Saturday, October 15, 2011

A Christmas Commitment



I've been thinking a lot about Christmas lately.  Pinterest is probably a major reason for my Yuletide thoughts as is my obsessive browsing on Etsy.  I've decided this will be a handmade year.  I've pledged to either make gifts myself or buy handmade.  I've also pledged to be involved in charitable giving this year.  Every year I "plan" to get involved in a charity, but time always seems to get away from me (insert another excuse here) and my plan fails. This year, however, is going to be different.  No excuses.  There are 70 days until Christmas.  Let the Christmas countdown commence!

I've done a bit of research and have come up with a list of organizations in need of handmade items for the person(s) they serve.  Have a look through this list.  I'm sure you'll find one or two that might help you decide to get involved, too!

Project Linus volunteers, also called, Blanketeers, make blankets for kids who are seriously ill.  These handmade blankets can be quilts, crocheted, knitted, or even made tied fleece.  There are Project Linus chapters in every state.

ConKerr Cancer accepts handmade pillowcases.  These cases are then given to kids  who are battling cancer.  There are ConKerr Cancer chapter nationwide.

The Ships Project is an organization supporting America's military troops.  They accept handmade knitted socks, knitted or crocheted slippers and hats.

Soldiers' Angels Sewing Team also helps out America's military persons.  There are multiple ways to help this organization, but the Sewing Team works to make blankets, sand and "cool" scarves as well as pillowcases.

Binky Patrol is a national organization of volunteers who make and distribute handmade blankets to kids currently in foster care, children born HIV +, infected with AIDS, abused, or chronically or terminally ill.  The blankets can be sewn, crocheted or knitted.

Threads of Compassion is a group of sexual violence survivors based in Chicago.  They support "new" victims by giving them handmade (knit or crochet) scarves when they enter a hospital for emergency treatment.  

Compassionate Creations is a Massachusetts chapter of Threads of Compassion.  This group also helps victims of domestic violence and accepts lap squares (18" to 30" square) and wristbands as well as knit or crocheted scarves.

Carewear volunteers sew, knit, or crochet handmade baby items for hospitals.  There is a huge list of links and patterns on the Carewear website.

Wrap Them in Love is an organization that collects and distributes donated quilts to kids around the world.  This group is based in Washington. 

The Shawl Ministry website has a lot of information (and patterns) about joining and or starting your own Shawl Ministry.  



Obviously this list is only a small percentage of charitable organizations in need of handmade items.  If you are involved in one not listed, please let me know.  I will create a page just for these links.  No excuses.  We can all get involved this year!

Tootles!
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13 comments:

Wendy Aspinall said...

Angela thank you for the links... good idea...

Anonymous said...

Fantastic lists of worthy organizations Angela. Great ideas for us all. I try and make something hand made for everyone in the family. And of course to shop from etsy folks who make handmade too. xox Corrine

Fiona said...

Great idea! Don't forget Operation Christmas Child - I've packed shoe boxes for them before making hats etc.. to go inside.

My last 2 Christmases have been handmade (everything made by me) but I'm struggling this year. I think 4 family members will get handmade gifts, the rest will be purchased ... whether I can buy them something handmade by someone else I will have to investigate.

Cyndi said...

We're definitely on the same page, Angi! I, too, want all of my Christmas gifts (and birthday gifts, too) to be either hand made by me, or bought from others that sell hand made items. And thanks so much for the list of charity sites. I think we should all take the pledge to create at least one item for a charity...it's the right thing to do!

XOXO,

Cyndi

Cindy Adkins said...

Thank you for that, Angela...and I have always thought that the prayer shawl ministry is amazing. Thank you so much for your sweet note...It meant so much to me.
XO
Cindy

DeeDee said...

These links are awesome I would like to add in almost every town is a cancer center that needs hats and lap quilts...or a neo natel center that needs hats and burial wraps and I liked making christmas hats for the christmas babies too..I pick a different charity to work for every year. You are on a good track here Angela... makes my holiday season all the brighter... :D

Georgie Horn said...

Sounds like your gonna be really busy! Come by for some puddin n pie.
http://georgie-hornpuddinnpie.blogspot.com/2011/10/joy-full.html

Heather said...

I will also be making presents this year. I usually make some type of ornament for my students (some years I don't, but mostly I do). I like handmade ones best too.


Heather

Anonymous said...

Hi Angela :) I would be honoured to feature a Photographic {Tour} of your hometown in my blog. hope to hear from you soon :) xxo

Linda said...

Great list...I have been a blanketeer for Project Linus for a few years...I love what this group does!!

Lady Linda said...

Great post and good food for thought. I love to make gifts and support those who do, but have some friends who just don't appreciate the time that goes into handmade. I feel sorry for them...
Linda

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