Community Service Ideas for the Holiday Season
Put your knitting to work with some simple Christmas community service ideas
'Tis the season to be jolly -- unless you're one of the millions desperately hoping to benefit from the community service ideas good people like you churn out by the dozens this year. Obviously, there are dozens of knitting charities you can donate to, but what if you want something a little closer to home, or you don't have time to knit ten blankets for the children's hospital?
Fortunately, there are many community service ideas that allow you to involve your family in the spirit of giving AND exercise your beloved craft -- not to mention potentially involve your kids in doing the same thing. Kids have a strong sense of helping others, and creating something, rather than buying something with Mom and Dad's money, makes the notion of giving much more tangible.
So adopt a family, create a Christmas hamper, or make an anonymous donation to a family you know in need of a little holiday cheer, and keep in mind the things that make Christmas special.
Non-Knitted Items
If you know a family to help, that's great, but most cities and towns have "adopt a family" type organizations that will provide you with detailed information on a family in need. Some staples of any Christmas hamper include:
--Toys for children
--Gifts for parents
--Food (traditionally nonperishable food items and the ever popular turkey; however, many people these days simply include a generous gift card from a local supermarket, allowing the family to purchase their own items).
--Treats (candies, chocolates, etc.)
Knitted Items
So far, so good -- but real community service ideas involve a personal touch we were discussing before. There are plenty of quick, easy items you or your kids can get involved in knitting for your Christmas hamper, including:
--A family blanket: if you have several knitters in your family, have everyone knit a few squares in any style they desire and assemble them into a blanket
--Handmade Christmas stockings -- or, for a fun change, oversized mittens to hang by the fire
--Knit Christmas ornaments
--Gloves, hats, and scarves
--Warm socks
--Stuffed animals
--Belts, headbands, and jewelry
Remember, there are dozens of easy knitting items. If you have time to put together something significant, go with a blanket or stocking, but if you only have a couple hours one evening, it's simple and fun to whip up a batch of tree decorations, belts, or pillow covers. Make sure you include a note to let the family know the gift was handmade with love, maybe even pictures of the creation process!
Remember, you don't have to get too complicated. Even the simplest community service ideas benefit from the knitted touch.
