Make
How Warm Up America! Works
Volunteers donate their time to crochet and knit one or more 7" by 9" sections, as well as entire blankets and accessories. Sections are either joined by individuals or groups in a community and donated locally or sent to foundation headquarters for joining and distribution.
The 7" by 9" template was selected because it is a convenient size to form blankets of varying dimensions. We also needed uniformity of size to be able to join sections knitted and crocheted by different people across the country. That is why it is so helpful that sections sent in be as close to 7" by 9" as possible.
If you have an interest in making an entire blanket, knit or crochet your blanket to any size or pattern you wish. There is a need, for instance, for baby blankets and lap throws (see Afghan Assembly Chart for suggested sizes), which are much smaller than the standard Warm Up America! blanket.
What yarn to use? A medium weight, machine washable and dryable acrylic yarn is the ideal yarn to use for WUA! blankets and accessories so completed items are easy to clean.
Who receives the blankets?
WUA! blankets are distributed to individuals and families in need through community service organizations as well as through chapters of national organizations such as the American Red Cross. The foundation maintains a database with requests from social service agencies. As blankets are received and assembled, they are shipped to the agency at the top of the list. WUA! volunteers around the country are encouraged to donate completed blankets within their own community in the true spirit of "neighbor helping neighbor."
Agencies to which the foundation has donated blankets include:
● Women's shelters
● Nursing homes
● Children's hospitals
● Hospitals and hospices
● Daycare centers
● Veteran's homes
● Churches
● AIDS facilities
● Homeless shelters
● American Red Cross chapters
Warm Up America! is always accepting these knit and crochet items:
● Finished adult, child, and baby size blankets and lap blankets for wheelchairs
● Adult hats
● Scarves
● Gloves and mittens
● Baby clothing
● 7" by 9" knit and crochet sections
Get Involved
Current Needs
Warm Up America! accepts 7" by 9" knit/crochet sections, finished blankets, clothing and accessories year round. However, we often have specific needs that require help from our incredible volunteers. Visit this page for updated information on the best way you can help us spread warmth around the country.
Patterns & Yarns
Learn which crochet and knit patterns, as well as yarns, are ideal for making individual Warm Up America! blanket sections.
Assembling Blankets
Many volunteers prefer to assemble blankets and distribute them in their own community, which we always encourage.
Box of 500
Learn how you can send in 7" by 9" sections or become a joiner to join them together into completed blankets.
Group Projects
Warm Up America! projects are extremely well-suited for groups. Find out how your group can start working together to create sections, blankets, hats, scarves and more.
Made With Love
WUA! sponsors an annual event called Made With Love, where volunteers take to the streets to distribute hats, scarves, gloves and mittens in low-income communities
Unboxing With WUA!
Our volunteers are amazing and we love showing off what you send in. We live stream many of our Unboxing events on Facebook for all to see!
DONATE
We need your financial support to build our charity network. Help us to ship, deliver and create more warm blankets and clothing for people less fortunate than ourselves.
MAKE
Volunteers can donate their time to crochet and knit one or more 7" by 9" sections, as well as entire blankets and accessories. Sections are either joined by individuals or groups in a community.
Mail items to:
3740 N Josey Ln Suite #126, Carrollton, TX 75007