A new year, more volunteering opportunities: Charity; 12 for 12 in 2012

I’m not one to make resolutions for the new year. I have various short and long-term goals; in this case some of my newer goals just happened to coincide with 2012. The reason is simple, my crochet skills have improved to the point where I can now make items for others, and so some of the crochet projects I’ve been itching to become involved with are now a reality.

You might be wondering what 12 for 12 in 2012 is about. Well, as the title states it’s for charity. Many thanks to Kathryn, crochet blogger, the talented author at Crochet Concupiscence for coming up with this fabulous idea.

As some of my readers already know, I already craft for charity; Machine sewn quilts created by my local church quilting group are donated to Lutheran World Relief. I also volunteer at a local homeless shelter,  monthly. I prepare morning breakfast for our guests. They are fed between 5:30 and 7:00 each day.

 

Namibia header

 

The Mother Bear Project

 

Back in December 2011, I talked about The Mother Bear Project. The Mother Bear Project is a fabulous organization that donates hand crocheted and knitted bears to children in other countries. From their site…

The Mother Bear Project is dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations, by giving them a gift of love in the form of a hand-knit or crocheted bear. 

The simple gift of a hand-knit bear with a tag signed by the knitter has touched children with the message that they are unconditionally loved.

FADROWSKI and shon

 

 

Helping Kids at Johns Hopkins

I recently discovered this group. The group founder lost her daughter, Gabrielle, in June 2008. I can’t even imagine outliving my daughter. Six times per year, there are various projects that are listed. for January/February the project is a blanket. This upcoming project gives me the perfect excuse to purchase yarn, and take time to create an adorable afghan for some deserving child in the Pediatric intensive Care Unit.

 

Volunteer 1 3 12

Volunteering: How can I help?

The balls in your court, think about ways you can help others. It doesn’t have to be a craft, perhaps you can give your time, donate material, or money to assist a non-profit organization.

Having worked in the non-profit sector, I can tell you that every single bit helps. There are so many places looking for assistance, but not as many people are willing to turn their intentions into actions. If possible, find time to help those in need. If you’re in the United States and are unsure of what opportunities are in your area, check out Volunteer Match. If you are in another country (or like to assist in other countries) check out the Global Volunteer Network.

If you’d like to participate in Kathryrn’s charity crochet project. Write a post about it, and link back to her site.

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