Our Charity Partners
The Big Apple Knitters Guild has a strong commitment to knitting for people I need, and generously contributes their hand-knit items to several programs. The charitable organizations and projects that the guild current supports are:
The Bowery Mission: Requests knitted items for adults, including hats, scarfs, mittens, socks, blankets, and sweaters. Both wool and acrylic fibers are acceptable.
Cancer Care: We collect hats and shawls in memory of Grace Shanahan, founding member and first BAKG President. Hats should be knitted in sizes suitable for children or adults. Please knit these with cotton/cotton blends, soft acrylics, cashmere, or silk. Avoid wool, alpaca, or mohair, since these yarns can be scratchy and uncomfortable for sensitive scalps. They also accept shawls with the same fibre restrictions.
Knit the Rainbow, Inc.: Donations accepted at Guild Meetings. The organization’s mission is to provide handmade knit/crochet winter garments to homeless LGBTQ+ youth in New York City. They request socks, gloves, and ear warmers, beanies, scarves, cowls, shawls, sweaters, and cardigans. They do not have any preferences for yarn type or color. These garments will go to youth ages 12-24 so please send garments in sizes for anyone within that age range.
Little Essentials: requests stroller blankets made of any materials (including wool and cotton) in neutral colors. The size is around 30” by 36′
The North Central Bronx Hospital, Maternity Unit: Requests knitted items for babies, including booties, blankets, mittens, hats, and sweaters. Items may be any size from preemie and birth to three years. Preferred fibers are cotton, acrylic, super-wash wool, and wool blends.
Operation Gratitude: Scarves for the Troops: Scarves, hats, and amigurumi critters are needed for care boxes for our American troops. Scarves should be 4-6″ wide and 48-50″ long with no fringes. Hats should not have pom poms or tassels. Critters should be no taller than 6″. Yarn in blues, browns, olive, grey, maroon are preferred.
The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI): Through its Christmas at Sea program, SCI requests hats, scarfs, and cowls for seamen. Use any worsted weight yarn and knit items without fringes and tassels.
Xavier Mission: requests hand knitted items: scarves, hats, sweaters and socks in big sizes (XL, XXL) primarily for men. They prefer dark colored fibers (black, dark blue, gray, brown, and dark green).