Crochet for a Cause
Spreading love, one stitch at a time.
According to the Oregon State Police database, around 300 children are reported missing across the state at any given time, and many of them are in foster care. When a child runs away, it’s often because they’re struggling to feel safe, supported, or like they belong.
This isn’t about blame. It’s about compassion. Through this event, we want to remind these kids that they matter—that they are loved, valued, and never forgotten. Every handmade item and note is a reminder that their community cares and wants them to feel safe where they are.
From November 10 to December 11, 2025, we’re collecting handmade items and kind notes for children in foster care, many have never received a homemade gift before. Your time and yarn can make a forever memory. 💜
How it works
Make a handmade item (crochet, knit, or sewn): any size fits love.
Attach a short uplifting note (no personal info; addressed to a generic child, ages newborn–17).
Drop off at one of our partner locations (see below) between Nov 10 and Dec 11.
Pro tip: Want to help but can’t craft? You can still brighten a child’s day by donating a new 10" stuffed animal from our Amazon list.
If the links above don’t work for you, please email amy@oregonsvanished.org if you want to help with dropping off bin in your county.
Who we are?
Oregon’s Vanished is a grassroots nonprofit supporting families and communities across Oregon who are actively searching for a missing loved one of who may be experiencing or have experienced sex trafficking. Alongside our missing-person work, we rally neighbors to care for vulnerable youth such as foster children and indigenous children. This holiday drive focuses on foster children statewide.
Why does this event matter?
What a 10-year-old foster child recently said to me: “I’ve never had anything handmade just for me.”
Crochet for a Cause exists to change that. Your stitches become comfort, your fabric becomes safety, and your note becomes a reminder that Oregon shows up for its kids and to let these kids know that they matter and they are loved.
What Should I Make 🧶🪡
Cozy wearables
Beanies, ear-warmers, scarves
Mittens, gloves, socks
Simple shawls and cowls
Write kind notes
Short, uplifting messages make gifts personal. Keep it anonymous and encouraging, we’ll pair your note with a child’s item.
Comfort items
Blankets & baby quilts (any sizes welcome)
Loveys & comfort cloths
Handmade soft toys
Ways to help (even if you don’t craft)?
Notes that lift hearts
Short, positive message attached to each item
No personal info (names, numbers, socials)
Address to a “brave kiddo” or “awesome friend”
We also aim to include one new ~10" stuffed animal with each gift. If you’d like to help with that, please use our Amazon wishlist.
Simple Guidelines
Clean, smoke-free, pet-hair minimized items.
Sturdy stitching; please weave in ends securely.
Machine-washable yarn/fabrics preferred.
Sizes: newborn through teen, all welcome.
Drop-off locations from Nov 10, 2025–Dec 11, 2025
We’re actively adding sites across Oregon. If your fire station, library, or community center can host a bin, please email us, thank you!
Host a bin
Businesses, stations, libraries, churches, host a labeled bin and collect items locally. We’ll provide the signage.
Donate supplies
Yarn, fabric, safety pins, clear bags, or send a stuffed buddy via our Amazon list.
If the link above don’t work for you, please email amy@oregonsvanished.org if you have further questions.