Some people like to go it alone, but others like the camaraderie and support that joining a crafting group can provide. These groups all have one thing in common - they unite crafters who work together to do more good! Check out what these awesome groups are accomplishing. You may find one that's just right for you!
(Note: These are national groups - some may have a local chapter; other times you may need to mail your creations to headquarters.)
(Note: These are national groups - some may have a local chapter; other times you may need to mail your creations to headquarters.)
Newborns In Need believes that all babies deserve the best start in life. They provide gift bags with everything a new mom in need requires for her new little one. Homemade items make up an important part of that: “Talented hands create warm blankets, afghans and quilts to fill the kits, lovingly created by Newborns in Need volunteers.” They’re looking for people to help sew diaper bags, create blankets (receiving blankets, quilts, fleece blankets and afghans) and knit or crochet socks or booties. Lots of opportunities for various crafting talents here!
Wrapped in Love - My personal favorite group of crafters helping animals in need, they don’t limit themselves to just blankets (though that’s a big part of it!). They also help rescues with bandanas, toys, belly bands, kennel mats, snuggle sacks...and anything else that can be helpful. I can personally attest that the Facebook group is a super-supportive place where members swap fabric, ideas, and most of all, encouragement.
The Snuggles Project is a group dedicated to donating “snuggles” (homemade blankets) to shelter pets. Originally created by Rae French, the president of Hugs for Homeless Animals, it became an official project in 1996, though French had been making Snuggles for animals since 1960. The website includes a member center for snuggle-makers to share ideas, and several pattern ideas to get you started. They also have a database of rescues and shelters that welcome Snuggles, although this list appears outdated.
The Small Kennel Quilt Team is a group that makes kennel quilts for shelters, particularly after natural disasters. They offer several free patterns, as well as guidelines to make your quilt the best it can be. Their 1400+ members have teamed up to contribute over 20,000 kennel quilts across the country.
The Small Kennel Quilt Team is a group that makes kennel quilts for shelters, particularly after natural disasters. They offer several free patterns, as well as guidelines to make your quilt the best it can be. Their 1400+ members have teamed up to contribute over 20,000 kennel quilts across the country.
Comfort for Critters - After 10 years and 50,000 (!) blankets donated to animal shelters across the country, this group is still going strong. They have a list of shelters they support, so you can donate blankets directly to the shelters, or ship to headquarters and founder Linda Kozlowski will make sure they get to a homeless pet who will appreciate them! Whether your thing is knitting, crocheting, sewing, or no-sew blankets, they welcome them all here!
Binky Patrol collects and distributes homemade blankets to children in need - from kids suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses to children in foster care to those who have experience trauma or abuse. A “binky” blanket can be sewn, quilted, crocheted, knitted, or a no-sew fleece version. They have several chapters across the country so there’s a good chance there’s one not too far from you!
Knitting Rays of Hope collects knitted and crocheted hats for all ages who have been affected by cancer. They also donate tiny hats to NICU babies. The website shares many patterns, including those for absolute beginners, so that anyone with a desire to help can get in of the kindness!
Feel Better Friends makes crocheted dolls for children battling cancer. The kicker is that the dolls actually resemble the child they are made for! This would be a project for a more experience crocheter. They also require you to do a practice doll first, before becoming an “official” member. But when you imagine how these dolls must brighten up the day of the receiving child, such small obstacles seem well worth it! FBF has a website with the free pattern for the doll (complete with wig!) but it seems their Facebook group is where most of the action takes place.
Knitting Rays of Hope collects knitted and crocheted hats for all ages who have been affected by cancer. They also donate tiny hats to NICU babies. The website shares many patterns, including those for absolute beginners, so that anyone with a desire to help can get in of the kindness!
Feel Better Friends makes crocheted dolls for children battling cancer. The kicker is that the dolls actually resemble the child they are made for! This would be a project for a more experience crocheter. They also require you to do a practice doll first, before becoming an “official” member. But when you imagine how these dolls must brighten up the day of the receiving child, such small obstacles seem well worth it! FBF has a website with the free pattern for the doll (complete with wig!) but it seems their Facebook group is where most of the action takes place.