There are many reasons why we as crocheters may want to “give back” to our community. Whether you crochet for fun, feel deeply about a certain organization, or are just trying to be more giving as an individual there are always ways that you can donate your time or finished objects that will be appreciated for years to come. Read on to see how you can give back as a crocheter!
Donate Hats and Blankets to Hospitals
This is a very popular way that crocheters give back. Many hospitals love being able to give newborn babies hats and blankets, and some parents will see them as heirlooms that they will keep forever! There are so many different patterns you can use too. A quick internet search will yield many results.
It is always best to contact the hospital that you wish to donate to beforehand. Some hospitals do not take handmade items, and some require certain patterns to be used. It is also best to use non-animal fibers so as not to irritate newborn skin.
Volunteer at a Retirement Center
As you can probably imagine, it might get boring at a retirement center. Many of the women in these facilities used to crochet, and would probably love the opportunity to do it again! Whether they forgot certain stitches or just need a new pattern to try, I’m sure you will really brighten someone’s day.
Be sure to bring enough yarn and hooks for them to use, and let them create whatever it is that makes them happy. It’s best to be patient as well, as some patients may suffer from memory disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
You can also donate yarn and other crochet supplies to retirement centers!
Donate Scarves and Beanies to Troops Overseas
Our men and women overseas love receiving packages from the states. Some of them don’t have loved ones, so receiving a package from a charitable organization could probably make a huge difference in their deployment.
There are so many organizations that you can find online that collect and send out these donated items, you just need to find the one that works best for you. Some of them even allow you to write a little note to the service member so they know how much you appreciate all they are doing. Also, some might assume that the countries they deploy to are hot, but at night they can get quite chilly! Scarves and beanies can help they stay cozy, and even protect them from sunburn during the day time!
Organize a Community Crochet Club
Many people who work full time jobs are just itching to find a way to unwind after a long day. What better way to do this than to learn how to crochet! By organizing a crochet club in your area, you could give back by teaching new crocheters and providing a space for fellow crocheters to meet and mingle.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to host the meetup at your home if you don’t want to. There are many places that would welcome your new club, like local coffee shops and libraries! Some communities even have a clubhouse that can be used as a safe place to meet new people.
Volunteer to Teach at Local Venues
There are always places looking for volunteers to teach classes on different skills, all you have to do is ask! Some places include community colleges, elementary schools, and military bases. If you aren’t already a member of these places they may require a background check and ask to see a sample of your work. Just know that these steps will be so worth it once you see your new students pick up their hooks for the first time!
Make Scrap Blankets for Animal Shelters
Another great way to give back to your community is by donating blankets to animal shelters. Most shelters rely on donations to keep their facilities running, and I’m sure the animals appreciate a nice soft blanket to snuggle up to. You can use up leftover yarn scraps by crocheting small blankets. They will work up quickly and you can gather a few together before sending them off to be donated.
Make Cute Hats for Cancer Patients
There are so many people who are suffering with the effects of chemotherapy, and imagine how happy they would be to receive an adorable handmade beanie! You can donate regular beanies, or get creative and make beanies with “hair” on them. These are especially popular for the kids.
Make Gifts for Admitted Children at Hospitals
There are more children in long-term care at the hospital than you might imagine. Some are left there by themselves for weeks at a time with little to nothing to do. In addition to books, toys, and toiletries, these hospitals truly appreciate handmade gifts to give to the children. You can make stuffed animals of all sizes and dolls that these kids would love. Just make sure to contact the hospital first, as some hospitals only accept new items that were purchased from a store.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed this list of ways to give back to your community as a crocheter. As you can see, there are so many different things you can do to make a difference! Can you think of any more? If so, drop a comment below and let us all know about it!
Great ideas!