Which charities want hand knitted items to distribute?

usignuolo

My OH recently started working nights and I have time on my hands in the evening and have been doing a lot of knitting. I am not bad at all. So I thought I might make some garments for charity - you know jumpers, hats, blankets etc.

However all the charities I can find, major ones at least, seem to want you either to make the stuff, then sell it yourself and send them the money, or give it to them to sell. I should prefer to know that what I make is going to a charity that will distribute it to children and adults in need, either here or overseas.

Can anyone recommend any suitable charities?

littleredhen

If you search knitting for charities there are lots of suggestions come up

usignuolo

I did that but most of the UK based ones seemed to want stuff they could sell and get money for and I want to knit stuff that I know will go directly to needy children and adults, not be sold to better off people to fund the charity. I know it's a pernickety distinction but it is still one I feel most comfortable with.

DigForVictory

Refuges?
Some special care baby units need hats, and sometimes shawls so stillborns can be wrapped & cradled & remembered - but I can't recall the name of the charity involved, sorry. Ring local hospitals & delivery units & ask?

LizD_2

Have you tried any local special care baby unit - lots of them take knitted items that will be used for the babies.

LizD_2

DigForVictory wrote: »

Refuges?
Some special care baby units need hats, and sometimes shawls so stillborns can be wrapped & cradled & remembered - but I can't recall the name of the charity involved, sorry. Ring local hospitals & delivery units & ask?

Great minds think alike!

nimbo

http://knitforafrica.weebly.com/

I used to work at a place that collected what they called 'fish and chip baby' jumpers... A horrid name, but so called because babies were sent home from some hospitals in newspaper... the knitted jumper pattern was good because it kind of stretched with the baby as they grew so lasted well...

The website seems to be updated to let people know what they need etc... hope it helps.

glynisrose

See if you have a coordinator for the 'Armchair Activist' group, they knit for premature babies etc. I used to be a member till the coordinator left and wasn't replaced!! I don't knit any more now because of arthritis.

vikki_louise

Post pals! You send them direct to the child you want to receive it and they have their interests, all are seriously ill, have a brother or sister who are ill or who have passed away https://www.postpals.co.uk

Katiehound

Very early in the year for this! but the shoebox appeal usually want things like mitts, gloves, scarves & toys. If you have a co-ordinator in your area they would be able to tell you more. Just read an article in local paper today where the co-ordinator said she went to residential homes, WI etc and asked for hand made donations early in the year.
I'm thinking of "Operation Christmas child" but they aren't the only ones doing the appeal.

gillypep

If you go into the Old Style board on here you'll find a thread called 'Knit a Square to Give your Share' - it will be on page 1 or 2 - load of info in that thread. Or look at https://www.lovinghands.org.uk - run by a wonderful lady called Lou who had the same idea - you will need to register to go on the forum. I regularly log into both so if you need any more info just ask and I'll help where I can