Love Babies? Help Knit for Good!

As an avid knitter, I was ecstatic upon first learning about the organization Stitches from the Heart.

Located in Santa Monica, this organization sends handmade blankets and articles of clothing to babies all over the United States. Kathy Silverton founded the organization after she read an article about premature babies in need. She began knitting booties, hats and blankets to donate to unhealthy infants. She had her friends to help participate and asked them to spread the word. In a short time the organization grew quickly and Stitches from the Heart was created. The organization has even developed a program that donates knitting supplies to senior citizens.

Having volunteered for this program for the past four years, I can confidently say that my experience has been exceedingly rewarding. I have knitted six blankets for the organization and not only has the process improved my knitting, but it has also provided infants with comfort and reassurance. Anyone who can knit can volunteer by going online and looking at the various patterns the website provides for guidance. Those who cannot knit can still help by donating money, knitting supplies, or any of the other items listed on the websites' wish list!

Submitted to YouthGive by Kate Geller, Archer School for Girls

Poem from the Stitches website:

Volunteers
________________________________________
It's not for money, not for fame,
It's not for any personal gain.
It's just for the love of fellow man,
It's just to lend a helping hand.
It's just to give a tithe of self,
That's something you can't buy with wealth.
It's not for medals won with pride,
It's just for the feeling deep inside.
It's that reward deep in your heart,
It's a feeling you have been a part,
Of helping others far and near,
That's what makes them Stitches Volunteers.
-Anonymous