Finding A Reputable Charity
A watchdog organization, The American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP),
has listed its top-rated nineteen charities that offered relief
services to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. They have also listed tips for giving wisely to charity and for avoiding charity scams.
Will That Charity Accept Crocheted Items Or Other Goods? - The AIP also cautions that, in general, it's best to donate money, instead of goods, unless the charity has specifically asked for those certain goods to be sent. They caution to first contact the charity before sending any goods, to find out if the goods are appropriate and if it will be cost effective to distribute them. Some charities have asked that no goods be sent. The AIP article (Best Ways To Help Victims Of A Hurricane) has more details.
Charities That Are In Need Of Crocheted Items
The AIP touched upon another good point in commenting that sometimes other types of charities suffer from a decline in donations during times of the public focusing on aiding victims of a hurricane or other large disasters. While there is a great need to help the victims of hurricanes (which is largely done with cash donations), there is still an ongoing need to help the homeless and other needy people in many other areas and the opportunity exists to use your crochet skills to do this. If you have a desire to do some crocheting for charity, there are groups that are organized to accept crocheted items which are then distributed to the needy in each group's local area. Crocheted items, such as hats, scarves and small afghans are needed.
A Charity Needing Crocheted Items On An Ongoing Basis - As one example, crocheted items can be sent to Area Volunteers for the Warming Families organization. The items are then distributed to the needy through area shelters and hospitals. At the following link, there is a list of the area contacts by state, detailing the crocheted or knitted items needed for each area: www.warmingfamilies.org/usav.html. Warming Families is not affiliated with About.com or crochet.about.com in any way.
Project Linus Helping Hurricane Victims
The Project Linus organization is accepting donations of new, handmade, washable blankets to be distributed to children who are victims of hurricanes or who are needy for other reasons. www.projectlinus.org Project Linus is not affiliated with About.com or crochet.about.com in any way.