How to Grow a Mitten Tree Knitting Charity
Can trees really grow mittens? They can with this knitting charity
Would you like to start your own knitting charity but need some ideas? Starting a knitting charity is a great idea and by starting one, you can help many people, but first you must have an idea. Why not take your cue from the great people at the Church of Gesu in Milwaukee and start a mitten tree?
Plant a mitten tree
Since 2002, the Church of the Gesu, a Jesuit Parish, has planted a mitten tree. They plant the tree at the beginning of the Advent season and parishioners decorate the tree with mittens. Before Christmas, the Church gives the mittens to the area shelter for homeless families.
This knitting charity is very helpful to these families in need and appreciated by the recipients and the community. You can borrow their idea or even expand upon it and plant your own mitten tree for the shelter in your community.
To start with, gather a group of friends, church or community members who would like to knit for charity. Once you know you have some volunteers who are interested in knitting for charity, contact your local homeless shelter or volunteer organization and explain to them what you have planned. See if they have need for the mittens and are interested in hand knit donated items.
Once you have your group of volunteers lined up and know who the recipients will be, you are ready to get started. Of course, knitting charities that provide warm mittens or clothes for wintertime are most successful if they operate all year long. This way, you'll have plenty of time to make your items.
The Church of Gesu plants a mitten tree, but you could also plant a tree that "grows" any item of clothing that will keep children warm. Your knitting charity could knit caps, toboggans, scarves, leg warmers, sweaters, or socks. It's your knitting charity, so you decide -- just be sure to knit items that are truly useful to the recipients.
