Service Project 2012: Something for Everyone–and Every Basket of Odd Skeins!

Your Service Committee is pleased to announce a new project for 2012. To follow up on the success of last year’s donations of over 600 chemo caps for the American Cancer Society, we wanted a service project that will harness the abundant creativity and varied stashes of our Guild membership. Toward that end, our campaign will focus on children and teens, and benefit two organizations: Hennepin County Medical Center, and Afghans for Afghans.

For Hennepin County Medical Center we will make soft toys to give to children in need of comfort. Your gift of a cuddly toy will make a difference to kids who are hospitalized, in the care of ambulance personnel, or guests at the Crisis Center. Here are some recommendations for making toys:

• Use soft, machine washable yarns
• Wash the toy with non-toxic soap before stuffing and finishing
• Embroider eyes on the face, as sewn on safety eyes or buttons can be pulled off and become choking hazards
• Secure seams by tying a small knot into the fabric at the end of each seam

Afghans for Afghans partners with various relief organizations to distribute warm, durable clothing to children and adolescents in Afghanistan. Donating mittens, hats, sweaters, vests and socks will help young people to survive harsh winters that typically include waves of subzero cold. Guidelines for these items are:

• Use durable yarns with a minimum of 75% animal fiber content, such as wool, mohair, alpaca, or llama
• Dark and bright colors are best, as recipients typically do not have frequent opportunity to wash clothing
• Colorful patterns are welcome, but avoid incorporating symbols or representational designs
• Densely knitted fabric without lace is best for warmth and durability

Free patterns will be available at meetings, and we will link to more on the Service Committee blog. For each item you donate, your name will be entered in a drawing for prizes at our July picnic and our December holiday party.

Links:

Hennepin County Medical Center:  http://www.hcmc.org/index.asp

Afghans for Afghans:  http://www.afghansforafghans.org/