Most of us feel at a loss for words when it comes to the tragedy that occurred this week in Newtown, CT. Such a senseless act of violence leaves us feeling powerless. We’re not sure what could have been done to prevent such an event.
However, in the aftermath, there is something you can do to help. No matter where you live, you can contribute to the healing process.
When Dee Stanziano (Happily Hooked on Crochet-CT & Crochet Guild of America) and Rhonda Reese (Crochet Guild of Prince William County-VA & CGOA) asked if I could help gather stuffed animals for the children of Newtown, I said, “Heck yeah!”. (Well, I actually said, “You guys are geniuses, let me know how to help…”)
Logistics are still being sorted out, and I’ll keep you up to date. But here’s what you can start doing right now: get out your crochet hook and start crocheting!
Update (12/18/12): We have a mailing address!
Please mail your stuffed animals to: The Happily Hooked on Crocheting Club
c/o Nancy
3238 Route 52
Stormville, NY 12582
If you would like to download a hangtag to print, visit this website.
Make stuffed animals for the children of Newtown
We all know how comforting a stuffed animal is, and the goal is to gather a stuffed animal for each of the 450 students at the school. We’d also like to collect animals for siblings of students at the school, likely doubling this number.
Here are the details that have been organized so far:
- Crochet, knit or sew a stuffed animal.
- The school’s colors are green & white, if you’d like that to factor into your color choices.
- Animals can be mailed in (the address is still being arranged, stay tuned), or brought to a drop-off point if you’re in the CT or DC area.
- We’re aiming to gather/ship animals within the next week or two, since that’s when the need is strongest.
Are you the sort of person who just loves making stuffed animals and has a stash? And no recipient in mind? Awesome! This is the perfect opportunity! You don’t need to make a stuffed animal just for this occasion… any new & handmade animal will do the trick.
Animal Suggestions
Animals that are ‘cuddle-sized’ (approx. 6-12 inches tall) are preferable. While most FreshStitches patterns are this size, there are also a number of free patterns available that would be fabulous.
- Howie the Penguin (designed by me, non-holiday version)
- Bear in a Jif by Lion Brand
- 10 monster patterns available on Knitting Fever (designed by me)
- Blue Bunny by Deb Richey for Caron Yarn
- Richard the whale (designed by me)
- Sock Monkey by Patons
- Crochet Me Amigurumi e-book (which includes my own Hugo the Hippo)
If your heart is aching, then channel those feelings into making a stuffed animal that will be cherished in this tough time.
Just a reminder: I’m heading out of town tomorrow! So, today (December 16th) is the last day to order kits or books, and have them shipped before I depart.
All orders placed after today will be shipped when I return home on January 16, 2013. (Whoa! That sounds like a long way away, right?!?)
Patterns will be emailed during this time, as usual.
Love that you are doing this! I’m on it!
I love this, I’m in too. I had done two of your designs for my grandson for Christmas, but honestly he doesn’t need them. I am putting them in the mail tomorrow directly to the school – Sandy Hook Elementary School, 12 Dickinson Dr., Sandy Hook, CT 06482
Thank you so much, Kelly.
If you’d like to wait to get the address of the collection point, it might be worth it. I’m not sure, but the guild might be planning on attaching a note/tag to each one so that they’re sorta uniform.
Thanks for letting us know about this. I’ll see what I can do.
I’d love to donate my just completed Archer. He is so adorable and a large huggable puppy. I’ll watch for the address.
Thank you so much, Sarah! I’ll post the address as soon as I get it.
I’m Canadian and would love to donate. I will watch for a address:)
This is such a great idea!
I will be making a few bears! Starting on them now! Thought and prays for each family in this terrible time.
I read somewhere else the colors are blue and yellow. Just wondering. Great idea!!
@Renee- oh, dear. I was just passing along the info I was given… I’m sure amis in any color will be perfect :)
Thank you for letting us know about this Stacey. I loved the idea from Sarah that she will send her just completed Archer. I will follow her lead and do that as well. Mine happens to be green and white.
I am making items right now for this project…thank you for the opportunity to help them.
I’d love to help out. I’ll be posting mine from Australia so hopefully it doesn’t take to long to get there. Waiting for the address! Thanks Stacey!!
I too will donate my purple and white Archer. I sure hope whoever receives mine feels comfort and love.
I would to help with stuffed animals. Sorry that I saw this late & would like pattern emailed to me. All my prayers are with the families. I have 10 grandchildren ranging from 4 yrs old to 19 yrs old, blest that they are in my life today. Wait for address.
Stacey, great idea! Should we tag the ami’s with yarn type, washing instructions & such?
Have a wonderful & restfull (is that possible during the holidays?) trip. You certainly deserve it.
@Patty- That’s such a great question. Let me find out if we’re mailing them directly, or if they’re going to a central location that will do the tagging. I’ll keep you posted!
[...] FreshStitches is teaming up with crochet guilds to send out cuddly toys. You can read about Stacey’s involvement here. [...]
Hi Stacey-
I would definitely like to make a stuffed animal but would like to create my own, as I am a weaver (rather than use a kit). Is this ok? Thanks!
@Charlotte- of course! The suggested patterns were just for folks who needed ideas :)
Stacey – I am not a crochet-er but I am a mom and this horrible tragedy has hit me harder than anything I can remember. I can’t even imagine how the children and parents are coping. Since this is not something I can do, I was wondering if there is a way for me to help. We host a Christmas party every year and we ask for donations to help with needy children. I was wondering if there is a way I can donate money to help you guys reach your goal and to pay for any shipping costs? I spoke with the other moms that are coming and everyone wants to chip in…it may not be alot but it may help. Let me know if you have any thoughts.
Thank you.
Hi Amy-
That’s so sweet of you! I’ll send you an email (and ‘cc Rhonda, head organizer) to see if she has ideas
I was thinking of making some scarves with hearts on each end for some of the families so they can wear. Them and feel the love. I have never done the animals. Maybe if a few of us get together and do scarves we could give those to the parents of the kids/spouses of the adults?
Thank you for co-organizing this wonderful project. I have added you to a list of handmade projects that benefit Sandy Hook Elementary and Newtown: http://www.hideousdreadfulstinky.com/2012/12/crafting-for-sandy-hook.html
Sent mine off today! Thanks for making us aware of the need and where to send them. Feel like I am helping in my own tiny way. : )
Reading this late, so won’t get to get them there until after Christmas. Thanks Stacey for this wonderful project. I’ve wondered what I could do. You are awesome!
Rae
[...] sent out a very big bear I crocheted in 2008 to a drive for the children of Newtown, CT that I read about on [...]