Natural Disaster Knitting
Submitted by murrn on Sun, 07/12/2009 - 14:19.
Last updated on Sun, 10/18/2009 - 15:53.
Vital Stats
ongoing project
07/10/2009
People Impacted:
50People Involved: 10
Project Video
The Problem
Over the past year and a half, 5 major hurricanes have struck the US. Along with countless other natural disasters, these hurricanes have cost over $14 billion in city and neighborhood damage and repair, as well as taking away thousands of lives. There are many refugees living in Leander, Texas, and other Austin suburbs, but most of them are not living comfortably. In fact, there are hundreds of storm refugees dying each day, from lack of food, clothing, and shelter, the three basic human needs. I am trying to help these poor people by providing them with food through a local food bank, and by making them clothing by hand.
Why It's Important
I believe that everyone deserves to live. Who knows - one of the hobos dying in the street may become the next Picasso, but if we don't even try to make their lives better, we will never know. Through my first childhood years, my family was very poor, and although we are living comfortably today, our lives were full of sacrifice. I believe that those who are living in filth because of poverty or a natural disaster destroying everything they own, they have suffered enough. And those who have beautiful houses, who are making $50 or $60,000 a year, it is their responsibility, and mine, to help those who are less fortunate. We need to make this world a better place, one person at a time.
The Plan Of Action
My friend Emily and I both work with yarn - she crochets and I knit. We also volunteer at a food bank that happens at my church. There are many parishoners who need food and clothing, but now word has gotten around and there are more people than ever who need our help and support. Emily and I have decided to begin making clothing, such as hats and scarves, as well as small blankets and pillows, and will donate these along with the Food Bank's meals during the colder months this year. The bank meets on the 4th Saturday of each month to donate food, and we hope to have clothing ready within the next two meetings.
How Can Others Get Involved?
Donate food to canned food drives or give old clothing to the Goodwill. You can purchase new toys for Blue Santa, and even hang socks and other small items on your local Sock Tree. If these events aren't taking place in your community, organize them yourself! You aren't just helping one person, you're helping the world.
Project Updates
10/18/09
Update: Lots of things have been happening since July. First off, my organization won a Natural Disaster grant for $500. I also was able to attend the Do Something Boot Camp on September 25-27, in Boston, Massachusetts. It was a great experience and definitely gave my project a tremendous boost.
I have also started a club at my local library to help get the word out about our cause, as well as to get people involved in knitting and crocheting. We offer free classes on knitting/crocheting as well.
As you can probably see, the number of people involved has dropped drastically since I first started my project. The Food Bank stopped showing up, and the Red Cross doesn't accept material donations, so now we are working with the Salvation Army. That's why, at the moment, it's just me and Emily. When our club gets started, however, the number should go up :)
I also have a new website! It may not be up-and-running yet, as it takes a few days to get on the web, but the link is http://info.naturaldisasterknitting.org.
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Thanks for being interested in my project and I'll update again soon!Additional people involved: 2
Location
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Comments
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This sounds like an awesome project and definitely a unique way to help. You should apply for a grant (if you haven't already)! Go to: www.dosomething.org/grants
Thank you - I've already applied for a Disaster Grant and recieved a call yesterday concerning it. I'm not sure if I've won, but even if I don't I plan to still go through with this project.
Thanks for your support,
Sarah