September's Charity

Each month, we want to try to "sponsor" a charity. This is a goal, and may not be a complete reality, but we will try.

Our intent is to encourage our readers (and ourselves) to make something for somebody else. If you choose to make something and give it to a different charity or someone you know in need, you've still met that goal. You will hopefully find a growing list of charities we especially like in the sidebar if you would like to do this but for a different cause.

This month, I'm especially drawn to the idea of making scarves for participants in the Special Olympics. I appreciate the simplicity of the requirements and the heart behind it. The following are some basic instructions, but you can read more about it here.

No special patterns or skills are required to create a scarf. Beginners,
schools, scout troops and other local groups are actively encouraged to
participate. "Our only rule," says Blizzard, "is that the scarves are knitted or
crocheted by hand using delft blue (885) and white (311) Red Heart Super Saver
yarn, because these colors perfectly match the Special Olympics logo and were
chosen specifically by the World Winter Games organizers."

Coats is providing a knitted pattern and a crochet pattern but any pattern
from basic stitches to complicated colorwork and stitch patterns may be
used. Personal notes from knitters and crocheters who want to send their
best wishes to the athletes are encouraged and should be firmly attached to the
scarves, which will be handed out before the Opening Ceremony.

Completed scarves must arrive by January 15, 2009, and should be sent
to:
2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Scarf Project
3150 West Main Street
Boise, Idaho 83702