Knit the Rainbow – Crafting Donations of Warmth and Pride for LGBTQ+ Youth in Need
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when compassion, creativity, and yarn collide—you’ll want to meet Knit the Rainbow. They accept crochet and knit donations all year round.
Founded by the inspiring Austin Rivers, this NYC-based nonprofit with a powerful mission: collecting handmade knit and crochet winter garments from volunteers across the U.S. They then distribute them to LGBTQ+ youth who are unhoused or at risk of homelessness.
I had the chance to meet Austin in person this past May at the H&H Americas conference in Chicago. And let me tell you—his passion for this mission is palpable.
This charity is listed on my Donation Directory
Why Your Donations to Knit the Rainbow Matter
Let’s be honest: life on the streets is hard enough. Add the weight of being a young LGBTQ+ person navigating a world that isn’t always kind, it becomes downright brutal. Knit the Rainbow steps in with something beautifully simple and deeply human — warmth, comfort, and a message that says: “You matter.”
Watch the video:
Click the image below to watch the short video and meet Austin!
What Can You Donate?
Oh, just about everything that comes off your hook or needles with love:
🧣 Scarves
🧤 Mittens
🧢 Beanies
🧦 Socks
🧥 Sweaters and cardigans
🧶 Cowls and shawls
Whether you’ve got a stash of yarn begging to become something cozy, or you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to use your crochet powers for good—this is it.
And you may be interested to know that they have a free patterns resources page. There you can get some crochet and knit patterns to make and donate to them!! I have contacted them about donating a pattern or two…
Where Do the Donations Go?
Once your handmade items arrive at their headquarters in NYC, Knit the Rainbow partners with over 25 local organizations. Currently they work across New York, Chicago, Detroit, and New Jersey to get those garments into the hands (and onto the heads) of youth who need them most.
This isn’t just charity—it’s community, connection, and a statement of allyship, one stitch at a time.
How You Can Get Involved
Ready to send your handmade hugs across the miles? Here’s how:
🌐 Visit www.knittherainbow.org
📱 Follow them on Instagram: @knittherainbowinc or Facebook: @knittherainbowinc .
📦 Mail your items directly to their donation address: 4650 Broadway, Unit 2003, New York, NY 10040 (you’ll find all the shipping info on their website).
Any other queries? Email them at info@knittherainbow.org
Bonus: if you’re a crochet designer or teacher (waves excitedly) there are lots you can do. Consider rallying your community for a group make-a-thon or even donating a pattern to support their mission.
You may also like…
If you are looking for some inspiration of patterns that can be used for donations try these:
From Us to you Donation Challenge 2024
From Us to You Donation Challenge 2025
Final Thoughts
Knit the Rainbow is more than a cute name—it’s a heartfelt movement. They’re creating a network of crafters who believe in warmth beyond wool, and inclusivity beyond Instagram hashtags.
So if you’ve got a hook, some yarn, and a big ol’ heart, this is your sign to start stitching for donations. Because the world could always use more kindness—and a few extra beanies never hurt, either.
