If you’re like me, then you loooove animals and crocheting. I’ve found out recently about the many ways to donate your extra scraps of yarn and really make a difference. Last summer I began volunteering at the Humane Society of Chittenden County here in Burlington, VT. I was walking dogs, cleaning cages and just helping out however I could.
From the HSCC website
School work soon began to pick up, I got another job and just generally lost my free time. I’ve been trying to reconcile how I can still volunteer while still working 40+ hours a week. After my last post I noticed my huge pile of scraps of yarn and thought to myself, “blankets are easy enough, why don’t I make some and donate them!” And since I usually crochet during classes, it didn’t take time out of my day.
This idea mixes my love of crocheting and animals and is an awesome way to get rid of yarn that otherwise won’t be used. You can also use this to practice new patterns!
I have found through searching Google and other yarn blogs, that there are tons of different programs across the country that collect and donate items to shelters. And if you can’t find one in your town, start one! All you have to do is call your local shelter and see how you can help. You just have to be mindful of cage sizes, donation policies and how much they need! You’d be surprised how many people in your community knit or crochet, and how much they’d donate. Always make sure that you use the right type of yarn, like cotton or acrylic, as wool will probably shrink in the drying process. You also need to check with them about making stuffed pillows or cage comforters, because some shelters will not accept them. This is due to the thought that since the stuffing is not easily cleaned that they can transmit diseases and bugs to otherwise healthy animals.
I know from volunteering that cats and dogs (and other critters!) don’t take well to the shelter process. It’s stressful, noisy and not at all ideal. But shelters work with what they have, and any little bit you can do is awesome! If you don’t have enough yarn to make a blanket, think about making some little toys! If you’re concerned about sanitation, as I mentioned above, consider stuffing the toys with plastic bags to help. Fleas, ticks, or other bugs won’t find a nice home among plastic. They’re so cute, so why not make some!
Click the image to see the pattern!
I’m going to attempt to make one of these toys today or tomorrow to see how they turn out. I’ll post a picture and any advice I have once I finish!
Happy Crocheting!
