Project Craftivism

I’ve encountered a few individuals that insist that making things for people in need makes no difference, doesn’t change anything, or help anyone. They tell me that donating sums of money does.

Well, I (still) beg to differ. I received the following letter from the shelter where I donated the knitted and crocheted items I collected last fall for a homeless project drive. I donated all the items to my local shelter. I’m sharing because I want to make sure that everyone involved reads it and also, to hopefully inspire you…

Donating sums of money is perfectly valid for some, but it is also valid to reach out to the forgotten individuals in our community and let them know we care through our craft.

Even though it may be a small gesture, individuals are touched through the fact that someone out there cared enough to try to help them/make them something without expecting anything in return.

January 29th, 2012, Switzerland (they speak French in this region; I want to point out that a Gentleman also took part in this project, so please ignore the “ladies” bit! I didn’t want to (and did not) edit the letter at all…)

“It is of all my heart that I wish to express you my gratitude for all the beautiful socks, hat which you knit for the persons of Marmotte.

On December 24th, during our Christmas celebration, the “Father Christmas” came to distribute to each of the users on of your Knitting. The users were extremely happy to be able to choose the Knitting they wanted. They were also very touched that we knit them clothes since the United States, Canada and Switzerland.

Ladies, I am very touched by your movement, which testifies of your spirit of solidarity to the most deprived and the trust that you have to the Salvation Army.

By your support, you contribute to the improvement of the everyday life of the persons who stay in our shelter.

While repeating my thanks, I send to you, Ladies my kind regards and a happy New Year 2012.”

Today’s plan: wrapping the donated warm items that I have received so far for the homeless in my community! I’m using green and red raffia string tied off with a cute greeting card with the message, “Handmade just for you. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.” in French, of course! Let’s see how they turn out… :)

Anyone have a charity project they are working on?  

If you live in the UK or plan on visiting, love crafts, and helping the homeless, then 
The Sleeping Bag Project may be something for you to get involved in. Otherwise, if you have sleeping bags that you don’t use or need anymore, send them over to them to give them a new life. Pass it on…

From their Facebook page:

So far, I’ve collected 17 knitted/crocheted goodies for the homeless!! ♥

Hooray for kind charity knitters all over the world :)

On the kindness of strangers…

“That best portion of a good man’s life,
His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.”

This is the first scarf to arrive for the drive that I’ve set up to help the homeless in my local community. It’s inspiring how people from far away places are willing to help people that they don’t even know. It melts my heart, and I have hope that we’ll have enough items for the 34 people that I am collecting for.

Thank you to everyone who has pledge to send an item so far.

We still need more item donations to reach the goal (34) of scarves, gloves/mittens, socks, etc. to help keep these people warm. Let me know if you would like to help! Deadline is December <3

…is not as easy as it may seem but definitely still worth a try.

I became inspired to help the local homeless in my community by other charity knitters. I decided to propose to my local community that knitters, crocheters, and other crafty people help/get involved by making and donating scarves, mittens, gloves, OR socks to help keep these people warm and give them a bit of holiday cheer. I just cannot imagine not helping someone that has hit rock bottom atleast stay warm through such a cold winter.

This will be my first project where I ask others to join in an effort to help around 34 homeless people expected during Christmas Eve at my local shelter. I’ve set a deadline of December 1st - about 2 months to go. I don’t know if I will get any interest at all, but atleast I tried, right? It’s the least I can do to personally reach out and try to make someone’s life a tiny bit brighter.

If anyone out there would like to help this project and help the homeless, let me know!

I’d like to hear your ideas, stories, and experiences:

Have you ever tried to start your own charity project?