With the coronation this past weekend, I’ve had a lot on my mind. There have been a few social issues that have arisen from this event, most notably the display of wealth in a time where regular people are really struggling to make ends meet and the cost of living crisis is affecting so many. It got me thinking about how crafting can be used to help others, so I’ve put together this list of charities asking for handmade donations. Whether it’s blankets for babies, garments for families in war-torn countries, or toys for rescued animals, have a look through and find the cause that connects to your crafter’s heart!
As well as helping the charities listed here, you can also reach out to your local hospitals/ homeless shelters/ care homes to see if the communities they serve would benefit from any of your handmade items.
Sands Memory Boxes
Sands are in constant need of handmade help for their Memory Boxes. Memory Boxes are provided to families who have lost a baby in pregnancy or shortly after birth, and they are a vital tool for them whilst experiencing bereavement. How can you help? Sands includes a handmade blanket in each box, knitted or crocheted with white yarn.
From Sands website:
Sadly demand for Sands Memory Boxes remains constant and our stock of hand knitted or crochet blankets need to be maintained. These blankets are a very special part of the box as each is handmade and we know how much comfort they bring to parents after the death of their baby.
Knitting and crochet patterns are provided on their website so click the link below to download these. PLEASE NOTE: for a number reasons, they can only accept blankets made with white yarn.
CLICK HERE to learn more!
Knit-for-Nowt
Knit-for-Nowt is a charity that provides a range of handmade items to children and their therapists. They make worry monsters, animal worry eaters, and finger puppets to help comfort children going through therapy to recover from trauma, abuse, bereavement and other issues. These handmade items have been found to be really helpful in communicating with and bringing comfort to children. Simply register to be part of the Knit-for-Nowt community and patterns will be provided for you. They accept knitted, crocheted and sewn items.
CLICK HERE to learn more!
Battersea Cats and Dogs Home
I’m sure most of you have heard of this charity, famously championed by the late Paul O’Grady. Battersea Cats and Dogs Home is always in need of donations for the animals, from handmade blankets (patterns without gaps so no claws or toes get stuck) to comforting toys. They recently released a series of YouTube videos demonstrating how you can make cheap, easy and enriching toys for cats and dogs so be sure to check out these videos.
CLICK HERE to learn more!
Knit For Peace + Prima ‘Get Britain Knitting’ Campaign
Prima have teamed up with Knit For Peace to bring you their latest charity campaign- Get Britain Knitting! The goal is to make blankets that the charity will distribute to struggling families in the UK. With the cost of living crisis, the demand for warm items increased a lot so this a great a way to help those on the poverty line. Makers are encouraged to use up their odds and ends of yarn. Their website has some free pattern suggestions and size guidelines so be sure to take a look before getting stuck in.
CLICK HERE to learn more!
Knit for Syria
Knit for Syria is a charity that distributes handmade items to displaced people and children in hospitals. They transport handmade donations to Syria on a regular basis and make a huge difference to the lives of those who are suffering. They need all kinds of items such as: jumpers, scarves, blankets, mittens, and teddy bears. I’m sure we all have enough spare yarn for some of these smaller projects!
CLICK HERE to learn more!
Project Linus
From Project Linus website:
It is the mission of Project Linus UK to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children, who are sick, disabled, disadvantaged or distressed by donating gifts of NEW, HOMEMADE, WASHABLE quilts and blankets, lovingly made by UK volunteer knitters and quilters.
These blankets are proven to provide lots of comfort to babies, children and teenagers who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. For yarn and pattern suggestions, simply visit their website and get started on a project today!
CLICK HERE to learn more!
The Donkey Sanctuary
This is a project for knitters, crocheters and sewers alike. The Donkey Sanctuary accepts donations of handmade toys - they have created some adorable characters- that they then sell in their visitor’s centre to raise money to support the animals. Simply sign up and the charity will send you instructions for the craft of your choice.
CLICK HERE to learn more!
Teddies for Tragedies
Teddies for Tragedies provides handmade toys for disadvantaged children around the world. These toys are known to bring comfort and hope, and they make a huge difference to the lives of little ones. The teddies are sent to refugee camps, orphanages and hospitals, places where they are desperately needed. Go to the patterns section on their website and you will find a range of designs to choose from, from the classic teddy bear to garments.
CLICK HERE to learn more!
Knitted Knockers UK
Knitted Knockers UK is a charity that provides handmade breast prostheses to women who have undergone surgery as a result of breast cancer. They are made with 100% cotton yarn and have been found to be much more comfortable than the silicone ones provided by the NHS. The knit and crochet knockers are provided free of charge so they are always looking for volunteers and fundraisers!
CLICK HERE to learn more!