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It’s definitely never too early to start thinking about how to pay it forward this holiday season. Operation Christmas Child is a worldwide organization (run by Samaritan’s Purse) delivering shoebox gifts to children in need all over the world.
From May 1 to June 2, AllFreeSewing.com is making it our mission to collect 1,000 homemade pillow cases to donate to Operation Christmas Child. Learn more about our Sew-A-Thon.
We’re celebrating with the Operation Christmas Child Pillowcase Sew-A-Thon Grand Prize Giveaway. No donation required to enter, but you can get extra entries if you donate a homemade pillowcase. Learn more about the Grand Prize Giveaway.
Betsy Burnett, Operation Christmas Child’s Area Coordinator for Three Rivers, IL, said “The goal is to not only bless a child in need with school supplies, personal care items, small toys and more, but to show God’s love in a tangible way to those hurting.”
“As a crafter, there are so many things you can make to put into a shoebox. Washcloths, jump ropes, toys, clothing, and more! When you create or make something, I believe you are sharing a part of your heart. What better place to share that part of your heart than with a child in need?” – Betsy Burnett
Burnett, known online as the #CrazyShoeboxLady, shared her Operation Christmas Child experiences with us.
Operation Christmas Child: Meet the #CrazyShoeboxLady
Betsy Burnett with shoebox gifts in Paraguay
What makes you passionate about working with OCC?
I first heard about Operation Christmas Child from a friend. My oldest son was a baby at the time, so we packed one shoebox gift as the beginning of a Christmas tradition for our family. As we added more children we, added more boxes, til one day my then 3-year old daughter found some brand new toys free at a garage sale. I had told her “no” that we didn’t need any more toys when she replied, “But Mommy we can put them into shoeboxes!” It was then I realized what made this project so special. Not only were we helping a child in need, but by helping to fill a shoebox gift, my children’s lives were changing as well; they were learning about giving and showing compassion, and even at a young age it was making an impression on them.
Can you explain what usually goes into a shoebox, and where they end up?
You start with just a regular ole’ shoebox. Some people wrap them or paint them to look pretty. You then decide if you want to pack for a boy or a girl, and what age group: 2-4 years old, 5-9 years old, or 10-14 years old. Next, you fill that shoebox with gifts: School Supplies (like markers and crayons, pencils, pens and notebooks), Personal Care Items (soap, washcloth, comb, toothbrush) and Small toys (a ball, a jumprope, a doll or car, stuffed animal, and even clothing items like t-shirts, socks, hats).
It’s amazing what you can fit into a shoebox! I will add a personal note to a child just wishing them well and a photo of our family so they know who packed their gift, then add $7 for shipping your box and it’s ready to go! (Please make sure there is nothing liquid, or fragile in your shoebox, and no war related toys.)
Shoebox gifts are packed by individuals and groups and then brought to a drop-off location during National Collection Week the Third week of November (which this year is November 14-21). The drop off locations collect the boxes and bring them to a Collection Center that ships them one of several processing centers. At the processing center they are prepared for shipment around the world. There are over 150 different countries your shoebox gift can go to.
“Laura (right) designed the dress pattern that the doll is wearing. She runs Ellie Inspired, an online pattern company. Laura encouraged her followers to create dresses for the 200 some “naked dolls” donated to OCC.” – Betsy
What’s a touching moment you’ve experienced?
This past June, I was invited to participate in a distribution trip in Paraguay. At one of the distributions a mom came up to one of our team holding a bunch of pencils in a rubber band. She asked if “all of these pencils were really for her child?” she was assured that they were.
Betsy receiving a kiss from Joseph of Paraguay
The mother left with tears in her eyes over her child receiving such a special gift. A bundle of pencils that would have cost maybe $1 here in the States, but to that mom the gift was priceless because it was supplies for her child for school! We have been given so much, I am thankful to be able to give back and encourage others to do the same through Operation Christmas Child.
How can our readers get involved?
To start, readers can check out the Operation Christmas Child website. There they will find shoebox stories, information on how to pack a shoebox gift, find the nearest drop-off location, have free resources sent to them and more! Friend Operation Christmas Child on Facebook.
If they would like to hear more about my personal adventures as the #CrazyShoeboxLady, they can visit my blog and click on “Shoebox 1K.” I’m also on Facebook!
Crafts that give back!
Plus, Betsy shared easy crafts perfect for OCC shoeboxes! Check out her tutorials:
- Washcloth “Boo Boo” Bunnies
- DIY Jump Rope and DIY Koosh Ball
- DIY Spinning Top
- DIY Roll-Up Checkerboard Tutorial
Operation Christmas Child Pillowcase Sew-A-Thon Grand Prize Giveaway
Enter for your chance to win 1 Bucilla Felt Christmas Christmas Whimsy Ornament Kit, 1 Bucilla Felt Christmas Ugly Sweaters Ornaments Kit, 1 Bucilla Felt Christmas ‘A Season to Believe’ DIY Stocking Kit, 1 Bucilla Felt Christmas ‘Caroling Santa’ DIY Stocking Kit, 1 Bucilla Felt Christmas ‘Two Turtle Doves’ DIY Stocking Kit, and 1 Plaid Tote Bag. The deadline to enter is June 2, 2017, at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Earn an extra entry by donating a homemade pillowcase to AllFreeSewing’s Pillowcase Sew-A-Thon for Operation Christmas Child!
Help us reach our goal of 1,000 homemade pillowcases for kids in need around the world! Read more about our charity drive running May 1 – June 2, 2017.
Have you ever crafted for a cause? (If so, tell us about it!)
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I have made t shirts for raffles at schools and churches, I also have given my leftover t-shirts to people that were in need of clothing at the time, they told me they did not want my pity, but would except my shirts in good faith. So I did what I could and left. I also gave some to the police department to deliver to the place where the women go when they finally leave their abusive spouse, at the same time I also gave them some of the stuffed animals my daughter had received during her illness before she passed away from cancer, I thought she would approve of what I did with her animals. The children in that situation never understand what is going on and don’t always have anything with them. I had hoped both the toys and the shirts make a little difference.
I have helped my neice on projects for school for her Homecoming Dances
I haven’t necessarily crafted for a cause, but I have helped Betsy (The Crazy Shoe Box Lady) lead crafts at the Christian Youth Center in our town! Does that count?!
I admire Samaritans purse and all the good they do. I gave to the shoebox charity last year and will again this Christmas.
I did some crafting for a senior facility that I previously worked for. The residents were happy to receive handmade slippers for Christmas and I had lots of fun making them.
I have not but would like to
I really don’t know how to answer that question. I have crocheted for preemie babies and angel babies that don’t get the chance to come home, I send to the hospitals, I don’t know if you would consider that a “cause”, I just wanted to give a little something to those families that lost so much.
I have never crafted for a cause, but I do like the premise. The idea that Operation Christmas Child does such a wonderful thing like this makes me very happy! The school supplies and other things that children of need can recieve, what a great idea!
I am on my way to get more information about these shoeboxes, what a great cause!
For family and friends, when the need is there for a wedding, a funeral, fundraising in the wake of a tragedy. For Christmas Angel projects in our town. These are not ’causes’, these are helping those who are just like us in a time of need.
I HAVE NOT EVER REALLY DONE ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE, BUT I FEEL THAT WITH ENOUGH SUPPORT AND HARD WORK I CAN DEFINITELY DO A GREAT JOB WITH IT ALL AND HOPEFULLY HELP PEOPLE ALL OVER TO ENSURE THAT THEY CAN HOPEFULLY DO THE SAME OR MORE FOR SUCH GREAT ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THE DIABETES FOUNDATION WHICH HOPEFULLY DOES ALL THAT THEY CAN LIKE I WILL BE FORTUNATE TO DO AS WELL.
I have made hats and booties for preemies at the NICU, but nothing like Operation Christmas Child. I really like the idea for this.
I am a year round volunteer for Operation Christmas Child!! I work on craft projects all year round!!!!’
I’ve crafted for a Cause for a long time. My church has been making pajamas for the local Child Welfare for years and I’m one of the regulars who spend about 20 hrs/mo. pinning, ironing, sewing and serging all year long every year.
I have not crafted for a cause but have given photography pictures for a cancer cause, it was a silent auction. It was such a great feeling to be part of something that you know is helping others on a larger scale. I have also participated in OCC and it was awesome…just knowing that a child would have a gift from my heart made it so worth while doing. OCC is truly a wonderful program that helps so many children at such a wonderful time of the year! I feel truly Blessed to have a small part in something so big!
I make crafts to sell for the Humane Society of Lake County Florida. It helps the dogs and cats at the shelter. We are a non profit shelter.
I make hats and scarves for soldiers. I also make baby hats for local hospitals.
Hi, I am probably the last talented person out there but the one and I mean ONE talent I do have is crochet. My Grandmother taught me as a young girl, as well as my sister’s and many of my cousins. I am one of the only ones that have kept it up. I can see the proudness in my grandmother’s eyes everytime I finish another project, she sees me crocheting or I ask her a question about it. One day I had completed my list of items that needed to get done and I was looking for something to do but wanted to make something with purpose. That was when a family friend told me about hats for newborn babies, babies in the NICU, and hats for the Cancer centers. It feels so amazing to make something when you know you are sending it to a place like that. And I also feel like every crochet project I make has a little piece of my grandmother in it.
Denise Grootenboer
The shoe box is a great idea even for elder clubs to participate in.
I would like to learn more about the recipients and how to handle this projject.
teach a ccd class and I think this could be a great project for them to learn by.
Several members of my church went on a missionary trip to Bolivia. I helped to make gospel bracelets to hand out to the people so they could understand the gospel in an easier way.
Yes i have crafted for a cause. When I was pregnant on my first child I wound up on bedrest for the last 3 months of my pregnancy. The only thing that kept me sane during that time was knitting preemie hats for the babies in the NIcu. I had someone come to my house and teach me how to knit .
I still do them as they are a quick knit and for a great cause
I also craft for OCC! It is my passion and though I’m generally not a very crafty gal, I started crafting with teenagers once a month for OCC through our YMCA’S Christian Emphasis program..so neat to see kids craft with no benefit to themselves!
I love making crafts for Operation Christmas Child! I have made soap pouches, drawstring bags and crocheted animals and toys.
I have knit toques for newborn babies and others in various countries and locations
Yes, I have crafted for Operaton Christmas Child! I crochet and I make hacky sacks for my boy boxes and hair accessories for my girl boxes. It’s so much fun combining two of my passions!!
I’ve made simple beaded bracelets to put in OCC boxes as well as making some paper dolls for the OCC boxes. Once we got a bulk supply of “boring” headbands and hotglued some flowers and other bling onto them to put in the OCC boxes.
I make pillowcases for our local children’s hospital. Also, a couple years ago I lead a week long summer class at church called Kids Helping Kids. We crafted different things for different causes….notepads, washer necklaces, etc. for OCC, decorated lunch bags for an organization that sends home sack dinners and more.
I’ve made blankets and cards for sick children, and I’m working on Hats for the Homeless this winter.
The last couple of years I have crafted for OCC. I had usually filled 5 boxes in honor of my grands but came up with the idea to do 60 for my big birthday this year (the idea scared me to death!). I have 75 boxes completed so far. Everyone of the boxes has something hand-made: a teddy bear, an insulated lunch bag, a zippered pencil case or small purse. I am already working on pencil cases for next year and have enjoyed this process so much that I don’t plan to go back!
I have never crafted for cause but do work with nursing homes and churches
The last couple of years I have crafted for OCC. I had usually filled 5 boxes in honor of my grands but came up with the idea to do 60 for my big birthday this year (the idea scared me to death!). I have 75 boxes completed so far. Everyone of the boxes has something hand-made: a teddy bear, an insulated lunch bag, a zippered pencil case or small purse. I am already working on pencil cases for next year and have enjoyed this process so much that I don’t plan to go back!
I am currently putting together crochet swatches from the ladies of our church to make lap afghans for our nursing home and shut in members for this winter..I have also recycled Christmas cards for OCC to put in our boxes- make maracas out of Easter eggs and spoons,-make action figures out of pipe cleaners, straws and beads for OCC, I am so blessed, I have to give to bless others!
I don’t think it could really be called “crafting” as such, but every Christmas my children and I create survival packs for the homeless to give out downtown…
I have not crafted for a cause but have given numerous items to people in need. I am currently setting up my first crafting space in my home. No time to really get in to crafting before but have always wanted to especially crafting with wood since that is what my dad did my whole life. I love this idea of the shoebox gift and hope there is someplace close to where I live so I can do this and hopefully get friends and family members involved as well. God Bless.
I have crocheted scarves and made puzzles and tic-tax-toe games for OCC shoeboxes. Also, I worked the craft rotation with the children at church during Vacation Bible School the past two years and we made clothespin caterpillars and hand puppets for OCC shoeboxes.
Yes, I craft for Operation Christmas Child throughout the year. I am thankful for Samaritan’s Purse and I am blessed to be able to pack shoeboxes for the children.
I have made a lot of bracelets for OCC
I make LOTS of items for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes! Puzzles, necklaces,dolls,hats,jump ropes,tic tax toe games….. I love making a difference in the life of a child around the world!
I’m blessed to have learned about Shoeboxes from Betsy herself so I have made Boo Boo bunnies with my Girl Scouts to donates to Shoebox 1K this year!
Through my church, I do a shoebox for a boy and a girl but have never been involved in crafting for this cause. It is a wonderful idea.
I make hair bands and drawstring bags for OCC shoeboxes.
I never crafted for a cause but it’s a very good idea
I do crafts, which I donate to be sold, to help raise funds for cancer patients.
Crafting is a big part of my life and I’ve crafted for different causes quite a few times, but most recently Ive gotten into sewing caps for cancer patients and donating them to the hospitals where I was treated.
I have been involved with Operation Christmas Child since it’s first year. Then I bought items to put in a box one from my grandson and one for my granddaughter. Today I’m involved in a group from our church that collects and makes items. Also, I am a teacher at a Christian school and every year we help our students make crafts to put in their boxes. It is my greatest joy to be able to encourage others to come along with me. Our church group plans on making 400 boxes and our school plans on making 300. My favorite all-time crafts are the fairy dolls made of pipe cleaners and flowers. I hope to get some ideas on this website for our OCC day at school.
I have done shoeboxes for many years, but this year was my first year crafting items for the boxes! So far I have made drawstring backpacks, headbands, marble bags, and shaped crayons!
Yes work with the senior center, to make stockings for foster kids parties they have before the holidays. Santa hands these out, along with a small present for each child.
Also started doing the shoe box project when my children small. Each helped get their box fixed for this. Children long gone, but still enjoy the project.
I made 130 hats last year that were sent to a church in Mexico to give to those in need. This year I am working on hats for cancer patients. I use looms to knit them.
I have made various items for the community through my sewing group at church.
I have made various items for the community through my sewing group at church.
I have crafted for Breast Cancer walks! I have made posters!
I knitted hats for the cancer society, veterans, homeless, preemie hats, and the foster care system.
I knitted afghan squares for the Indian Reservation in North Dakota. I knit shawls for my church to keep on the pews for members or guests to use during the services. I said about 90% of my knitting is for charity.
I am working on some scarfs and knotted headbands for a church that serves the homeless in my hometown.
What is a knotted headband. I crochet them but I’d like to try something new. Thanks
I love to craft to benefit the ladies group at my church.
I would really like to get involved on a larger scale to craft for a cause. The only time I’ve done something like this is to make book marks for a school with lower income students. Our group designed each one to be different and decorated them with colorful bits and pieces to encourage those students to read and remember that they were thought of dearly.
I have taught stroke patients how to stamp and make simple cards at camps designed to help them rehab. I have also been a part of a card ministry group at my church, making cards to send to members as the needs arise.
Love Operation Christmas Child! We have a local drop off spot and will be making our boxes in October.
Yes, I craft for OCC. I buy yarn from garage sales or thrift stores and crochet hats to put into shoeboxes. So far I’ve made over 100.
Yes! I’ve made felt tic-tac-toe games and zippered pouches for the OCC shoeboxes, sewed pillowcases for children’s hospitals that serve cancertain patients and crocheted baby booties for our women’s pregnancy care clinic. Love serving children!
I made greeting cards for Operation Write Home. Was a wonderful experience!
I am also a year round volunteer with OCC and I’ve included my Sunday School class in making crafts for shoeboxes! They love to make necklaces out of washes and paint with nail polish! This would be nice to win so we could make some more treasures!
I have crafted for a cause many times, the most recent at a shelter for families. I offered all the supplies and directions for making homemade bookmarks since school is just around the corner. After the project was completed, I brought the bookmarks home and laminated them. I returned the finished projects the next day.
I submitted additional ideas for projects to the home for upcoming dates. Most of the projects include the use of recycled items, such as CDs and plastic veggie trays, to name a few.
I often craft and sew items for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. I also make items to donate to a local nursing home as Christmas gifts.
I belong to a spinning and weaving guild. We work with Adopt A Native Elder in Utah (www.anelder.org) . They help support Navajo Elders living traditional lifestyles on the Navajo Reservation.Members of our guild knit ” Pumpkin Hats” an orange hat with a cute green stem. We sell these at two fall festivals and all money from these hats is sent to ANE to purchase firewood for “our” elder, an 80+ lady who still live in a remote area of the reservation and still raises sheep. Firewood is very expensive and she heats with wood. Last year we sold about 120 hats.
I craft alot and hoard crafts items too. Operation Christmas Child is my #1 international mission. I’ve been packing boxes for several years now!❤
I crochet baby blankets and caps for the local hospital that treats indigent patients. I also crochet caps that are donated to the homeless.
I crochet new hats and scarves for the local warm centers and using recycled yarn, lap sized blankets for the animal shelters.
I have never crafted for a cause but what a great idea…and its something the whole family can do
I am totally addicted to Operation Christmas Child and shop year round. I am not as crafty as I’d like to be, so the only things I’ve made are the rubber band bracelets, knitted a hat with a round loom, and a blanket for a baby doll.
This is such a wonderful. I’ve done a shoe box project with one of the local churches. I’ve made soup mixes in jars, jar pickles and bath salts for home baskets for people in need around town. I like to add something for a little luxury, and things that are not as common. Life isn’t just about surviving, but finding some joy.
where is a drop point for Iowa
I have been using a loom for the past two years and made 300 hats for preemies in my local hospitals. I also made toques for the Salvation Army and for the Barrie Community Centre. I used to knit booties and caps for preemies in the NICU but my hand can’t handle the needles any more so I loom them. I would love to be involved in the OCC and wonder if they are in Canada? I will try to find out before too long and stock up on shoe boxes.
Leah Yes they are in Canada…here is the link to the Canadian branch of OCC http://samaritanspurse.ca/operation-christmas-child.aspx
I have been experimenting with different projects to help raise money for my community. We have a Pride group that does projects to promote and service our community so I have been working on sewing projects, painting projects, any craft ideas that might be useful for our cause.
I make necklaces, bracelets, puzzles, bookmarks, and doll blankets for Operation Christmas Child gift boxes!
I am not creative with crafts, but I have done Operation Christmas Child before.
When I was in Senior in high school we sewed baby blankets for Bali. There is a midwife from where we live and she flies over there to deliver babies. It was absolutely beautiful!
My local guild does placemats for Meals on Wheels, and quilts for for various local organizations around the city. I make for both of those each year and since I joined Instagram, I’ve sent blocks to several causes that I could.
I have crafted for our local domestic violence women & children’s shelter for years. I love being able to give to others. It brings me more joy than it does them.
I craft for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes!!! Pillowcase dresses, tic tac toe games, tote bags, small receiving blankets, just to name a few!
I make hats and mittens for our parish Jesse Tree
I loved the story. Such a wonderful cause and it takes so little effort! We don’t realize how much we truly have compared to others when the contents of a shoebox can make so much of a difference in a child’s life.
I have made blankets and hats for premies and quilt squares to be sewn into quilts to auction for charity.
I work as a home health nurse and have a lot of patients that do not have family around all the time. My children and I enjoy making things to give to them, especially around the holidays
I started years ago working as a Girl Scout Leader for 14 years and making things with the girls. Later I discovered quilting and did a number of quilt tops for refugee camp residents (other ladies finished the tops); life change event and a move to Michigan and now make quilt wall hangings for a charity auction; but the most rewarding is working with several ladies doing the shoeboxes each year. We keep upping the number done so any ideas that will make nice items quickly is appreciated. Keep on the lookout all the time for predone things to put in boxes also. Several other charity projects fill my day too. Love to give !!!
i have not ever crafted for a cause before. However, I am just getting into art journal and multimedia art and would love to get involved with this. Is it International and are there Canadian affiliations.
I have crafted for baby showers and home projects but I am trying to find an easy craft to start for Operation Christmas Child. I have packed boxes but it was with purchased items. I would love to be able to send Items I have made personally.
I started too, but then became busy with my little girls when they were born. I do plan on joining a knitting group in the near future that donates to the homeless shelters.
I made embossed book marks with scripture written in scroll and arranged on a platter as one would a snack plate including a glued artificial flower at the top for ease in bookmarking. It was well received at the church.
I have never crafted for a cause because I simply do not have the talent to create something worth while. The closest I can come to is volunteering to create crafts for my kids school.
I love operation Christmas child, we do several boxes through our church each year. Funny that I never thought about putting crafts in one. We try to make sure that we put in pencils, toothbrush, soap, other hygiene supplies, small toys etc. Please put in a bowl and spoon. Something so simple can make the difference if that child can eat or not. Would love the plaid supplies, now my mind is turning, thinking of crafts to put inside.
I have made hats, scarves and ornaments during the holidays for patients in our local hospital as well as preemie gowns and hats for the littlest ones.
I’m not writing for myself, but for a friend who does so much to help almost anybody for any age or gender. Her name is Theresa. She recently made over 25 cozy blankets for the elderly at a nursing home. But what is more wonderful, is that she involved her grand-daughter (10 years old) to help in making them, packing them and delivering them. She has created countless raffle baskets at her own expense for churches, fundraisers, and events such as the autism foundations. She loves to paint and is an artist. She sees beauty in everything and everyone.
I have not exactly crafted for a cause, though my mother-in-law quilts and makes small sewing projects for donations and fund-raisers. I have done some specialty baking and small crafting for school events. I am hoping that in a few years I will have more time to donate.
I have crafted items for shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Been packing shoe boxes for about 8 years now. Amazing ministry!
No, but I would like to. Thanks for the chance to win!
I crochet receiving blankets for the NICU in the hospital where I lived at.
Still do when I hear they need it, I was a nurse for 10 years and they always need it so always working on them.
So for I have only crafted for my kids classes – large illustrated poem posters but I would love to become more involved.
When I worked, we always made group quilts for co-workers for baby showers or weddings. Usually cross stitch, we each completed a square and someone else would put them all together.
I have not been able to craft for a cause yet. But, this year my son and I are going to start making items for children.
I have not had the opportunity to craft for a cause yet.
Recently my knitting group made touques and sent them to refugee camps overseas.
I build afghans with blocks others have crocheted then donate them to various organizations, like the local homeless shelter and domestic violence shelter as part of Warm Up America.
I crafted by making booties and nightgowns for people in need at the hospital. Also our
girls group make dolls for the children who where ill.
I have not yet crafted for a cause, but I like the concept. This Shoebox idea is a good one! I also like the idea of sending items to troops serving overseas, and I would think maybe items like hand made caps, socks and scarves might be useful for troops serving in temperate climates.
Wonderful story!! Nice to know so many people contribute!! We do the Shoebox’s thru our Church too! Such fun getting the Sunday School kids involved!! Thank you for allll you do!!
And thank you for chance to wint his grrrreat give-a-way too! 🙂
I craft as much as I can. I do scrap booking, bead work, sewing and my favorite is re-purposing.
I haven’t crafted for a cause yet. I have crafted for a family when the Dad lost his Job because of illness, and gave them home made Christmas gifts and decorations along with all the fixings for a great Christmas Dinner.
No I haven’t. I am not that good of crafter. I would like to do crafts with kids.
We knit and crochet squares to be combined with others for afghans for the needy.
Yes. I’ve made hats for infants with heart problems. I’ve made hats for cancer patients. I made a couple drape garments for radiology patients… Love plaid for offering a fine prize.
I’ve made cards for Operation Write Home. I’d love for our family to get involved with Operation Christmas Child! Off to see where our local collection facility is.
This craft kit will be a gift to my daughter. She is a teacher intern right now. Going to be a teacher in January. In need of supplies!
I just finished crafting some jewelry pieces for a young 4 year old that has brain cancer that has spread. I made 2 pieces for them to auction off to help them with expenses. I’m excited about the paint giveaway! This would be great to help me make more things to give others to sell for their causes.
I wouldn’t want to make a claim for myself but for a very dear friend who has donated her quilting expertise for quilts to be kept by recovering kids, in police cars to give to kids involved in accidents, teddy bears for children in safe houses..just a few of the ideas she promotes. She would really deserve to win the Plaid Prize. Can I nominate her for this award?
My wife and Myself have made crafts for various causes from school fairs to children’s charities>
Started crafting for a cause by making dolls for Haiti after the earthquake I now do lots of shoebox crafting (See my facebook group https://www.facebook.com/shoeboxesonashoestring/ where I post a lot of ideas)
Hand kites
Paracord Buddies
Knitted baby doll hats
Molded Crayons
Flowers for Flip Flops
and many many more
I have given ceramic supplies to our local Senior Citizens Center.
My friends and I painted duffel bags filled with toys, blankets, + crayons to give to children who get adopted. Most kids have to put all their belongings into a trash bag to move to their adoptive home.
My entire family gets involved with OCC boxes. We do crafts (jewelry, making games, sewing dresses, etc.) We are obsessed with doing as many boxes as possible as well as additional fillers sent to the processing centers. We also prepare Blessing Bags and keep them in our cars for homeless and others we encounter who need a little help. We are doing “family” blessing bags this year after encountering several families who are struggling.
We actually did the shoebox gifts when I was in school. It was a lot of fun and I was so glad that I could share something with people less fortunate than I am.
I have made and crafted items to give away anonymously at holiday time.
I’ve never done anything quite like this, but I absolutely love the idea! I just might get my kids in on this wonderful gift giving opportunity! Thank you so much for sharing!! <3
Wonderful idea, I will
have to check it out.
I got a doll from a Bank
one year and sewed
dresses for it to be
given to a little girl
for Christmas. Lot
of fun doing thst.
Carla from Utah
I help my wife when she needs me to do some woodworking. She crafts for a local rescue group and she is the president. She also donates baskets for a raffle to raise money for our school district.
I sew for my church bazaar, mostly aprons and tote bags. I also sew for an animal charity. I’m a member of an international service organization whose man goal is the eradication of polio. I knit to raise money for that. In the past I’ve made quilts to raise funds for the public library.
I have made scarfs for the homeless men women and children shelters it truly was a blessing to know it helped keep some from being cold. Operation Christmas Child I have been doing that for many years. God bless every one for doing that but must of all bless the children that get them .Thank you for a chance at the giveaway .God bless
I craft for many causes! I quilt for numerous charities in our area including Quilts of Valor, seniors, hospitals, homeless people, abused women, Fidget Quilts and pet beds to name just a few!
My daughter and I look forward to filling the shoe boxes each year. It makes us happy knowing that it will bring joy to the face of a child. 🙂 I have been working on a family project for awhile now. I have been tracing the hands of every man , woman and child in my family and I have been carefully painting the insides of each hand with ideas that I get from studying the person’s hand. They are turning out very well but I could really use some more paint to finish them off and give them as gifts.
I have crafted for a church benefit before. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I have never crafted for a cause.
I help out people that stand on street corners asking for help. Numerous times I have given people snacks, food from the Dollar store. It is so sad people have to beg for help on street corners.
i make blankets for newborn premies
I make Christmas ornaments to go on the packaged gifts we give to families in need at our church.
Craftpaperscissors is ALWAYS my favorite site when:
I need ideas!
When I need inspiration!
And, as a good cookbook is to read, always making my day!
Thanks!
I have done crafts with kids at vbs at our church (a kids summer program teaching them about God and community)
I don’t know if this counts but I have crocheted “Jabez” blankets for kid in orphanages in third world countries.
I have never done any type of crafting for a cause, mainly because I did not know there was something out there like that. It sounds like a wonderful ideal that I am going to check into. I love making gifts to give to others “just because” so I know giving to a cause like Operation Christmas Child or a similar cause for senior citizens will make me feel good and feel like I might have put a little joy in somebody’s day. I am going to check into doing this right now! Thanks for helping make people like myself aware of this cause.
I’ve never used Plaid products but am a big advocate of crafting for any matter or purpose! It’s enjoyable and the end result will always inspire SOMEONE.
I have made quilts for different organizations and for benefits. Thanks for the great giveaway.
I currently crochet breast-forms for women who have had mastectomies, and have crochet for various causes such as preemies and babies at hospitals, chemo caps, lap covers for nursing homes and a lot of different crafts to do with my own daughter who is handicapped. Any craft is worth a try for her.
I have done blankets and hats for charity.
when my girls where younger we crafted for girl scouts all the time …. we help out children’s hospital when they need something for the kids; church bazaar
I have not crafted for a cause before, but like the idea of it. I just have to get a little bit better at my crafts!
Quite often when I was the Brownie Scout leader. As one of our projects, we made wreaths constructed with pet treats for the local animal shelter at Christmas.
I actually started doing Operation Christmas Child Boxes when I went to junior high and still enjoy doing them to this day. I love decorating the box and putting in items that I know are needed. It is a great cause.
I have never crafted for a cause but I will be looking into doing it .Since I’m disabled now it would be something to keep me busy .
I have made tons of handcrafted birthday crads for kids at homeless shelters
I have never crafted for a cause, but I make crafts for family and friends for Christmas
Me and my daughters are always thinking of unique ideas for our local animal shelter.
I have crocheted winter hats for the annual hat/mitten drive here in town.
No, not yet, but it’s a great idea!
I have not ever crafted for a cause but you bet you I will be.
Sadly I am not a very good crafter so have not done it for a cause other than for relaxation and stress relief for myself. Hopefully I will improve and then help out.
I have done crafts for bazaars for fundraising efforts.
yes, for our local no kill animal shelter, and since it was all for the animals, it was worth it!
I have crafted for charity auctions. I’m known for my flower arrangements and “spooky” type crafts so I usually get called upon but I love to do it!
So many wonderful deserving charities, and this one is special. Thanks for the inspiration to give.
I can’t say I’ve ever crafted for a cause, although I used to make Christmas ornaments as gifts.
I CRAFT AS OFTEN AS I CAN AND HAVE MADE LOTS OF ITEMS FOR BREAST CANCER DONATIONS FOR RAFFLES ETC I LOVE IT THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY
I have crafted for causes when I was in college
I have made dolls for a church group. I crochet hats for occ and made jump ropes out of tshirts. I do crafts with our church family. Done blankets for homeless shelters.
i have never crafted for a cause before but i would love to.
I’m always making things for the assisted living center. A couple of years ago I made Christmas Socks to hang on everyone’s door Christmas morning. Filled with decks of cards, candy, note cards.
The residents didn’t expect it, was nice surprise when they opened their doors to go down for Breakfast.
I crochet items such as afghans, tote bags, potholders, etc. for an auction held annually for the National Federation of the Blind. Also do the same for my church high school. Perhaps the donation I have enjoyed the most was for a center for unwed teenage Mothers who truly need the basics to take care of their child; Also, enjoyed sending crocheted baby blankets, bonnets and booties.
I have never crafted for a cause, but I have donated crocheted stockings to my Local Royal Canadian Legion in the past. This Christmas shoe box is very interesting . I hope I will be able to do from Canada. Good Luck to All.
I attend a physical re-hab(Sheltering Arms). I do some crafts to share with the group, or for Holiday Sales we do to help support group crafts, games, outings. I also seem to have become the repair person for broken jewelry. I hope I can organize some of our group to collect items for boxes this year.
I have never crafted for a cause, but crafted gifts for my children’s teachers.
Yes I have, I’ve started my own craft shop with my husband and we lost our dog back in February to cancer, it especially hit my husband hard as they had been together for almost 13 years. In his memory I make various items and we donate the profits to help raise awareness for pet cancer as well as help with vet bills. We have also talked and are planning on different craft items for important causes to us.
I have helped out with Vacation Bible School for two years helping the kids learn about religion.
I have crafted many things for our community Festival of Trees where all money goes into our community hospital to update equipment and such. During the festival they have a Santas workshop where only children can go in and purchase items (donated) for family and friends that are fairly cheap costing. No adults allowed in the shop. Elves help the children decide what to buy with the money they have. They also have a gift shop for the general public where all the items in the gift shop are donated and then purchased by customers. Many of the items in both the Santa’s Workshop and the Gift Shop are handcrafted and they are all donated by local business or artisans.
I make craft kits for approximately 1000 kids in our school district at Christmas time. It’s called Operation Help A Neighbor. They provide items that the children are in need of. I donate material to the local church to make little bags that hold items and they then put them in shoe boxes to send overseas. It makes me feel good to know that someone else is happy with the items they receive. God bless all who help.
At work, we decided to give to the parents of children living in a homeless rescue community. The children were already well taken care of, but it seemed to us that the parents needed some loving too. So, I made 25 crocheted throw blankets to add to the gifts.
I haven’t crafted for cause but made crafts to give to others
When my son was born at 27 weeks, we were given a little hat that one of the ladies auxiliary members had made for preemies. That little hat kept him warm when he had to be uncovered due to all the tubes and wires. To pay it forward, I knit hats for preemies and give then to my sister-in-law, a nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit. When a preemie is born, she gives the parents a little hat to help them comfort their tiny infant. I’ve also made fleece blankets and crocheted lap blankets for charity, and participated in the shoeboxes for Christmas too. I’d love to retire and craft all day every day! I find crafting for charity rewarding – it leaves me filled with gratitude at being able to share.
I do a lot of charity sewing. I make quilts for the area hospitals NIC units. I sew chemo caps, walker bags, pillows, seat belt protectors and ostomy bag covers for the West Cancer Center. I have participated in operation Christmas child for several years.
No not really.
I do quite a bit of charity work, but not charity crafting. My sister makes and fills Christmas stockings for her local women’s shelter every year.
I haven’t crafted for a cause. Usually, I’m more involved in organization.
I haven’t crafted for a cause. I feel my crafts aren’t good enough. I do though buy crafts from Africa to support women there.
Your cause is heart warming!
I started making crafts to sell at our church craft sale to make money to buy items for OCC boxes, and that evolved over time into just making the crafts to go in the boxes instead. I make croched hats, purses, headbands, hair scrunches washcloths, sew totebags and travel size racetracks and make bead bracelets. I’m always looking to learn to make something new for the boxes.I have packed 120 boxes this year and each one had one or more hand made items.
My work would do craft sales or bake sales for different charities and would invite other departments to shop for a cause. One year I made a bunch of earrings and they all sold. I’ve also made baked goods. Different districts pulled together to make a gift basket to be auctioned off. My district made a movie night basket one year and a scrapbook basket another year.
Awesome!
I did a baby blanket that went to the NICU at our local hospital.
I’ve crafted for a cause, helping children make Christmas cards for military personnel deployed over the holiday. We used recycled, donated cards and what might be considered a bit too much glitter to create unique heartfelt greetings.
I have not crafted for a cause either. I have been in and out of hospitals this last year for leg amputations.
I really haven’t crafted for a cause. Now on the other hand I have crafted crocheted winter caps for folks around me that I see that might need some head covering to make it easier for them to stay warm.
I have crafted in a few different ways, for different causes – I have made a lot of fleece scarves for “the giving tree” ( collecting scarfs, mittens, hats to donate to Salvation Army ); I have painted votive holders & Christmas ornaments of a gift table at a local soup kitchen; I made Rudolph & Clarice pins to be sold or charity, and have filled hundreds of Christmas stockings (I made some of the stockings too) for our local soup kitchen Christmas party.
I don’t think I’ve ever entered a contest for a charitable cause before (this will be my first!) but I love the idea! Beneficial to everyone involved!
I make crafts each year for our local animal shelter’s annual craft fair. Its completely run on local support, volunteers and donations so i love to give a little bit of time up for such an amazing cause!
We crafted with the kids at our church for vacation bible school. We had pre cut pieces of wood that we put newspaper like versus on and then covered them with a clear wood glue. They look awesome actually! Thank You!
I have not, but I have crafted my entire wedding!!
This is a project. I have made hats for Charitys. And some scarfs.
My cub scouts and I make ornaments and Christmas cards every year for Project Rudolph-sending Christmas cheer overseas to armed forces.
I’ve made quilts for charity and donated my sewing ability and time for lots of church charity projects. I also made my niece’s burial gown a couple years ago.
I am employed at a 501(3)(C) drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Northeastern Florida where I teach the residents knitting and crocheting. Every year as the weather turns colder here in Florida I distribute knitted and crocheted hats to the residents. In addition we as a facility crochet and knit blankets, hats and scarfs and distribute them to neighboring hospitals.
I’ve crafted for a cause by making blankets with my church to take on a missions trip for orphans in Kyrgyzstan. They took up most of my luggage (hello, packing-light-for-five-months!), but the kids loved them!
We participate in OCC every year but just buy toys and such. We have done crafts for the animal shelter – made blankets and toys. Thank you
It was so much fun last year to use Laura’s pattern to make dresses for the donated dolls! I’m happy to be able to do that again and appreciate your work in coordinating this. I also enjoy making dresses and shorts for Little Dresses for Africa and other groups who have taken the clothing to Africa for children who have so little.
no i have not
I helped make quilts for our local childrens hospital
With my local quilt guild we make pillowcases for Children receiving hospital treatments, baby quilts for a local VNA project, quilts for a local hospital cancer survivors group, and for the local women’s shelter. And we have made quilts for charity auctions. Thank you.
Please enter me in contest. Ty. Love the plaid paints.
Hello and God bless you all for doing God’s work for the children! My way of helping has been to donate granny square crocheted blankets I make to single moms in need. My last one was given to a cute little blond baby boy named Jaiden who lives in Waterville, Maine. I used leftover balls of yarn in a color scheme of blues, teals and I used cream to combine the squares. Jaiden’s mom Melissa loved it because it reminded her of the Maine coast… Honestly I had the colors because my living room is decorated in those shades. It felt good to make someone happy and to see Jaiden clutch the blanket in his hand and bring it up near his face as he was falling asleep in the pack n play. I also make jewelry and sometimes I gift pieces as thank you’s to the nurses and technicians that take care of me when I go to the hospital. I’m very good at fixing things and refurbishing old things into new and depending on the cost i’ll usually do something like that for free if I can afford the supplies. I hope that’s enough to win. I’d love the paint so I can continue refurbishing items for myself and others. God bless!
I craft for causes on a regular basis and have been doing so for 40 years +. I volunteer to teach arts and crafts to low income seniors and children, to at risk youth, and schools with no art budgets. I teach art journalling to troubled teens and people who are victims of domestic violence. I also design posters and leaflets for non-profit organizations whenever I am asked. If you ever wanted to know if your talent had any merit, offer to share it with someone. The gratitude and joy will be the best boost for your art. Thanks for the opportunity to win (hopefully).
I use my extra yarn to make hats and scarves for the local homeless, also a lot of hats for a local cancer center.
we donate all our lesser used toys to charity but I haven’t crafted for the cause. Thank you for the chance to win
Yes I have made hats for cancer patients in the past. Please enter me in your sweepstakes.
I have been making rosaries for my cause. All of the rosaries are one-of-a-kind and help dogs and cats who need forever homes! I love making them!
I am a crafter who also quilts. I have donated quilts of all sizes to a women’s shelter. A lot of the ladies along with their children have to leave their homes with just the clothes they are currently wearing.
I have crafted for a cause with my children years ago. I plan to do so in the near future by teaching sewing skills to those rescued from human trafficking in Ecuador.
I have crocheted and donated 2 afghans. One was for a fund raiser to help a friends sister who has suffered a brain aneurysm and needed medical devices to return home after rehab. The other was for a raffle to raise money in memory of a fellow camper to the hospital where he was treated for cancer.
I send all my leftover/scrap yarn to someone who crochets hats and blankets for her hospital of choice( a new one every year)
I admire Samaritans purse and all the good they do. I gave to the shoebox charity last year and will again this Christmas.
I myself haven’t done anything, operates shoebox sounds like a good place to start. I’d like to get my daughter & friends to help me with it.
I knitted and crocheted a baby blanket and several other baby items for a particular girl. She went to school with my daughter, lost her dad in an automobile accident when she was only 12 years old, and lost her mother a couple of years ago to a massive heart attack. She is now 30 years old, married, and is expecting her first child. My heart aches for her, and I can’t think of a more deserving person to make my diy crafts for. I feel so blessed that she asked me to be her daughter’s adopted grandma!
I’ve never craft for a cause but have for giving gifts. This would be an awesome prize!!! Thanks
I am a year-round volunteer for Operation Christmas Child. My church’s OCC work group has made two plastic tubs of jump ropes. Could you publish the little jump rope card in the photo? I would love to include it in our shoe boxes.
I’m going to try making the ball! Thanks for the great idea.
I’m excited you already make the jump ropes for your shoeboxes! We heard your request for the jumprope image. It’s being worked on.
This is a great charity to be involved in. I really love that Laura is a pattern designer at such a young age!
Thank your for this wonderful giveaway! Good luck everyone!
I’ve crocheted caps for cancer patients & booties, mitts & caps for newborns & preemies. They are donated to the maternity ward & cancer ward at our local hospital. I’ve also crocheted mittens/gloves, scarves, & hats to donate to the local ‘coats for kids’ so they have something to keep them warm along with their new coats. I find this very fulfilling & I enjoy crocheting for other people! Very rarely do I crochet anything for myself.
We borrowed your t shirt jumprope idea and began crafting them for our shoeboxes. Also some of our ladies are crocheting scarves and we have a church project planned to make felt princess sock puppets. Love buying for the shoeboxes….love making things even more!
yes, I have. I knitted and crocheted pink scarves for breast cancer one year, made over 200. Now I am knitting and crocheting baby blankets for our county health dept. to give to new parents.
I will suggest that the ladies (and guys, if interested) hand make some of the items to fill the boxes that our church does every Christmas. I think this is a wonderful approach as it makes it seem more personal.
Yes, I have made lap quilts for the Veterans Administration. They were so grateful for the extra warmth.
I have crocheted stuffed animals to be sold, the donations to go to ASPCA in Canada.
I absolutely love this idea and have a couple of ideas of where I would like to ask some friends to fill a shoe box.
No. It would be rewarding!
I have never crafted for a cause before. Living where I do it’s hard to find the proper connections for the charities. I have crafted for family and friends my whole life. I have never kept anything for myself which could be a blessing. Otherwise my house would be overflowing. Lol
No I wasn’t aware of such a thing so thanks for sharing.
I made cancer caps for our local breast cancer care center. I got involved when my mother developed breast cancer. I want to start to make caps for preemie babies too. I crochet to take my mind off of my pain and when I’m not up to doing things.
My Relay for Life team sponsored a fundraiser where we all decorated bras. It was so much fun to see how creative we could get. After the judging the bras were put on display at our local hospital. My Lioness Club also makes gowns for hospice.
I have made crocheted hats & mittens for the giving tree at the bank in Minnesota
I have crafted Christmas presents for the assisted living facility in our town ad currently I have began makeing plastic yarn out of grocery bags to make mats for the homeless (the idea came from a group at my mom’s church in Surprize AZ)
I crochet and knit hats and scarves for our Christmas tree at church. The hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves are donated to a shelter in our area.
i have made blankets or quilts for project Linus, made knit caps on a loom for the homeless and small CHRISTMAS WREATHS for my uncle to pass out to elderly shut-ins he delivered meals to.
Even me on an extremely limited budget can do a box for a child
I have not crafted for a cause before, but I love this idea and think it would be great to get the whole family involved.
I have crafted for many causes my latest ones are door wreaths. I make breast cancer awareness and autism awareness wreath that I sell and donate a portion to the organization. The wreaths are made from various materials deco mesh, burlap and embellished with ribbons, flowers, birds, butterflies, with the symbol for the cause. I would like to create some necklaces and bracelets too.
I have participated in OCC and have donated items to be raffled off for different charities.
I have made hats, scarves washcloths and other items for charities. I try to do a shoebox or 2 as well.
Yes. I craft all year long for OCC Shoe Boxes! I teach 4-6 graders in Sunday school and we craft for the boxes. We hold sewing and crafting days within our church. This July we held an area craft day for shoebox enthusiasts. Love OCC!
Pillowcase dresses, purses, dolls, t-shirt bags, anything we can make!
I have filled shoeboxes for many years. Never thought of making things for the boxes. I do a lot of crafts so I’m going to do a craft for each box. Glad I found this
I would love to win this prize, it would help our little church make our shoe boxes.
I like to make doll clothes, and include them with a donated doll. And sometimes a matching outfit for the little girl. I purchase the yarn at the Thrift shop, so it’s a win win. 🙂
I use Plaid paints all the time. so many colors to chose from. Beautiful results. I paint on everything and anything. Lately I’ve been mostly painting on rocks. The plaid paints work wonderfully. I donate much of my work to children . They love animals on them. Adults order their pet portraits on rocks for the pets graves. I love to paint.
How uplifting this is. I will definately be making some
I made a quilted sleeping bag for the homeless and I make baby quilts to donate to hospitals. I have a pattern to make chemp hats but I haven’t made any yet.
I would love to win this prize it would be a dream come true. I do a lot of crafts and make jewelry and I need so many different color paints. I also love Plaid products!!
I have made prayer shawls and hats for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Our church has been working with operation Christmas child fir years and we love doing it. On a trip to Honduras I found that the kids kept the boxes for their treasures so this year decided to use contact paper to keep boxes looking nicer longer .we cannot wait to get started that we already have collection boxes at church. God has blessed our small church so much because we Love Him and are living His children as well. God bless operation Christmas child.
We made Mother’s Day cards for patients at Sick a Kids hospital to give their mothers.
Back in the 70s when I was in college I learned to crochet. My Mom heard about a Mittens for Kids project that someone had designed a crocheted mitten pattern for those who couldn’t knit. She sent for the pattern and until I moved out of the area I crocheted at least one pair of mittens for Mittens for Kids each year. I still use that pattern and now I have a crochet bag in my car that goes to every doctor appointment I go to and take my elderly parents to. Mittens for Kids is no longer around, but every year I manage to find some organization (last year it was the library) that collects them for children in need.
I also have donated other items (handwoven scarves, handmade jewelry) to auctions for Performing Arts and United Way.
I have helped a woman who owns a ceramics shop create trees for Festival of Trees by cleaning, painting and firing both ceramic and porcelain figurines to decorate the tree and the area around it. The money from the sale of these trees went to our local children’s hospital, and I have always considered making children’s health a “cause”.
I have also helped my church ladies make “hygiene kits” to be distributed to a local homeless shelter. We purchased terry cloth in bulk amounts and cut and serged the cloth, which gave me a little more exposure to how a serger works. (Still not good with them)
I knit for Pontefract Charity Knitters & we make items for many local charities as well as items for Christmas shoe boxes. My favourite items are brightly coloured hats & fingerless mitts….easy enough for beginners. Get knitting!!
I make greeting cards for a small fundraiser for our church
I make quilts and totes for kids with cancer.
Please enter me in your giveaway.
I have made bags for school supplies, quilts for Africa; crochet afghan block for the homeless in our community; ornaments for our troops. Great feeling helping others, and make there life a little better.
Please enter me in this very worthwhile contest
Yes I have crafted for a cause. I have made items for the Relay For Life.
Yes, helped make blankets to give to children who got put into foster care so they would have something of their own.
Have made candles to sell at fundraisers for an organization that threw holiday parties for low income seniors.
Filling shoe boxes is something our family has been doing for several years. It’s a great way to show the children that someone is thinking of them, and even more importantly they receive the message that God loves them.
For OCC I have made crocheted purses out of grocery store plastic bags. I cut them into loops and attached them end to end and crocheted them as you would yarn. I typically make a big square or rectangle, then fold it over with a flap, close up the sides with a single crochet and attach a “button” or other item to hold it closed. Sometime I include a shoulder strap. Having made them for friends little girls I think they are well received I also crochet hobo type bags out of t-shirt loops, cutting shirts donated to me by friends and co-workers into loops. They are usually a bit bulkier but I think ideal for an older girl to use for school items or anything else she needs to carry. Both bags can be all one color or multiple colors, as you like. Thanks for the entry into the contest!
I would like to be a painter like Bob Ross or Ed Martinuik were. This would help get there. I am a shut-in as well.
I Have knitted hats for both wee babies and big kids .
Hi, yes I have crocheted and knit for a cause, toques and mitts for hospital auxiliary….I had extra yarn kicking around and another lady I worked with was doing it so I made some up and gave her the bag to donate….
I’ve made stuffed toys and carry bags for kids who need them in emergency situations. I also knit/crochet scarves and hats to drop off outside the soup kitchen I volunteer at. Nothing organized–just me doing what I can. 🙂
A couple years I crocheted and filled a dozen ChapStick holders for some missionary friends who were in charge of vbs programs in Africa. I’ve made coasters/washcloths for the seniors on my meals on wheels route. I also make winter hats & scarves for a rescue mission downtown.
Not yet, but I plan on it now!
This year will be the first for doing something like this!
A group of us crocheted afghans for a women’s shelter in the next town.
Ever since my sister found out she had stage four breast cancer and lost her hair I’ve been making crochet hats that were soft enough to wear after chemo treatments, sadly she did not win her battle so now i make them for other cancer patients.
i haven’t crafted for a cause per say, but I have crafted for individuals and have seen a need and crafted to fulfill that need.
I have never crafted for a charity, but would like to.
I love to craft and make goodies for OCC but mainly I create quilts for Stitchin’ for Missions. They send quilts to Christian agencies/churches around the world.
Two of my fave charities are Project Linus (projectlinus.org) and Warm Up America! (warmupamerica.org) I love to crochet and making blankets, hats and washcloths for these great charities is a great feeling!
I made draw-string pouches from T-shirt sleeves, before sewing them up, I had sewn on a tic-tac-tow pattern on front with ribbon. Then I cut little wood slices (10 each set) from branches & drew on X & O’s with permanent marker to make the playing disks. A travel size tic tac tow game! Made 80 last year.
I LOVE crafting for Operation Christmas Child! My latest crafts are tiny containers made from bottles and lids, necklaces, bracelets made from both beads and the large wooden craft sticks. I am continually coming up with something to craft for my Christmas Child shoeboxes. 🙂
My son wanted to raise money to buy goats through Samaritan’s Purse earlier this year. In addition to lemonade stands, we have been making greeting cards to raise more money for donations. We have Facebook page called Goat Fund Me.
My boys also love making crafts and treats to bring to their elderly neighbors. Their best friend is 100 year old.
We are also trying to pack a lot of shoeboxes this year.
This is a great cause. No child should be disappointed or without on Christmas God Bless Everyone who participates.
Our church has been involved with Operation Christmas Child for 16 years. We have delivered shoeboxes in the Dominican Republic for the past 16 years and we have been to two different cities for many years.
This past May I started a small group at church called Gift Crafters. We get together every two weeks to make items for our Shoebox packing parties. It is a wonderful thing to do !
Your give a way would help us a lot !
We homeschool our daughters so we try to help others in several different ways during our class time. We made fleece tie lap blankets for a local nursing home for Christmas one year. Instead of exchanging gifts at a family gathering, we all brought fleece and worked on the blankets as a large family. We also made ornaments for the nursing home one year. We crocheted plastic bag blankets for the homeless to sleep on for one of our year projects. We would collect the bags and then get together with others to flatten and cut the plastic bags into strips and connect them together. Then we would ball the connected bags and double stitch crochet into the sleeping mats. They would then be delivered to a homeless shelter. We also made some smaller ones to take to the animal shelter for the animals to lay on.
My kids and I are going to make some of these tops for Shoeboxes this year. My daughter and I are working this week on sewing dome cute cloth dolls with clothes.
I have made Taggy Blankets, newborn hats and bibs for orphans in China. I have made Beads of Courage bags for children with catastrophic illnesses. I have put together laundry baskets with things that women will need when they leave the battered woman’s shelter. I have made hats for those who are serving in the military. I did hats for the men and women on skid row in Los Angeles. I made shawls and afghans for people in rest homes.
I have never crafted for a cause, but I will craft for gifts to relatives. I think this is an excellent idea
I have never crafted for a cause but I’m very interested in started.
I did in 4-H for a family who lost their house in a fire. We made painted clothes and sold them after we modeled them for all profits to go to the family.
My two youngest boys and I made tie-dye shirts this summer to put into OCC shoeboxes. I am coordinating a crafting party for people who wish to contribute something of themselves in this year’s boxes. Thank you for these great ideas!
I have never crafted for a cause. But I would if I were crafty enough!
I enjoyed picking up the project cards and made some of the hair ties and kooshi balls for 6 boxes we packed as a family. I also made cards for Operation Write Home. I love crafting for a purpose.
I’ve not crafted for a cause, but I love your idea!!! We have a heart for OCC and we have been honored to prepare boxes for children for almost 5 years now. It’s a family tradition that we love.
At the time when my church was giving out food to the homeless I wasn’t crafty. We did include hats, scarves and gloves with their packages during the holidays. If I had been crafty at that time I would have crocheted items for them. I did help give out the packages though and it made me feel good. Since then however, our Homeless Ministry has shut down. Now that I am crafty, I’m been making knitted and crocheted items for my friends and family. I make them every year for the holidays. People tell me that they are blessed by my creativity. I also do all other sorts of crafts as well. Maybe one day soon I will start being crafty for a cause. I just need some help with this venture.
this would be so amazing I have not done it for a cause but I have taken My crafts to the day care I work with to teach the Children fun crafts
I have made hundreds of hats and mittens for area charities. Have also done some cards, I really like the tops as it may give another option to squeeze into the box! 🙂
I have never crafted for a cause. I do however do the christmas shoe box every year and include hygiene products, school supplies and a toy.
I have crafted to raise money for church.
No I have never crafted for a cause. I didn’t even know you could but I would love to be entered
I have crafted to raise money for the Sick Children’s Foundation and local churches for different ways to raise money for kids. I would love to win this for my granddaughter, she is loving learning how to make new things
I have made things for OCC boxes in the past and have plans to make some things this year too. 🙂
I have been working as the contact person for my church for the past 2 years and just recently started volunteering year round as a church relations coordinator with Operation Christmas Child. I am always looking for new ideas to make and share with others so I was excited to find this website. Thank you for sharing about Operation Christmas Child. I would definitely agree with those who shared that not only is it a great way to bless a child materially and spiritually but also a great way to teach your own children about giving and serving. My 8 year old son has definitely been impacted by it.
I’m a teacher and a mother and love making things for all my children
My best friend told me about this in 2015 and I started crocheting washcloths in April of that year. I donated over 300 washcloths divided between 2 churches last year and have already crocheted over 200 for this years shoe boxes….I have a great time trying to design different patterns and try to make them as pretty as possible. Just because it’s something practical doesn’t mean it can’t be pretty, too!
Right now I crochet prayer shawls for one ministry, I try to do a variety to include colors for men both old & young, smaller & “hipper” for young ladies. I also make baby hats and baby pods, and chemo caps. At Christmas we always do one or two Angel Tree tags. Now that garden season is here we take all the extra veggies to our local Shelter ministry food bank. I also take all our “used” household items there to assist people having to start a household. Everything is always appreciated furniture, linens, kitchen items, and even wall art.
I would like to add, back when stores offered double & even triple coupons, we collected coupons for the sole purpose of donating the items, especially hygiene, paper and cleaning products, not just the food. We are not able to give nearly as much any more.
To win the paint items from Plaid would be wonderful! I paint items for my pleasure, lately I have been painting on fabrics, using dyes, etc., for my sewing & quilting projects.
Used to make a few things for our church’s bazaar. Haven’t done so recently, but I think I’ll start again or something similar.
I prepare shoeboxes all year long every year. I love buying, packing and sending the shoeboxes. I pack for all ages. I always include some type of item that is home made. A dress, homemade marble bags, stuffed animals with homemade blanket, homemade clothes are just some examples. This organization is where my heart is. It’s a blessing for me to be able to participate and contribute to this project.
I crafted for the Special Education program making magnets. The kids loved them because they looked like butterflies, crabs and many cute things. Easy to make and fun for the kids!
My daughter and I made pillow cases for a children’s cancer hospital. Our WMU group has made lap blankets for elderly church members and nursing homes. Our latest project was decorating tee shirts for our OCC shoeboxes.
I am so glad you are supporting this Operation to help children enjoy the holidays and to learn about the
Lord.
I have crouched baby blankets for new born and premises for the hospital’s in close proximity. It does my hear good. I have made some for relatives. It is a calming hobby and I just enjoy so much. Please enter me in the contest- it would be so helpful to me as I am making small wooden products and I need to make a lot more to for some of the child care facilities around the area. Thank you again
i have not but this would be a good start
I have always done crafts for many causes, though out my life, now I do a few different ones each year as well as bake gluten free foods for people that are in need!
I love crafting and it’s even better when it’s for a good cause! We’ve made various crafts for shoeboxes over the years. This year we’re making doll blankets and ribbon wands.
I do not craft for a cause however, when I owned my business prior to retiring it was the pick-up and drop-off point for the boxes.
Spent an entire weekend with friends making assorted greeting cards for our troops. What an excellent way to spend time!
I knit hats, socks and gloves for local elementary so they can give sets to children teachers notice need them as the season changes.
No, I have not crafted for a cause as yet. I do donate monetarily to many worthy causes though. This would be a wonderful prize package to win. So many great projects could be made with it! Good Luck everyone 🙂
love doing crafts with my grandchildren
I try to work for charity whenever I can and my skills match what they need! I’m also not above learning a new skill in order to help out.
I knit and crochet hats for NICU units, lapghans for seniors with Alzheimers, and I knit and crochet custom dog sweaters to raise funds for Chihuahua Rescue. If there is a need brought to my attention, I feel compelled to meet it with as much as I am able. I also knit and crochet hats and mitts for the homelessl!
My kids and I have started picking up items for the kits we’re doing (we’re making two – one girls and one boys).
I have crocheted baby blankets, beanies for preemies that we donated at a local children’s hospital, have also made cloth bears for burn victims with my daughter, and I’m learning to quilt for another donation project.
I have donated knitted items to our church youth auction and to local shelters. I have also donated a variety of crafting supplies to Girl Scouts and to a youth mission project.
I make and donate crocheted hats for people who do not have proper winter clothing. I use my rewards to buy the yarn and also have had people give me yarn to make them with. I usually make 40 hats a season and sometimes I will make matching scarves or mittens.
I’m not so good at crafts, but my mom and my daughter love to do them together, and often times with the girl scouts for helping the community.
I haven’t but I’d love to.
Yes! Pretty much always have projects in process or planned for a cause. I’ve made scarves for Texas Special Olympics, gifts for Operation Christmas Child boxes, items for sale for my quilt guild, Linus Connection quilts.
I work for a 501(3)(C) non-profit where I teach knitting and crocheting to the clients who then go on to make baby hats, blankets, and scarves that we donate to local hospitals and charities.
This is a great way to help children have a wonderful Christmas as well as bringing the Gospel of Jesus to them.
I have not crafted for a cause though I’ve crafted for my daughter’s school events and their drama club. I do love the idea of crafting for a cause as I love to craft and it would feel good to know that it is helping someone in need.
I’ve never crafted for a cause unless you count my grandchildren as a cause. 🙂
I do take leftover rally shirts from our fund raiser to the Veterans Domacillary for our homeless vets. And give goodies for the children’s box at our local St Jude Clinic. I’d love to be able to craft some things for the shoeboxes, I’d never thought of doing crafts for them.
No i have not crafted for a cause. What a great idea though!
I’m sad to say no, but after reading about OCC I definitely will be this year. I started to tear up at all the great joy it brings to children. What a great thing to be apart of.
I craft a great deal for my church. I do things for every holiday. If they want s specific thing made they come to me and I make what is asked for. Helping is never a bad thing
I have volunteered in the past with girl scouts as the craft mom where I provided the supplies as well as instruction. I have participated in shoe box christmas projects before. I have also done greeting cards for troops. I would love to learn of other opportunities to give back especially with my crafts since I knit, crochet, sew, quilt as well as paper crafts. I would love to win this Plaid gift set since I am not expanding into mixed media. Thanks for this opportunity.
Not yet. I would love to win these paints.
My daughter and I are creating our first Christmas Shoe Boxes this year. We have had so much fun choosing things to go in it. School supplies, personal items, toys and books. We wanted to send things they would need but also some things just to make them smile and feel good. We are adding small New Testament Bibles for them, too. We will enclose a letter and photographs to introduce ourselves, including pictures of our dogs, all seven of them. And some self addressed envelopes and paper in case they should want to get in touch. And postage for them if the Post Office can help me figure that one out. The past years have been heavy with medical issues, emotional strains, and the passing of several family and friends. But working on these boxes has been a huge healing and positive influence. Being able to give to someone else is always more meaningful than receiving for yourself. We will start in January of 2017 to be able to collect through the year, to do for more.
I made wooden hearts with family names painted on them for my supervisor’s family after his son died suddenly.
i have crafted to donate to charity before.
What a wonderful program. Some friends and I will be participating this year. The feeling from giving to children is priceless. I cant wait t o start flling our boxes.
I did the shoe box one year in Jr. High, and had mostly forgotten about it, thanks for the reminder. My family makes quilts and blankets for people in the hospital, and for the local child sexual assault centre. Crafting projects are also done with my church to help with different needs. My oldest daughter who is now 11 is also quilting. We only help her with the binding. She has only ever kept one quilt, she gives the rest away to those who need them. I would love for her to have this craft set because she is such an amazing little girl, and she would love to have something nice to make crafts with, but would never ask.
I would love to win this. Painting keeps me calm and helps relieve my anxiety.
I haven’t yet done anything for a charity, but have been thinking about making hats for premmie babies. Please enter me into the contest. Thanks.
I have volunteered and helped crafted several projects to teach a class of new immigrants.
Please enter me in the drawing. I have crafted for Operation Christmas Child and Walk For Life,
Wow! So many people do some amazing things for others.
The libraries where I live do this thing every winter where they make blankets for people without heating. I knit and crochet squares for it.
Day for Girls – making packets *washable pads and liners) so they don’t have to miss school because of their period, which means they can finish school and have some kind of future.
My kids and I have been working on filling our kits for just a few days now, and already we’ve come up with some really great things to put in them! I can’t wait to start decorating them when they’re full! 😀
I mentioned the idea to my daughter for this, and she can’t wait to work on one with me!!
Yes I used to knit mittens,hats, and small stuffed toys for a local shelter and toys and finger puppets for the hospital but now I am not as able to knit due to arm issues. So now I create upcycled crafts and volunteer at a seniors home where I help them make the crafts and either donate them or sell them to raise funds for their outings.
I really would love this to make projects with my twin grandsons!!
have never crafted for a cause
I haven’t personally, but I remember taking my dad to the VA for his chemo treatments. There were women who brought in quilts that they made to give to the patients.
No, I have never crafter for a cause, but I would love to try it.
Have never crafted for a cause but I’m willing to learn how
No, I never have but I think it would be a great idea to start with the kids!
Lots of times. Mostly scarves, afghans, hats, and mittens.
I’ve crafted cards for people on the net. People who request them, like a sick girl that wanted cards for her birthday.
I have never crafted for a cause but it sounds like an awesome idea!
no I have not
I have not yet crafted for a cause.
I’ve helped organize crops as a fundraiser for our local grade school, our church has also been involved in several crafting opportunities to raise funds in addition to crafty time for the kids during advent to create ornaments, advent wreaths, Christmas cards, etc. This is such an amazing cause and great crafting ideas we can do with kids at the church! Thanks for sharing it!
I haven’t ever crafted for a cause (not yet)
I crochet preemie bonnets for the local NICU.
No, I have not crafted for a cause yet, but what a great idea! I would love to to do this.
I’ve made items for church sales over the years.
I haven’t crafted for a cause, but I would definitely love to do it!
I have not done a craft for a cause. I think the things you all are making for children are wonderful.
As a quilter and crafter I enjoy giving a piece of my heart in donations of my quilts or crafts. Over the years I’ve donated quilts to woman’s shelters, nursing homes and even Police cars for children. I’ve crocheted and sewn hats for cancer patients at hospitals. I’ve made baskets of stamped cards for raffles to raise money for many causes or organizations. I’m blessed with so much that it’s a joy to give back!
I have not really crafted for a cause but I work in the Peds unit at a local hospital and this would be great for the kids!
I have definitely crafted for causes. I love it.
I have crafted decorations for a kids rehab facility
I haven’t before but I sure would love to!
Yes, i love crafting and helping out. i have made cards and gift baskets to give to local shut-ins!
I have helped make dog beds for a local rescue to sell.
I have made/make shiny bead bracelets for Salvation Army Christmas Angels and for a shopping closet for those that foster/adopt.
Being a crafty kind of guy I am always in need of craft supplies!
I’ve crocheted soap holders for my Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes
I have crocheted squares and full blankets for “blankets for canada” i have also made and donated cards for “operation christmas cards” and I have pained canvases for local raffles for the hospital every year.
Yes, I have made hats for Precious Premies, that gives them to premature babies through the hospitals.
I have never crafted for a cause but I really want to start making knit hats for babies or homeless people.
I have not but always have wanted to and absolutely will one day soon 🙂
I love Samaritans Purse. I like to fill boxes with homemade and purchased items throughout the year. Have been doing this every since it started. I am on SS now so can’t always make as many, but I cut expenses by shopping all year round and getting items on sale. And shopping at Dollar Tree. I craft all year long too.
We always do some crafting that the girl scouts will sell each year at the Christmas shows. Helps them raise money towards their end of the year trip!
I have crafted at Church during VBS to raise money for our youth
We crocheted scarves for the homeless shelter to give out in the winter.
I’ve knit hats for cancer patients. That project was a spinoff at our church after we had knit leprosy bandages in support of a high schooler’s senior project (http://www.dovefund.org/bandage_brigade.htm). I’ve (and we’ve) knit Christmas stockings and sewn dresses for “Little Dresses for Africa). I’ve also knit caps for OCC boxes. It’s great to read what so many others are doing for charity.
I haven’t crafted for a cause.
I crafted with my Brownie group bookmarks sold at the local church bazaar, proceeds to the needy
I have never personally crafted for a cause, but it sounds like a great idea!
Fingers crossed! I’d love to have mommy daughter time and use this with my kids
I’ve donated to many causes, but don’t remember crafting for one. what a great idea.
No, I have not as of yet
I sure could use this set of paints. I have never crafted for a cause. I did think about knitting or crocheting caps & scarves for the local hospital, but never really looked into doing it
Yes I have crafted for a cause. My kids and I have made crafts for shut-ins at our church. I am the children’s director and every year we paint and craft something for the older people in church. They love it and it teaches my kids to give back!
Operation Christmas Child has been one of the traditions my daughter and I have done for years, since she was a young child. I have also worked with my church on quilts to go to homeless shelters, for foster children and for any areas needing quilts.
My daughter and I have created for many causes through Girl Scout. We have done a lot of different projects.
I haven’t crafted for a cause.
Yes, I guess I have been crafting for causes all my life, It started in Sunbeams around the age or four. I remember making book markers for Sunday after church visits to VA Hospital, regualr hospital and nursing homes, When I was in Rebeccas,we made Braille cards for the blind, When I was a clown for the terminally ill children, I made baloon animals. I remeber after my husband got killed we made gifts and quilts for children in Africa. We also did the shoe box campaign and made things to send. This is just the few I can think of now.
I have not but it sounds nice.
I haven’t but id like to do it this year
I craft for the cause of having very unique gifts for the holidays and birthdays. .Buying store gifts just doesn’t have the same finesse.
I have not but seems like a great idea
Yes, for multiple causes in the past. I’m trying to get back into crafting as I now have a lot more time to fill.
I’ve never crafted for a cause before.
I make blankets and put them together with a book and a stuffed animal for project night-night.
I look forward to packing a box for a girl as well as one for a boy. Can hardly wait to do it again this year.
Yes I have. I do a lot of sewing of items for donating. Keep busy with costumes for fashion shows which raise money for charity as well.
OMG! My packages arrived! I am giddy with craftiness and project ideas! Thank you so much!
I craft for a cause 6 days a week for between 6 and 14 hours a day, hours if not more. Charity is my passion. I knit and crochet scarves and hats and gloves for the homeless, make baby blankets for the premmies, Dresses for Dress a girl around the World, make toys for Angels for the Forgotten and quilts and laundry bags for Aussie Heroes Quilts and Laundry Bags and this is just what I do currently. About to start on the Pillowcase Marathon.
Yay, we can’t wait to see your donation! Thank you!
I donate to ‘Operation Christmas Child” every year. but I thought that a year or two ago, they specified ‘nothing homemade” Did I misunderstand?
Hi Joyce,
You are encouraged to include homemade crafts – “Crafts: Make your own items such as hair bows, finger puppets, and friendship bracelets.” 🙂 This page from Samaritan’s Purse explains what you can and cannot include in a shoebox: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/
Thanks for the comment!
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