Knit for a Cause this Winter

It may not be the chilliest winter Jeffco has ever had on record, but plenty of folks that need help staying warm this year. We teamed up with a few charity organizations to mobilize the power of our community to help folks in need in Jeffco and beyond.

Two JCPL locations are leading the charge this year. The Yarn and Needle Arts events at the Standley Lake Library is collecting a mix of handmade items (baby blankets, caps and mittens) and vital domestic products (toothbrushes, toilet paper and more) for Packs of Hope. The Textile Crafting Circle, hosted at the Belmar Library, encourages participants to knit, crochet and embroider products for Warm Up America. Both events will connect you with fellow crafters who can help teach you new skills, methods and more.

Your Crafting Moves the Needle

“Right now, we’re distributing about 350 backpacks a month,” says Amanda Beck, director of Packs of Hope. The organization distributes backpacks filled to the brim with comfort items, necessities and toys to kids going through the foster care system in Colorado. “The backpack and their contents are brand new. It’s important for these children to feel like they’re not getting leftovers.”

This is where you come in. Your donations of handmade and domestic goods will be delivered to Packs of Hope by the Yarn and Needle Arts group. Packs of Hope will then fill up these backpacks to ensure that no child goes into foster care without the support they need, whether that’s a new toothbrush, a knitted cap or a new toy. 

The Textile Crafting Circle at the Belmar Library focuses on lap crafts of all kinds. Contribute by working on a 7” by 9” knitted square, which will get added to others from around the world to create afghans and blankets. You can also donate completed hats, mittens, scarves and blankets. Warm Up America comforts those in need by distributing the warmth of your handmade goods.   

How to Get Involved

Standley Lake Library has an indoor drop-off bin to collect items in support of Packs of Hope through the beginning of March. Yarn enthusiasts of all skill levels are encouraged to attend the monthly Yarn and Needle Arts meetings to work on your donation or personal projects. Work on (or bring your finished) knitted items for Warm Up America to the Textile Crafting Circle at the Belmar Library, which meets on select Tuesday afternoons. 

Both events will introduce you to like-minded crafters dedicated to keeping everyone warm, safe and comfortable, this winter and beyond. 

Keep up with all JCPL events or find more Community Resources at jeffcolibrary.org.