Each month, we feature a charity that helps others through knitting and crochet. This month's charity is Stitches from the Heart, which donates knit, crocheted, and quilted items for babies and young children to hospitals across the US.

Stitches from the Heart began when California native Kathy Silverton's son showed her an article about a baby going home from a hospital with only diapers. This stark image inspired Silverton to turn her love for charity-knitting into her very own charity. She began by getting friends to make knitted and crocheted baby items for local hospitals. Soon, Stitches from the Heart became a 501(c)(3) charity organization.

Now with over 12,000 volunteers, Stitches from the Heart has donated over 599,000 items to 1,120 hospitals across the United States. More than 1 in 9 infants in America is born pre-term, making them more susceptible to illness. Each handcrafted item keeps one more child warm, bringing both comfort and health to the child.

Other than donating completed items, Stitches from the Heart is also dedicated to accessibility. The charity donates yarn and supplies to senior citizens who cannot afford to purchase charity knitting or crocheting items. Members also teach crocheting to junior high, Brownies, and Junior Girl Scouts.

Stitches from the Heart accepts baby booties, hats, blankets, and sweaters of any design. Please note that the yarn should be soft and washable, such as Babysoft or Vanna's Choice. No 100% wool items will be accepted. Garments can be sized to fit anywhere from a preemie to a toddler.

The charity also accepts monetary donations, yarn, needles, hooks, copy paper, cardstock, and mailing supplies. You are also welcome to send the names and addresses of hospitals in need. For more information on the organization, please visit their website.

Volunteers can send their completed items to the following address:
Stitches from the Heart
3316 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

For more charity feature articles and other stories, please click here.

To find a charity near you or to list your charity organization, please click here to visit our Charity Connection.