Dear Friend,

When I started Project Knitwell 10 years ago, my dream was to help parents who were staying with their sick child in the hospital feel better and less worried. I know the singular agony of an ill child. Living at the hospital, I wasn’t able to concentrate, or sleep, and I felt helpless in mothering my daughter. Once I began knitting, I felt calmer and more productive, one stitch at a time. I hoped that Project Knitwell would help others gain the same benefits I had from knitting.

A thankful mother whose child was treated at Children’s National Medical Center recently told us,

“One of your volunteers taught me how to knit 3 years ago when I was in the hospital with our son. Three years later, we’re back at the hospital with our son and I’m still knitting! I’ve made scarves and headbands! And, I’ve taught my 2 daughters! Just wanted to thank her for a priceless gift of talent! It has meant so much to know how to do this. Helps me with depression, anxiety and stress. Thank you so much!!! I’m forever grateful!!!” (October 2020)

Like you, this has been a challenging year for us. All our programming stopped in mid-March because the sites where we regularly taught vulnerable individuals to knit for wellness purposes were no longer able to safely welcome volunteers. Stress and anxiety levels were sky-rocketing and the work that we do — help people deal with stress — was ironically stymied. We knew our services were needed more than ever during the pandemic. Thankfully, with some ingenuity and technology, we pivoted our services to become virtual. And we found a silver lining — with virtual programs, we have been able to reach those we couldn’t before, like front-line healthcare workers who could never knit with us during the day. And we’ve connected with people in need outside of the DC metro area. Additionally, our volunteers donated almost 200 hand-knit hats to women struggling with homelessness living at N Street village, where we serve residents.

I am proud of these accomplishments and thrilled that after ten years, this organization continues to help those in need. Your past support made a difference. You are a part of our history and our future. I hope that you will again join us in providing a lifelong tool to ease someone’s stress and anxiety via our knitting for wellness program. In honor of our 10th year, I invite you to participate in a special Anniversary Giving Campaign.

Our campaign goal is to raise $50,000, and through the generous support of our board members and long-time committed donors, we have already raised $22,000. I hope you can continue to support us and help us reach our goal by considering one of the following ways to donate:

Give a Sustainer Gift — We want to build a group of donors who contribute monthly to help provide financial stability for Project Knitwell and a sustainable resource to ease someone’s hardship.

Give an Annual Donation — We are grateful for donations of any amount and invite you to visit our donation page to learn more and pledge your support.

Volunteer With Us — We also gratefully appreciate gifts of time and talent. Please consider volunteering with Project Knitwell. We are looking for knitting instructors and those with expertise in fundraising, marketing, and communications.

The pandemic is taking a toll on the mental health of many of us across the U.S. You can provide a service that we know helps reduce anxiety and stress. Please join us in the 10th Anniversary Giving Campaign by making a tax-deductible monthly or annual gift today. When you give, you are investing in our future and helping those in difficult situations learn a skill to help ease the burdens they are facing. You are investing in the futures of our program participants, too.

With best wishes for your health, comfort, and peace this holiday season and into the new year.

Sincerely,
Carol Caparosa
Founder & Executive Director
December 2020