Warming Families is a non-profit group that coordinates volunteers who give hand-made or newly purchased warm items, such as hats, scarves, and blankets, to organizations in need. These organizations include nursing homes, domestic violence shelters, and homeless shelters. There are area chapters around the United States as well as Canada.

The Warming Families site lists volunteer groups that are already set up, so check that first. Otherwise, you can apply to start your own chapter that would be coordinated through Warming Families.

Lands End has also joined forces with Vicki Howell for what it calls the Feel Good Initiative. For every Feel Good sweater purchased, the company will donate yarn to Warming Families. Even if you don’t knit or crochet, heck, you can buy a sweater and still help out.