The summer of 2016 I went on my first missions trip to New York City for 10 days with my church’s youth group. It was absolutely amazing! We spent a week working in soup kitchens and doing outreach ministry to the homeless – which included handing out blankets and food – and even doing some worship on the streets of NYC (which was one of my favorite parts of the trip).
I came home with a really strong desire to keep helping and do more. I started working in a local soup kitchen but still felt the need to do more. Then I came up with the idea to make hats and scarves to hand out in the cold winter months in hopes of blessing people, as well as to help them stay warm.
I enlisted my family (myself, my mom and my 4 sisters), plus the help of some of my youth group. Most of them didn't crochet - but they were willing to learn! But I need even more help. My goal is to have hats and scarves, as well as mittens and gloves, available to any soup kitchens and ministries nearby that have the resources to hand these out to people that they know need them the most. I also take them down to New York City to NYSUM (New York School of Urban Ministry) in the fall around Thanksgiving and give them away there.
Last year I collected and made 460 hats and scarves in 4 months! This year I want to do even more. I have set a goal of 1000 hats and scarves each year!
I want to use this as a way to unite both knitters and crocheters in a cause we can both fight for and help in. That big collection of yarn in your attic or bedroom that you never ended up using can now have a purpose! We all have plenty of yarn (even I have a stash of my own), hooks and needles, and the hands to make this happen. So lets do this!
PLEASE JOIN ME IN REACHING OUT TO THE HOMELESS
Crocheters and knitters are some of the most giving people I have ever met. Whenever there is a cause they are willing to invest their time and donate to that cause. I will be headed back to NYC to hand them out in November, and my youth group will be handing them out locally as well. I want every person I come in contact with to be blessed.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Knit and/or crochet hats, scarves, and/or mittens/gloves. It's your choice! Send all finished items to me.
Quick & easy hats and scarves. They don’t need to be fancy, just warm. The warmer the better!
I will be posting/have posted the hat & scarf patterns I usually use, but please feel free to use any pattern you already have.
AS A THANK YOU
As a thank you, everyone who sends a package will be entered into a drawing. One winner will receive every premium pattern my Mom,
Kristine Mullen from Ambassador Crochet, releases in 2019. Drawing will be held 12/28/2018. (Please include contact info with donations if you'd like a chance to win!)
GUIDELINES
- Knit or crocheted hats and scarves.
- Acrylic or wool would be best because they will hold heat better.
- Primarily adult sizes (approx. 21-22″ head circumference) but kids need them just as much!
- Any hat or scarf pattern is great!
- Neutral colors (brown, gray, blues, etc) are better, but not required. There are just as many women that could use warmth, so any color(s) are great!
- Shipping address is available in my mother's Ambassador Crochet Community FB group or by emailing her through her contact form.
- Make sure you add a note with your name and Ravelry id in case you are the winner.
Some have asked about patterns. Anything is great! But I and my Mom have designed some specifically with this project in mind - so they're quick & easy.
The Astoria Infinity scarf is one of my favorites. My Mom created this to help me out and it's named after a part of New York City! See my patterns page for this and more!
If you have ANY questions please feel free to leave me a comment!
When I did this last year it was life-changing. And that was only in 4 months! It was really awesome to see the thankfulness on people's faces and I was blessed as well. I made some unforgettable memories and I can't wait to make more and help more people.
Thank you for your help!
Sarah
