A Heart for the Homeless – Mission: Hats & Scarves
Years ago my 15 year old daughter went on a mission trip with our church’s youth group. They spent a week working in soup kitches and doing outreach ministry to the homeless – which included handing out blankets and food – and even doing some worship on the streets of NYC (which was probably one of her favorite parts of the trip).
She came home with a strong desire to keep helping. She began working in a local soup kitchen but still felt the need to do more. Then she came up with the idea that she wanted to make hats and scarves to hand out at Christmastime in hopes of blessing these people, as well as to help them stay warm.
She went on to enlist us as a family (herself, me, and her 4 sisters), plus the help of her youth group. Most of them didn’t crochet – but they were willing to learn!
CROCHETERS ARE THE BEST
Crocheters are some of the most giving people I have ever met. Whenever there is a cause they are willing to invest their time to crocheting and donate to that cause. Back when my daughter was on this mission I asked for help and you came through. She set a goal of 1000 hats and 1000 scarves! She would then head back to NYC to hand them out in November, and our youth group will be handing them out locally as well. She wanted every person she comes in contact with to be blessed.
Why did I leave this page live?
While she is no longer doing this project, you can still help. Reach out to a local shelter, food kitchen, or clothing bank and ask if they take donations. A simple crocheted hat and/or scarf can bless someone beyond what you even think is imaginable.
Some Guidelines We Used:
- Knit or crocheted hats and scarves.
- Acrylic or wool would be best because they will hold heat better.
- Primarily adult sizes (approx. 21-22″ head circumference)
- Any hat or scarf pattern is great!
- Neutral colors (brown, gray, blues, etc) are better, but not required. My daughter said there are just as many women that could use warmth, so any color(s) are great!
Some have asked about patterns. Anything is great! But I did design the one listed below specifically with this project in mind.
If you have ANY questions please get ahold of me through my FB page or our Ambassador Crochet Community group.
This whole thing has touched me on a whole different level – for reasons I can’t share at this point because it’s too hard. But Sarah is an inspiration to me. She has taken a topic that has been very hard on our family (homelessness) and turned it into a positive way she can do her part and I am super proud of her.
Thank you for your help!
This is so good to know.I will definitely help you. I have literally made several hundred hats, but quit for a coupke years because I could find no place that wanted them. So many places had such strict guidelines. What do YOU consider neutral? Greys, browns, I assume. Anything else? Thank you from Nebraska. ????
Any color really. I was trying to think not too much girl, but my daughter said it was about 50/50 as far as gender. So she said it really doesn’t matter what colors. Thank you!
I would like to help. Would you send me the address for mailing some things to you. I will send them before the November deadline. Thanks, Doris
Walcor@aol.com
Hi Doris, I sent you an email.
Hi Kristine, I have hats and scarves to send to you. Could you please email or message your contact information? I am last-minute, but hope to get these to Sarah for delivery! Thanks! Betsy
where are the patterns for the hats. I know that your current mission ended in 2018 but I would like to make a bunch for the homeless here or wherever I can find to give them