Amigurumi for Charity!

This is a repost of information in Fresh Stitches blog. I'm going to try to do at least one, and I thought maybe others would be interested as well. Here's what she wrote: (consider all in quotations)

I was recently contacted by a super-sweet woman named Kathy, who is collecting stuffed animals for Casey Cares Foundation, and she’s asked me to spread the word… she needs your help to make amigurumi that will be given to critically ill children.

It’s no secret that’s it’s tough being ill, especially for children. Your hand-made stuffed animal will make a child’s day- and provide them with a huggable companion that will always be by their side.

Here are the details:

Who?
Casey Cares is a foundation dedicated to enhancing the lives of critically ill children, providing much-needed programs to the children and their families. Casey Cares Foundation will be partnering with a children’s hospice, and the animals will go to children at the hospice.

Kathy Guerin has taken on the mission of collecting amigurumi stuffed animals as a special way to help these children.

What?
‘Large-sized’ amigurumi are particularly needed (these guys are going to get a lot of hugs!). Kathy is particularly fond of the patterns in Cuddly Crochet, and has made a number herself. Additionally, FreshStitches has a large number of patterns that are the appropriate size- just read the pattern description and look for animals that are 7″ tall or larger.

Some of the stuffed animals will be given to children who are younger than 3 years old, so there is need for animals with crocheted, child-safe eyes.

When?

Although this will be an ongoing project, the first deadline is February 1st, 2011.

The 10-bed hospice is opening in February, so the goal is to have AT LEAST 10 animals by the opening date- so each child will receive an animal. Any additional animals received will be saved for future months.

Where?

Donations can be mailed to or dropped off at:

Casey Cares Foundation
3918 Vero Road, Suite C
Baltimore MD 21227
Attention: Debi Katzenberger

If you have a group of crocheters making animals in the Baltimore area, you can contact Casey Cares and request a pick-up.

Why?
This one hardly needs answering! Your stuffed animal will be given to a child who greatly needs comforting… and what better way to comfort than with huggable amigurumi?

I know the holidays can be a hectic time… but if you can find some spare time to crochet a stuffed animal, it would be greatly appreciated! Feel free to contact Kathy with any questions. And, thank you for reading!

(end quotations)
I think this sounds like a really great cause, and I hope that some of you will as well!