Crafting for Charity

Crafting for charity is a rewarding and worthwhile activity. Perhaps you are going through something in your life and want to focus on doing something kind for someone else. Maybe you are a hobby sewist and are interested in finding a way to use up those scraps, or maybe you want to do make something for someone other than your family and friends. Sewing for charity is the answer! Good for the soul and good for your fabric stash. 

I found it difficult to find a comprehensive list of UK based charities looking for craft donations, so I put one together for you (in no particular order). 
 
Sewing (some of these charities are also looking for knitted/crocheted items)

Days for Girls
Make washable hygiene kits for girls and women. 
 
Battersea Dogs and Cats
Make items for dogs and cats, including toys, bedding, coats, etc..

Newlife Foundation for disabled children
Make and donate handmade crafts.
 
Wrap Pyjama Fairies
Make pyjamas and gowns for sick children.

Post Pals
Make items to include in your post for seriously ill children and their siblings in the UK.
 
Project Linus UK
Make quilts or knitted/crocheted blankets to help children in need.

Bonnie Babies
Make items for premature babies and little angels (burial items).

Little Dresses for Africa
Make little dresses out of pillowcases to be sent to vulnerable children in Africa and beyond.

Oxfam
Sew bunting or knit clothes and blankets to be sold in Oxfam shops.

St Michael’s Hospice
Make syringe driver bags to help patients stay mobile while receiving treatment.

Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice Care
Make wheelchair bags so children can keep their essentials close to hand.

St Peter & St James Hospice & Continuing Care Centre
Make catheter bag covers to brighten people’s surroundings.

St Catherine’s Hospice
Make emergency supply bags for patients living in their own homes.


Knitting/Crochet only
 
Bag Books
Make sensory book props to help people with sensory processing difficulties.

Feel Better Friends
Make dolls whose characteristics match that of a sick child. This charity is based in the US but operates in multiple countries. 

Francis House Children’s Hospice
Knit a chick to raise funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice.

The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Children’s Fund
Knit dolls for children whose parents work for the Naval Services.

Percy the Pigeon
Knit a small pigeon to send to your local school to help raise awareness about bullying.

The Donkey Sanctuary
Knit woolley donkeys to support the Donkey Sanctuary.

The Big Knit
Support Age UK by knitting little woolly hats.

Knit for Syria
Knit/crochet clothing for anyone from infants to adults, as well as for premature babies. You can also make new knitted/crocheted baby blankets.

Cuddles
Make clothing and blankets for stillborn babies.

Knitted Knockers UK
Make 100% cotton breast prostheses for women.

 
I think it's a good idea to use your judgement as to whether your support of any organisation is warranted and needed.
If you are based in the US or Canada, here is a comprehensive list.