How do I find a local charity that accepts handmade donations?

5-minute read:

Finding local volunteer opportunities is a great way to make a direct impact. Both VolunteerMatch and Volunteers of America allow you to search by zip code to find organizations nearby that need immediate help.

If you’re looking to donate your time or items, here are some high-priority examples for local and national spots.

1. Hand-Knit Beanies and NICU Blankets

For those who knit or crochet, there is a constant need for soft, premium beanies for chemotherapy patients and small blankets for preemie babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

• Where to donate: Knots of Love distributes these handmade gifts to over 590 cancer treatment centers and hospitals across the USA.

2. Handmade Fleece or Quilted Blankets for Kids

Children facing serious illness, trauma, or poverty often need the physical and emotional comfort of a new, handmade blanket. These can be quilted, tied (no-sew fleece), or crocheted.

• Where to donate: Project Linus has chapters in every state that distribute blankets locally to children in need.

3. Uplifting Handmade Cards

Handmade greeting cards provide a “beacon of hope” for people in retirement homes, children’s shelters, and cancer foundations.

• Where to donate: Cards for Kindness partners with organizations globally to deliver these heartfelt messages.

4. Safe Handmade Pet Toys and Bedding

Animal shelters often have “high-priority” lists for enrichment items. You can hand-stitch safe pet toys from repurposed materials or create sturdy blankets (without stuffing or loose ribbons) to keep shelter animals comfortable. If you are crafting enrichment toys, they must be “pet-proofed” to prevent choking hazards.

• Forbidden Attachments: Never use buttons, sequins, beads, ribbons, or loose strings. These are high-priority choking hazards.
• Sturdy Construction: If you are making braided tug toys from old t-shirts, ensure all knots are tight and the fabric is non-toxic.
• Cat Toy Safety: For handmade cat toys, avoid loose glitter or small plastic parts. Sturdy cardboard-based puzzles are often preferred for mental stimulation.
• Durability: Toys should be able to withstand vigorous chewing. If a toy can be easily shredded into small pieces, it is generally not suitable for a shelter environment.
• Cleanliness: All donated textiles must be freshly washed. Use unscented detergents, as animals have highly sensitive noses.
• Health Hazards: If you have pets at home, ensure handmade items are free of pet hair and dander before donating, as some shelter animals may have allergies or compromised immune systems.
• Call Ahead: Guidelines vary by location. The ASPCA recommends using their Shelter Finder to contact your local facility and ask for their current “high-priority” list before you start crafting.

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Pro-Tip

Before you start crafting, always check the specific donation guidelines for each charity. For example, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital requires items to be made in smoke-free/pet-free environments and packed in individual zippered bags to protect patients with compromised immune systems.