Pregnancy Help 4 U

A few years ago, I went to a fundraiser for a non-profit organization called Pregnancy Help 4 U. It was founded in 2011 and is located in Keller, Texas. They offer free and confidential services for women in the DFW Metroplex who are at a loss at what to do about their unplanned pregnancy,

Not only do they provide a pregnancy test at no cost to the client and FREE sonograms and STD testing (for both men and women) but they also have trained client advocates available to let these women know what all of their options are and assist with needed baby items.

After hearing the testimonials from the women and families that found them and seeing the fruits of what they do in our community, I knew I wanted to be able to help in some way. I asked my knitting group if they would like to help make hand knit/crochet items to donate to them. Thankfully, they are joining me on this mission.

Any hand knit baby items that you can make are a blessing. Every hat I make, starts with the color red and ends with the color red to symbolize how they are sealed with the blood of Christ from the beginning to the end.  I pray for both the mother and unborn child to believe that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God makes no mistakes. I attach a tag to each hat, blanket or booties that are made so that they know they someone has been praying for them. 

I have heard stories about similar organizations that will give a woman a hat that was planning on leaving after their sonogram to get an abortion only to realize there really was a life growing inside of her and not follow through with it. Some may opt to seek out an adoption agency while others decide to keep the baby. This is where Pregnancy Help 4 U is another amazing resource. They can help connect them to adoption agencies or have baby showers to aid in supplying what is needed for both the mother and baby. They love on these ladies because sometimes this is the only support they get. 

For those that do decide that abortion is the only answer for them, Pregnancy Help 4 U offers post abortion support for them as well. They don’t judge. They live out 1 Corinthians 16:14 Do everything in love. Since their start they have seen over 2000 lives be saved and that right there is why they continue to offer all of the services that they do.

If this organization touches your heart like it has mine, you don’t have to knit to support it. They are always in need of diapers, wipes and formula. They even accept gently used baby items as well….clothing, toys, baby furniture. 

Knitted Knockers

I thought that I would highlight an organization that you may not know existed. Knitted Knockers Support Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) located in Bellingham, Washington. They are 100% run by volunteers, so if you aren’t a knitter but would like to somehow support them, you can do so here.

What is a Knitted Knocker? They are either knit or crochet breast prosthesis for women who have had mastectomies or other procedures to their breast. Compared to expensive, heavy and uncomfortable prosthesis that also require a special bra, these are lightweight, breathable and best of all cost the recipient absolutely NOTHING!

These are FREE to anyone who is in need of one. If you know of someone that could use them, direct them to this link. These are shipped worldwide. How cool is that? You can not only make a difference locally, but also around the world when you make these. They are quite the conversation starter too when someone asks what you are making.

For those of you that can knit or crochet, here are the links to the patterns which also include very specific instructions on yarn brands and what size needles/hooks to use to make them. Barbara Demorest is the founder of Knitted Knockers. Her story is one you need to watch. She can’t stress enough how important it is to use the approved yarn because they are worn against scarred and sensitive skin. They have tried all kinds of yarn and deem these to be the best. While I love using Hobby Lobby’s I Love this Cotton, it is not on their approved list. You don’t want to invest time andmoney on something they can’t use. Here is a list of FAQ's.

Don’t let knitting in the round with double pointed needles scare you. If you have never tried, it really isn’t as intimidating as it looks. There is a learning curve for making them, but once you figure it out, it is an easy and small project that you can bring with you wherever you go. Learn from me and don’t be afraid to try. They DO NOT need to be perfect. Remember, this is something you are lovingly making to bring comfort and dignity to women who are struggling with their surgery and diagnosis.

If you are mailing directly to them, to save on postage, you do not need to stuff them. Where you send them will do that for you. Check the directory  that lists stores and individuals where you can either meet and work on your project or serves as a drop off point. Of Course, you can always register a new group to make or distribute these  as well. Make sure you like Knitted Knockers Facebook page too! I encourage you to tweet, post on Facebook or Instagram your photos using the #knitprayshare and #knittedknockers hashtags. I plan on praying my monthly memory verse over the ones that I make.

Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation

Pine Ridge Reservation located in South Dakota is home to the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The population for the Lakota people is around 40,000. They suffer from extreme poverty. Many of the homes do not have heat or running water.

Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation (FoPRR) has and excellent website that states all of the needs for the children, elders and families that are living in poverty on the Pine Ridge Reservation.  Not only do they have an amazing website, but there are link for free patterns. Their Pinterest board is another place for ideas on what to make. You can also follow them on Twitter @FoPRR.

The website states,  “These organizations, always understaffed and underfunded, struggle in turn to serve thousands of children, women and men in dire need. Please do not underestimate the importance of a small donation. Your contribution, sent directly to a reservation organization – even if only a single pair of socks for a child who has none – makes a huge impact when combined with many others.”

While I know I can’t save the world, I’d like to get the word out about this organization to help them in what little way we can through our hands and our hearts. When we knit or crochet items to donate, we can be praying for whoever might receive this gift. Your gift can give them hope that someone loves and cares about their needs that are not being met. 

Items needed for toddlers, children and the elders that we can make include: Afghans of all sizes, lap blankets, clothing items, scarves, neck warmers, mittens/gloves, hats, slippers, socks, and shawls.

Because this is Knit, Pray, Share, I’d like to encourage you to keep with the theme by threading the color red into your projects. This is to remind the recipient of your gift that they are loved by a God who died on the cross for us.

With mittens and socks, you can make the cuffs or ribbing and the tips in red. Do the ribbing on your hat in red and top it with a red pom pom. Any patterns and fibers are okay to use, they only ask to not use owls on anything because they are a symbol of death in the Lakota culture.

I have found some free online patterns, that can be found on the “Pattern Ideas” tab. There are also gift tags that you can print to attach to you items before you mail them.

In addition, I encourage you to post pictures of what you are making on any social media using our hashtag #threadswithred, #knitprayshare and #FoPRR so they can see the love we are spreading. ❤️

Mail the items to the addresses below:

Via Post Office use this address only:
Clothes Closet
Wounded Knee District School
P.O. Box 350
Manderson, SD 57756

Via UPS or FedEx this address only:
Clothes Closet
Wounded Knee District School
201 Main Street
Manderson, SD  57756