to fame is their afghan project.
If you like to knit or crochet but don’t feel like you ever have the time to make a finished piece, so how can you possibly craft for charity, then I have the perfect organization for you:
Warm Up America! distributes knitted and crocheted items to non-profits and needy individuals all over the country, but their real claim to fame is their afghan project. Instead of knitting or crocheting an entire afghan, all you really have to do is knit or crochet one 7″x 9″ rectangle (here’s one pattern, although you’re welcome to use your own). Have time to make another? Great! Don’t have time to make another? Totally fine!
Your 7″x 9″ rectangle will be joined with everyone else’s 7″x 9″ rectangle until it’s afghan-sized, and then it will be donated. Do that over and over and over again, and you can see how even your one piece makes a real difference.
One of the things that I really like about Warm Up America! is that crafters are encouraged to donate within their own community. If you knit or crochet, you probably know someone else who does, as well. And they probably know someone else. Find a group, work together, and you can rack up a sizable donation right into the place where you live. If you don’t have the time or desire to do that, though, the Warm Up America! Foundation does accept your knitted or crocheted pieces; volunteers at the foundation can get them joined and send where they’re needed.
Another thing that I really love is Warm Up America’s emphasis on encouraging kids to craft and donate. Knitting and crocheting are skills that many children–many of whom would LOVE it!–simply aren’t being taught, and the skill of giving back isn’t always being taught either, frankly. Teaching kids to knit and crochet while teaching them how to give back are valuable skills that will enrich their lives for their lifetime–and beyond, if they, too, pass on their skills.
Image credit: Warm Up America image via Warm Up America and Joanna
