Crafts - a gift from you to someone in need
Jesus said, "In as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto me."

Aren't you glad there is no age limit on volunteers? You, too, can join the hundreds of volunteers who want to do something to help save the world. You can find fulfillment and embrace the opportunity of helping a child keep warm who might be very cold. Young people hammering nails on a roof do not do more than an older woman who, stitch by stitch, knits or crochets a sweater a child can wear all winter.

The headlines in the Los Angeles Times read – Tourists go extra mile to do good. The picture showed college students building houses for the poor on their spring break. Encouraging Words suggests that if ever you knitted or crocheted in the past, that you start again and join hundreds of home bound women across the country who are again feeling satisfaction of doing good for someone else.

WHY NOT TRY IT AGAIN?
Have you thought about picking up your knitting needles or crochet hook again and making a cap or scarf for some poor child who has nothing?

WHY SHOULD YOU DO IT?
Many missionaries and charity organizations could use your help to support the work they are doing.

children in orphanages
patients in hospitals
refugees in tents

Any one of these somewhere in the world would welcome a toy or a quilt or a cap to call their own. Wouldn't you like to help them?

WHO COULD USE IT?
This site lists many groups who are working to serve others. Their mission is explained briefly. If you want to learn more about that mission or charity, click on their name to be linked to their Web site.

WHAT DO THEY WANT?
All the different handmade articles they could use are listed beside the mission or charity name.

HOW DO YOU MAKE IT?
Do you need a pattern? These are also just a click away, lots of patterns all for free. (Click on patterns) The various items requested have been grouped and listed.

WHERE WOULD YOU SEND WHAT YOU MADE?
Last, but not least, a label (click on label) with the address of some of the organizations is available. Find it, print it, cut it out and tape it to the package with the wonderful gift you have made. Get a friend to ship it.

1) Choose some article you want to make from the list of handcrafts the charities or missions indicate they need (See next page or click on charities)

2) Find a pattern, and when you first begin easier is better. Patterns, by the hundreds with many of them free, are just a click away (Click patterns)

3) Print out the pattern from the Web site so that you have it on paper to check directions as you go along. Web sites often change and you would not want to get part way through a gift and not know how to finish.

4) Decide on the color and size of yarn you want to work with. Acrylic and cotton are good choices because they wash well and do not often scratch the person who wears such items. Pick the size of needles suggested in the pattern. Except for caps for preemies, size is not an issue. There is always someone who will fit what you make.

5) Choose a craft store on line if it is inconvenient for you (or a friend) to go to one. (Click on craft store) There are many stores which display a wonderful choice of yarn, needles, and anything else you might need.

6) Check if a mailing label is available (click on labels) for the organization to which you intend to send your gift. You will find address labels for some of the organizations that are a part of the listing. Find the label, print it out, cut it out and tape it to the package that holds the gift you have made. Get a friend to ship it.

Matthew 25:40 – Jesus said, "Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me – you did it to me." (from The Message paraphrase)