Sharing What You've Got to Give
My favorite place to give
I’ve heard that a lot of knitters give away what they make but I know a lot of knitters who knit only for themselves. It’s hard for me to understand this because I have so little of what I have made over the years. I have always given away what I make. I like to make gifts for people. I give to my friends and family. And several years ago, when everyone I knew had something I made and didn’t have room for one more afghan, I was thrilled to find Project Linus. A place that never says, “No, thank you” and will take your handmade blanket with a grateful smile and warm hug.
If you are one of those knitters or crocheters who have never donated an item to an altruistic cause, then please consider doing so. It’s a wonderful thing to give another person something to keep them warm.
One of my favorite books is, “Knitting for Peace” by Betty Christiansen. She talks about so many worthy causes in this book. There are stories of how the organizations were started, photos, contacts, and patterns. I cry every time I look through this book as I think of all the people who are helped and who are made to feel loved with something handmade.
One of the things I like about Project Linus is that they give to kids and they give locally. But they also give to timely causes. For instance, when Haiti had their terrible earthquake, we sent blankets. The call goes out for blankets and we send them. It’s incredible. I am so proud to get to work making blankets knowing that people will make use of them right away. And that’s another great thing about making things for people. I think about the recipient as I make the blanket. I don’t know the person but I know it will be someone who really needs a warm hug and who maybe really needs to keep warm.
The happiness I feel knowing that I am helping other people is very special. I am proud and humbled to know that something I created with my hands is going to another person and making their life a bit happier…there’s nothing like it.