Hi there, I love crafting for other people. Seeing the smiles on the faces of my friends and family when they open their handmade gifts at Christmas makes all the effort worthwhile. Of course, people I don't know might appreciate a handmade gift even more. There are many options if you're interested in crafting for charity. Here's a small selection:

• Blankets for Canada is a nationwide collective of crafters who provide blankets for those in need - and you can be sure that those blankets are well used on our cold winter nights.
• Project Linus (Canada) has chapters across the country working to provide handmade quilts and afghans to children from  infants to age 18 who are seriously ill or who have survived traumatic situations.
• Afghans for Afghans began in the US and now involves knitters from Canada as well; they provide woollen items to people affected by the war in Afghanistan.
• For local activities, check the listings at communityknitters.com and on the Charity page of the Canadian Knitwear Designers and Artisans website.

Once you've decided to help, the next step is deciding what to make. In Canada it's fair to say that warm woollens are a good bet. You might find something in this collection of patterns for warm winter apparel; or maybe you'd like to stick with that Canadian classic: the toque. A knitted afghan can't go wrong; if that seems like too much for one person, why not get a couple friends involved and make this community afghan together? Do you craft for charity? I'd love it if you'd leave a link to your organization in the comments of this post. p.s. Don't forget to enter this week's contest for a chance to win a copy of Green Crafts for Children: 35 step-by-step projects using natural, recycled, and found materials by Emma Hardy.