Pick up your needles and give comfort
Knit for Japan was only a matter of time. After all, knitters are creative people who really understand the difference a hand knit item can make in a person's life, and they're generous people who are always looking to help -- especially those interested in knitting for charity. So with the recent disaster in Japan, it's hardly surprising that knitters have leaped to help.
What is Knit for Japan?
Knit for Japan is the brainchild of a German living in Tokyo who experienced the quake firsthand. Bernd Kestler (yes, that's a male name -- male knitters might be a rarity in the USA, but there are quite a few of them elsewhere!) decided to extend the world's sympathy through knitting.
A longtime knitter himself, Kestler has studied how to knit Japan style, and he also teaches knitting. He decided that by knitting a donation -- be it a pair of socks, a sweater, or a scarf -- people around the world can personally and clearly express their sympathies to the people of Japan.
And the charity has taken off like crazy. After just a few weeks, Kestler has received many donations and even had his charity featured in the news. It's just another way that knitters take the initiative, and you definitely don't want to miss out on this chance to help Japan.
How to Get Involved
Because the charity is so new, you won't find a ton of free knitting patterns or heart wrenching stories on the Knit for Japan website. You will find, though, a few fun ideas for new knitting styles, pictures of donations received, and, most importantly of all, an address where you can send your knitted items, yarn, and needles to help Japan.
You can also follow Knit for Japan on Twitter and Facebook -- this is a twenty first century charity for a twenty first century disaster. And no matter where you are in the world, you can pick up your needles and start knitting Japan a wooly hug.
So visit the Knit for Japan website today and check out what other people are up to. Then find your favorite pattern and get knitting. That's the only way a charity like Knit for Japan grows.
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