Every year we get questions about what we do with the knitted items after we photograph them for the catalog & website.  Well, once a year we go through them and donate most them to charity – we prefer to donate to local charities, to give back to the communities where we all live & work and where there is so much need.  I put together the items this year and it seemed like a perfect time – while the Portland/Vancouver area weather tends to be mild, it has been very cold the last few nights and there is a great need for warm items.

My first stop was the Portland Rescue Mission.

This organization works with homeless families in the area, giving food and shelter for those most in need.  It’s right in downtown Portland and they are always in great need of scarves, hats, mittens and socks.

We put together about 25 pounds of wooly goods to give to them and hope they will help keep a great many people warm this winter.

Next stop was a place I’ve written about before since I volunteer there at least once a week – The Pixie Project

Pixie Project is a dog and cat adoption/rescue center.  In addition, they offer veterinary services for low income/homeless families so they can keep their companions with them during tough times.  I’ve been there for 3 years and it’s really the highlight of my week.  They always have a need for mats, towels & blankets so we packed up some useful items for them

Some cheerful, washable towels & mats are perfect for the animals to rest on while they wait for their forever homes!

3 year old Ebony, resting on a donated crochet mat in the cattery

Finally, I put together a bunch of sweaters & bags for Dressed for Success – an organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.  We’ve been working with them for a couple of years now (a former coworker volunteers with them) and it’s wonderful that our sweaters go to such a fantastic organization.

I hope everyone out there has a wonderful holiday season.  If you are in the position to give back to your community, please check out organizations in your area to see what they need – many nonprofits list what they need on their website, so keep that in mind. For instance, many places do not have the room or money to store items that won’t be useful for the people or animals they want to help.  And feel free to share in the comments some of your favorite charities you give to!