Knit and Crochet Patterns to Donate

What to do with your stash of yarn left over from other finished projects? Most hospitals, homeless shelters and nursing homes would welcome knit and crochet items that you've handcrafted, so use your stash to donate items that will be useful to others.

Pamper the Patients
Oncology units are filled with people who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy and they'd be thankful for donations of soft knit or crochet hats, often referred to as chemo caps. Neonatal ICU wards gladly accept tiny caps to help keep preemie babies warm in the colder environment outside the womb. You could complete the set with matching booties and blanket to send home with the new mother.

Nursing homes, geriatric units and veteran's hospitals can make use of lapghans (lap sized afghans) for those in wheelchairs. Clients using both wheelchairs and walkers need a way to carry small items, so a knit or crochet pouch or caddy to hang over the back or side would come in handy.

Warm Hugs for the Homeless
Homeless shelters are always in need of blankets, so stitch together those granny squares you've made from scraps of yarn, or crochet a ripple afghan in a kaleidoscope of colors to brighten up an otherwise impersonal space. Hats, scarves and mittens are all welcomed for the colder months and can be made all year long, then donated when the weather turns cold. You could even keep a few in the car, ready to hand to the man on the street corner holding a sign.

Keeping Kids Cozy
Teachers and bus drivers see children every day with no hat and mittens in the coldest months of the year. Talk with your child's teacher or contact the school about having a box available that kids can pick from if they don't have appropriate winter gear. When I worked with the school transportation system, many of us kept several items on the bus to discreetly give to a child coming in from the cold.

Note: All pattern links above are for crochet items. You may find similar patterns for knit projects by going to KnittingPatternCentral.com.

Where Can You Donate
Don't know where to donate your crafts in your community? I'll be publishing articles for charities in various states that welcome knit or crochet items for their organization. If you have a specific state you would like to see highlighted, please leave a comment and I'll make those areas first on my list.