Knitting is our passion, and a great way to bring warmth and love to others – our family, friends, and sometimes people we don’t even know.

The Seattle Knitters Guild does not formally endorse any community knitting organization. Many of our members, however, make donations of knitted items, supplies and yarn to a variety of worthy organizations.

If you are interested in volunteering or knitting for others less fortunate, consider any of the following:

NEW for 2013:

Two organizations are our focus for this September's charity giving project:

Operation Nightwatch (Seattle): An interdenominational Christian ministry serving the poor and homeless. They provide: Care and Hope for the community at night, compassionate relief and shelter placement, low-cost housing supper for seniors and disabled, education for others to assist in responding to those in need.

Guild members may add a new community knitting opportunity at anytime. Should you have a group or cause you'd like to have listed here, please contact our Webmistress,. She will add it to this website.

A New Yarn
A non-profit yarn store that supports Northwest Family Life. Proceeds go to support women and children who are touched by domestic violence. Accepts donations of knitting supplies and yarn.


Knit for Life
The non-profit program operates at cancer hospitals all across the Puget Sound; nine hospitals host 12 programs. Over 25 volunteers knit with more than a hundred people each week and volunteer instructors are always welcome. You do not need to be an expert knitter, but you do need to know how to knit, purl, cast on and cast off to lead a group.

Volunteer are required to take a short training class run by the hospital. Consistency is important; volunteers must commit to show up every week for a few hours. Monetary donations help keep the organization running, but donations of needles and yarn are appreciated. To donate time, money, or supplies check out www.knitforlife.org.


Church of Mary Magdalene
The Church of Mary Magdalene is for women who are struggling to be free from multiple difficulties. The Church depends on others to supply knitting and crocheting materials they use to generate a small income for themselves.

The group also accepts handknit hats, mittens, scarves and hats for their clients. You may deliver donations, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.


Camp Erin – Erin’s Bears
Camp Erin is named for Erin Metcalf of Woodinville who developed liver cancer at the age of 15. During her hospitalization, Erin often expressed concern for the other children and their siblings who often received little attention. Her compassion made a big impression on everyone she met, including Seattle Mariner Jamie Moyer and his wife Karen. After Erin’s death in 2000, the Moyer Foundation helped found Camp Erin in 2003.

Camp Erin is run by Hospice of Snohomish County for kids who have lost a parent, sibling or friend. Kids are greeted at Camp with a well-dressed Erin Bear on their bed to help them deal with their grief. The beautifully knit clothes come courtesy of local knitters.


afghans for Afghans
Active continuously since September 11, 2001, this San Francisco based group collects knit and crocheted blankets, hats, socks, mittens and sweaters to send to the people of Afghanistan displaced and affected by war and poverty.

afghans for Afghans (aforA) accepts handknit items at various times throughout the year of WOOL or mostly-wool fiber. Preferred colors, specific garments requested, suggested patterns and photos of recipients are found on its website.


Macuwita sni! (“muh-CHOO-wee-tah shnee”) Lakota for: “I am not cold!”
This group works with the Cheyenne River Sioux and accepts child-sized sweaters, sizes 2-14 in 100% wool. (They also accept blends where the wool percentage is higher than acrylic, as animal fibers are wamest!)

Hats, socks, mittens, scarves are also accepted and greatly needed. But since many kids have only sweatshirts for outdoor winter wear, sweaters are the primary focus. The group works directly with a member of the Tribe.


Socks for Soldiers
This 501(c)(3) organization is about sending gifts of love to U.S. soldiers in the Middle East. Not interested in the politics in this war, the group’s focus is to show support to troops by sending handknits and other supplies.

If you cannot knit a pair of socks, they also accept monetary donations to cover the cost of shipping, yarns, and needles for the knitters, or donations of needles or yarn appropriate for the project.

Socks for Soldiers has representatives of all branches of the Military, including the Red Cross, America Legion, and VFW. It is endorsed by Vogue Knitting,Knit Simple & InterweavePress Magazines-Fall 2006.


Children’s Hospital Guild
The Children’s Hospital Guild is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises money to benefit Lactation Support Services at Children’s Hospital. The Guild accepts yarn – fun, furry, lash and novelty yarns – for handmade scarves which it sells to raise money.


Noel House
Rose of Lima House
Both Noel House and Rose of Lima House accept donations of yarn and knitting tools for use by the women who reside there.

Noel House is the largest women-only shelter provider in Seattle, giving shelter and referrals to over 200 women each night. Rose of Lima House offers transitional housing to single women, with intensive case management and life skills training to help women get back on their feet and find permanent housing.


Warm for Winter
Coordinated by Janice Tufte, Warm for Winter collects handmade hats and scarves from local knitters and crocheters and distributes them to homeless people in the Seattle metro area at Thanksgiving time. Working with the Interfaith Council of Washington, this group’s goal is to make more people aware of the problem of homelessness in Seattle and King County.  

Knitting for Wellness Community Volunteers
Harborview Hospital
Deanna Clark, Staff Advisor
Patient and Family Resource Center
Literacy Program
206/744-691

Harborview's Patient & Family Resource Center accepts donations of yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks. Lap blankets or afghans are also welcome to give to patients and families. The Center also accepts adult sized hats which are donated to the Mental Health Clinic and Cancer Therapy Unit. Baby hats are delivered to the Baby Shower or Children's and Teen's Clinics. The Center also accepts donations of hand-made items to sell in the Hospital Gift Shop. Natural fibers are preferred, but everything is welcome! Call for details or to make arrangements for delivery of items.