Busy Hands for Charity has been contacted by Operation Gratitude; one of the largest and most impactful nonprofits in the country for hands-on volunteerism in support of the military, veterans, and first responders. Operation Gratitude is currently on track to send 30,000 care packages to our troops who have deployed to Europe due to the war in Ukraine and their shelves are emptying at an alarming rate. We can help to refill their shelves with as many knitted, crocheted, or fleece scarves, hats, gaiters, and greeting cards as we can make from now until April 30th.
Your items should be made in muted tones to match our troop’s uniforms. For knitted hats and scarves, please only use a size 4 worsted weight yarn, no pom-poms, and DO NOT use bulky yarn.
Scarves MUST measure 4 to 5 inches wide and 48 to 50 inches long.
Additional details can be found here: Knit & Crochet Donations
If you can help, either by donating supplies or by making these items, please contact Angela Zecca, Busy Hands for Charity Coordinator, at email azecca@yahoo.com or call 805.660.8740
Starting a new project is a necessity when you finish the project that you are working on; and sometimes you don’t have the next project in mind. Why not take that time, or make special time, to use your talents for good works. Crocheting or knitting for charity is a great way to lend your skills to others in need. Making a handmade gift can show that you are giving courage and strength to people who need it most and is one of the best ways to show you care.
Give your beautiful handmade projects to someone who will appreciate the thought and love that goes into your work, use up your yarn stash, and declutter your space as well.
Below, we’re sharing the most common items that organizations are looking for:
Hats
Blankets
Lapghans
Layette sets
Chemo Caps
Chemo shawls
Bibs
Plarn sleeping mats
Baby hats
Baby blankets
Shawls / Scarves
If you don’t crochet or knit, you may donate items to this group so they can continue their good works:
Yarn/Crochet Supplies
Skeins/balls/hanks of yarn
Scrap yarn (or homemade t-shirt yarn or plastic yarn)
Crochet hooks
Accessories/notions (scissors, stitch markers, rulers, etc)
We don’t meet during June, July, or August, but continue to work from home our our own projects. During our “housebound’ months this past year we hand-crafted much needed items and donated to Ronald McDonald House (children’s hats & blankets), The Compassion Initiative (adult hats & scarves), and the Las Vegas Metro Police (blankets to keep in their cruisers when dealing with kids in crisis).
In the past we have also donated to Project 150, The Assistance League, Street Dogs, Pink Slippers, Shade Tree, and Operation School Bell. Let me know if you have a charity you would like us to consider.
So if you enjoy crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, or do any kind of needle-crafting – while socializing – then come join our group. We will donate our beautiful pieces to organizations in need of our work.
We would normally get together again starting September — check back here to find out whether we’ll proceed as planned or get derailed by any rules or restrictions.
For more information, or do schedule donation pickup call or text Angela Zecca, 805-660-8740 or email azecca@yahoo.com.
Angela Zecca, Coordinator A beautiful lapghan donated by one of our Hands for Charity members Fred Combs delivers these treasures to Ronald McDonald House in Las Vegas Paula Combs & Lynda Carpenter This colorful blanket became a comfort to a child staying at Ronald McDonald House These wonderfully warm items were much appreciated by those in need Assistance League of Las Vegas receives some of our creations By donating to Project 150, we’re helping kids finish high school Project 150 Project 150 Layettes donated to Assistance League of Las Vegas These layettes go to a program for New Moms at Nellis AFB Angela Zecca & Sofia Castille place donations at Assistance League of Las Vegas Project 150 Project 150 Project 150 Project 150 Project 150 Donna Steven’s gift of love Donated by Loren Elizabeth, Sofia Castille’s daughter
This summer, a small group of our members made over 100 hand-crafted items and then donated these scarves, hats, blankets, and layettes to two wonderful organizations —
Project 150 which offers support and services to homeless, displaced and disadvantaged high school students in the Las Vegas area so they can stay in school through graduation and learn the life skills necessary to be successful. Project 150 collects gently used clothes, toiletries, non perishable food, and school supplies year round. Throughout the year they hold special drives for high school sports equipment, formal wear, blankets and other seasonal items as needed.
The Assistance League of Las Vegas Layettes Program layettes (infant tee shirt, body suit, bib, booties and a cap), along hand-made blankets, sweaters and hats are provided to University Medical Center, Women’s Resource Medical Centers, First Choice Pregnancy Services, Southern Nevada Health District and Nellis Air Force Base new mothers.
I accompanied Angela Zecca, Hands for Charity event coordinator, on her delivery rounds in November. I saw how both organizations were so appreciative of Angela’s and her group’s efforts — every item would help keep a child warm this winter. If you’re interested in donating your time or materials, reach out to Angela at (805) 660-8740 or email her at azecca@yahoo.com.