Do you have a stash of yarn taking up space? Here’s a list of organizations that would love to receive your donations! Learn where to donate your yarn so it can be put to good use.
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Where To Donate Yarn: Best Places To Donate Your Unused Yarn Stash
Goodwill
The yarn donated to Goodwill is sold in their stores, with the proceeds going to support their mission. Many of smaller balls of offer would be suitable for smaller projects like bikinis.
Knitted Knockers
Knitted Knockers are a special, handmade prosthesis providing a comfortable and beautiful alternative to traditional breast prosthetics for people who’ve gone through mastectomies or other procedures.
They’re made of gentle cotton (read here for recommended options for cotton), which makes them soft and comfortable to the skin. Knitted Knockers are a great way to help people struggling with the difficult effects of breast procedures.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army sells the yarn that’s donated to them in their thrift stores. The proceeds go towards their programs and services.
Some branches offer free pickup for large items or several boxes.
Project Linus
Project Linus is an amazing charity that provides handmade blankets to children in need, created by individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Make A Donation To Local Libraries
Many local libraries accept donations of yarn for their knitting groups, crocheting programs, and arts and crafts projects.
Schools
Schools often have knitting/crafting clubs. Donations of a yarn collection would be greatly appreciated!
Senior Centers
By donating yarn to a senior center, you can help keep elders engaged both mentally and physically in fun social programs.
Society Of Saint Vincent De Paul
This organization has thrift stores all over the world, and often will offer a free pickup if you have lots of items to donate.
Freecycle
Freecycle is a worldwide network of people who give and get free stuff. You can donate your yarn to individuals in need through Freecycle.
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Animal Shelters
Animal shelters often accept donations of yarn, which are used as toys or stress-relievers for cats.
Local Yarn Stores
To support different causes, many stores have programs in place where they accept donations of yarn.
Ravelry Groups
Ravelry is a website for knitters and crocheters. You can join local yarn donation groups or start one yourself!
Donating To Nursing Homes
Many nursing homes accept donations of yarn to help encourage creativity and socialization among the residents.
Knitting 4 Peace
Knitting 4 Peace provides free yarn, knitting and crochet supplies to places like refugee camps, care homes, prisons, and hospitals. They also support textile departments at arts colleges. Their goal is to bring people from different backgrounds together through crafts.
Snuggles Project
The Snuggles Project is an organization that promotes providing pets with comfort while they wait for their forever homes. The project was founded in 1996 to help animals in shelters. As part of their work, they provide security blankets called “Snuggles” to these animals.
Your Local Church
Churches often run programs that help support people in need, and they accept donations of yarn.
Homeless Shelters
Extra yarn donations are welcomed by many shelters, as the yarn can be used during social programs for knitting or crocheting.
Binky Patrol
Donate yarn to this organization. They provide blankets to babies to promote a sense of safety and security.
Local Charity Shops Or A Nearby Thrift Store
Making a yarn donation to a charity shop or thrift store is another great way to support a cause. The yarn’s new purpose will easily be found!
Warm Up America
Warm Up America is a great opportunity for those who want to donate blankets, hats, and scarves to those in need. Your donations are sent to homeless shelters, women’s shelters, American Red Cross chapters, senior centers, and more.
Knitting Connection
The Knitting Connection connects people from the community to support each other. Through the talents of volunteer knitters, crocheters and quilters, donated yarn and supplies are used to craft items for children and families in need.
Conclusion
If you have yarn you don’t plan on using, consider giving it to charity. Many groups would love your donation. Not only will you be making a difference, you may also find joy in giving back! Have you ever donated yarn? Where to? Or do you have suggestions for your fellow knitters? Tell me in the comments.
Hi. I visited Chiang Mai 30 years ago when my brother, fluent in Thai, lived in Songkla (sp. ?).
I have been knitting forever; it’s my salvation.
Thanks for the list of places to donate yarn. I have a bunch to send on its way.
Hi Diana. You’d no doubt notice a big difference if you visited Chiang Mai now! Thai is such a hard language, your brother must have worked hard to become fluent. So lovely to hear that knitting has been your passion for so long. That’s great to you have some yarn to donate and you’ve found my list helpful. Cheers Jodie
Can you please let me know where I can donate full skeins of yarn. Willing to send anywhere in the US.
Thanks so much,
Maggie Manna
Hi Maggie. I’d recommend contacting your local charity stores in your area, your local library, school and community center. The people at your local tourism information office may be able to help. Cheers Jodie
Hi, We have recently moved to Ferndale and I have decided to donate yarn and needles want to put to good use. Can you tell me a nearby place to donate please.
Maureen Wargo
Hi Maureen. I’d recommend contacting your local charity stores in your area, your local library, school and community center. The people at your local tourism information office may be able to help. Cheers Jodie
Do you know of any places that take full and partially used skeins?
Hi Mary. I’d recommend contacting your local charity stores in your area, your local library, school and community center. Another option is contacting your local aged care home, as they may use skeins of yarn for crafting activities. Cheers Jodie
Hi Jodie,
My senior apartment complex is looking to start a crochet group to inspire their creativity (60+) and social networking. We are seeking donations of yarn, crochet hooks and knitting needles to help with start- up for our classes. Could you help get the word out about donations to: Cool Crochet, 4145 Apple St,! Apt. 212 Cincinnati Ohio, 45223. Thank you,!
Hi Patricia. That sounds like a great idea! Your comment is now public and other readers will see it. I hope your Cool Crochet group has lots of fun and enjoys the creativity. Cheers Jodie
I am downsizing and have a huge stash of yarn of all kind, colors, etc Let me know how I can do this .
Hi Gert. I’d recommend contacting your local charity stores in your area, your local library, school and community center. Another option is contacting your local aged care home, as they may use skeins of yarn for crafting activities. Patricia who has a comment below is seeking donations of yarn for her group ‘Cool Crochet’ The details are in the comment. Cheers Jodie
I am planning to crochet some blankets to donate to homeless shelters, Goodwill, or St. Vincent de Paul!.I would ike to know where I can get some yarn to help me make some blankets! Thank you for any information! Regards! Tallia
Hi Tallia. I’d suggest visiting thrift stores in your area to see if they have a selection of yarns you could use for your blankets. Cheers Jodie
Here’s something most of us have not have thought of. “Donate” to a friend in exchange for a promise to make an actual item to donate. (By the way, most programs like Point-in-Time Census usually have a surplus of hats. Who knew?)
Thanks very much for sharing your ideas Karen. 🙂 Cheers Jodie
Another thought? Many churches make “prayer shawls” for those who are suffering. When I asked my priest to bless mine (I wasn’t part of a group), he told me that there was no need. The prayer was in the thought, and the creation, and the donation. The blessing is given to the donor as well as the recipient.
Lovely 🙂 Thanks again for sharing.