Charity/Almsgiving (knitters especially)

[mysitar]

So for Lent, I know Catholics are supposed to focus on donating to the Church or charities. As a “poor college student” I had an alternative idea and wanted to know if it would count:

So I knit, and I love doing it. I recently had inspiration to look up organizations that would take items that were donated by knitters and would give them to children/ people in third world countries or cancer patients (hats, my favorite thing to knit!) I’ve done careful research and have a good idea which charities I want to donate too (Afghans for Afghans, Caps for Kids, etc.). I figure I’m spending money buying the yarn and everything (but I’m first using yarn that I brought from home), and it’s all going to this end. I’m doing it regardless (actually I was so excited I started already on a simple hat).

So anyway, since I really need to save on essentials like food (I actually do eat really healthy, I get made fun about it all the time by my friends), would this be an acceptable alternative? And also, if anyone knows of any Catholic charities that would accept my donations, I’d be happy to hear about them.

 

[momor]

Many Catholic and Christian churches have a “prayer shawl” ministry. People knit shawls to give to others who might be ill or lonely or in need of comfort.The person making the shawl prays while they knit (or crochet) for the person who will receive it. Often the group meets on a regular basis to knit and pray together.

You could try contacting a local church to find out. Sometimes they can give you the yarn to knit if money becomes a problem.

 

[LindaSK]

Equal opportunities also for those who crochet!! This was my Advent activity, that has continued through the winter - hats and scarves. I spoke with my priest. I just give him finished projects. He sees to it they go to people who have a need. I use the time I am crocheting to pray for those who will receive whatever I am working on. I never know who the will be. Matthew 25 was my Advent inspiration. It’s still cold. Good idea to continue through Lent. Goodwill Stores, church rummage sales, etc. are good places to get yarn cheap. And you are being charitable twice. Also, if you have Freecycle in your area, you could post a free want ad for yarn. There are people with stashes that are just taking up space that they would be glad to see used for such a purpose. Explain in your ad the intended use of the yarn you are requesting.

 

[aspirant]

A parish near me collects knitted wool scarves (hats and gloves also accepted) for the homeless in the area. Call around to local parishes, soup kitchens, shelters, etc. to ask whether something like this might be useful.

Another parish in my area collects knitted and crocheted leprosy bandages (both knitted and crocheted bandages are needed!). As a crocheter, I often make these. If you do not have a participating parish but would still like to make some bandages, check out this page. If you’d like some inspiration, watch the movie Molokai: The Story of Father Damien while making your bandages.

 

[aspirant]

So for Lent, I know Catholics are supposed to focus on donating to the Church or charities. As a “poor college student” I had an alternative idea and wanted to know if it would count

And, yes, giving your time and skill to make hats, scarves, bandages, or other knitted items for people who need them definitely counts as charity.

Other charitable giving opportunities for people without much money:
Donating hair, e.g. to Locks of Love.
Donating blood, e.g. to the Red Cross.
Taking a thermos of coffee and some cups out to the streets and sharing with the homeless.

 

[Claire_from_DE]

What great ideas! As a total klutz when it comes to this sort of thing, I bless those in need by leaving the knitting to others We all give what we can. I enjoy volunteering in a thrift shop that offers good very low cost clothing and household goods to anyone who wants to buy. The proceeds go toward buying food for the food pantry. Another member of my parish makes rosaries and has the priest bless them and they are given out free in the thrift shop.

Didn’t God arrange it well that we can use the abilities He gives us to help each other and enjoy doing it!