Featured Charity: Red Scarf Project
On average there are over hundreds of thousands of children in the foster care system. These children are spending time with temporary families while their own work to get back on their feet. This can be a scary time for young kids and a difficult one for older kids transitioning out of the system. We have found a great charity that helps support these children through using your gifts of knitting and crochet.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on one of these links and making a purchase a portion will go to the blog. The price you pay will not change and the small commission I receive helps me to keep brining you free content and giveaways on the blog. Thank you for your continued support.*
What is Foster Care:
Foster Care is a government system designed to temporarily protect and nurture children whose parents are unable or unwilling to care for them, until those parents can provide a safe home for their children. The system was set up to be a short term arrangement for these families and unfortunately there are many children who spend years in foster care.
Children in the foster care system may never feel stable or connected, lacking the family and community ties that are so critical to young adults learning to make their own way in the world. There is something that we can do to help without taking in a child ourself.
Not everyone is able to be a foster parent. Let me share with you the Red Scarf Project and how you can make a difference in the lives of children in foster care.
What is the Red Scarf Project:
As a young adult goes off to college they make a big transition from being at home where they are comfortable to a situation that is new and different. Many parents send care packages to their college students with things that remind them of home.
In the case of foster kids, they typically don’t have anyone to send them care packages. This is where the Red Scarf Project comes in. Foster Care to Success is an organization that puts together care packages for foster college students. This is a great way to remind these young adults that they are loved and not forgotten.
Each year for Valentine’s day Foster Care to Success sends out special boxes which include a red scarf. Knitters and crocheters can make a scarf to donate for these boxes. Sharing your time and talent through this program is a great way to show these young adults that they are special and that there is someone thinking about them.
How to get involved:
Scarves are accepted between September 1 and December 15 annually. Since the organization has limited storage they ask that scarves only be sent during this period of time. Be sure to check out their guidelines below and head to their website for some ideas for patterns.
Since the first Valentine’s Day care packages were mailed in 2005, we have delivered over 25,000 red scarves to foster youth in colleges and training programs across the country.
RED SCARF PROJECT GUIDELINES:
Size: Approximately 60” long and 5” to 8” wide. Scarves should be long enough to be wrapped around the neck, with tails long enough to be tied in the front.
Style: Think unisex collegiate. Fringes are optional. Your scarf should drape, tie easily and be soft.
Color: Red! However, this could mean burgundy, cherry, russet, red stripes with other colors, or multicolor hues including red.
Finished & tagged: Yarn ends should be securely sewn in. For a personal touch, attach a tag saying “Handmade for You” with your first name, city, and group affiliation, if any. Donors have also included washing instructions, messages of encouragement, gift cards, and more.
Mail to: Foster Care to Success Red Scarf Project,23811 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 210, Cleveland, OH 44122.
Also on the Blog:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Red Scarf Project all about?
So here’s the thing… the Red Scarf Project is a super sweet initiative by Foster Care to Success. They put together special care packages for foster kids heading off to college, and each package includes a handmade red scarf to remind them they’re loved and not forgotten.
How can I help with the Red Scarf Project?
Honestly… you can use your amazing knitting and crochet skills to make a red scarf! They accept donations of scarves between September 1st and December 15th each year. It’s a wonderful way to share your talent and brighten someone’s day.
What are the guidelines for the scarves?
Yes! The scarves should be about 60 inches long and 5 to 8 inches wide, and definitely in a shade of red, though variations are welcome. They should be soft, drape well, and be easy to tie. Make sure to securely sew in any yarn ends!
Can I add a personal touch to the scarf?
Absolutely! You can attach a tag that says “Handmade for You” with your first name, city, and any group you’re with. Some people even include washing instructions or little notes of encouragement!
Where do I mail the finished scarves?
You’ll want to mail them to Foster Care to Success Red Scarf Project at 23811 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 210, Cleveland, OH 44122. Just remember to send them between September 1st and December 15th!
Categories: Uncategorized
I love this idea!!!
Our group sent over two dozen scarves to this group last year. Many of us used this project to perfect or experiment with new techniques and designs. Not all our efforts were sent in but we had great fun and knew our best was sent to students not always acknowledged for their efforts and struggles.
That is a great idea to try out some new stitches. How sweet that your group could send so many scarves to a great project!
My Knit Guild is making the red scarves for Foster Care. Is there a pattern for the scarf at the top with the hearts?
That is so great Wanda! Check out their website or contact them directly to get that pattern. I am not sure if they have it or if someone else had it.