Warming Hearts, Hands, and Heads with Homemade Holiday Gifts

There’s always been something extra special about a homemade gift. This holiday season, Catholic Charities Boston received numerous donations of handmade artwork and hand-knit hats, scarves, and even teddy bears to keep clients warm and their spirits bright. 

Artwork from Project Giving Kids

The non-profit Project Giving Kids hosted a remote volunteer opportunity for Catholic Charities as part of the “Create the Change” week. 45 pieces of unique abstract artwork were sent to Boston from a charter school in Los Angeles, CA to add some fun, creative flair for Catholic Charities’ Adult Education classrooms. 

Eighth-grade students at Blessed Sacrament Middle School in Walpole, MA created fleece hats in a variety of colors and patterns for an art class project. Their art teacher, Shivaun Brenizer, said she was thrilled for the opportunity to get her students involved in a meaningful cause and to have fun while doing it. 

The Knitting with a Purpose group, which includes over 25 members from Framingham to Boston, shares Brenzier’s passion for both knitting and serving the community. This year, they donated four bags filled to the brim with shawls, teddy bears, baby blankets, cowls, scarves, hats and a sweater coat—all of which were knitted from scratch by members of the group.  

Their donations will go directly to refugee families that have received help from Catholic Charities, adult education students, and children in the Agency’s Child Care programs.  

Interested in making your own knitted teddy bear this Christmas? See the step-by-step instructions here.

Part 10 of our Twelve Days of Giving Series, sharing heartwarming stories about people spreading joy and compassion within our community this holiday season. Explore more ways to give this holiday season on our Ways to Give page.