9 Best Charities that Accept Craft Donations

If you have leftover craft supplies — yarn, fabric, beads, finished blankets, or handmade items — several reputable charities will gladly put them to good use. Organizations serving children in hospitals, military veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and families in crisis actively seek craft donations to bring comfort and joy to those they serve.

Whether you’re a knitter with extra wool, a quilter with surplus fabric, or a crafter with completed handmade projects looking for a home, there are charitable programs across the United States ready to accept your donations. This guide covers the 9 best charities that accept craft donations in 2026, including their ratings from trusted sources like Charity Navigator, what types of crafts each organization accepts, and exactly how to get started donating today.

Here are 9 Best Charities that Accept Craft Donations:

Table Of Contents

1. Project Linus
2. Beads of Courage
3. Quilts for Kids
4. Operation Gratitude
5. Warm Up America
6. Binky Patrol
7. The Little Warriors
8. Soldiers’ Angels
9. Ronald McDonald House Charities
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

1. Project Linus

They accept handmade blankets, quilts, and afghans for children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or in need. The organization has a network of volunteers who make and donate these items, which are then distributed to hospitals, shelters, and other organizations that serve children.

The foundation has chapters in all 50 US states, and volunteers have donated over 8 million blankets. Donating handmade crafts to this charity is a great way to use your creative skills to make a positive impact in the lives of children who are going through difficult times. They have an excellent rating of 97% on Charity Navigator with 4 stars.

2. Beads of Courage

Next up, this charity provides support for children coping with serious illness or injury. The organization accepts handmade beads, bead kits, and other craft supplies to create beads of courage, which are given to children to commemorate their milestones during treatment.

These beads provide a tangible way for children to express their feelings and emotions, and serve as a reminder of their strength and bravery. By donating handmade beads or craft supplies, you can help support children and their families during a difficult time, and help them to feel more empowered and resilient. However, they only have 2 stars on Charity Navigator with 65% ratings.

3. Quilts for Kids

Quilts for Kids is a nonprofit organization that provides comfort to children in need through handmade quilts. The organization accepts donations of handmade quilts, which are distributed to children’s hospitals, shelters, and other organizations that serve children in need. These quilts provide a tangible expression of care and support and can help to alleviate stress and anxiety in children who are going through difficult times.

By donating a handmade quilt or getting involved in the quilt-making process, you can help to provide comfort and hope to children in need. It is a 4-star charity as rated on Charity Navigator with a score of 90%.

4. Operation Gratitude

It is a special charity that sends care packages to US military personnel, veterans, and first responders. The organization accepts donations of handmade items, including scarves, hats, and blankets, which are included in the care packages.

These items provide warmth and comfort to those who are serving or have served their country and help to show them that their service is appreciated. They also accept handwritten letters and cards, which are included in the care packages and serve as a reminder of home and the support of the American people. They have a whopping score of perfect 100% on Charity Navigator.

5. Warm Up America

They provide handmade blankets, hats, and scarves to people in need. The organization accepts donations of knitted or crocheted squares, which are then joined together by volunteers to create full-sized blankets. These blankets are distributed to homeless shelters, nursing homes, and other organizations that serve people in need of warmth and comfort.

They also accept donations of finished hats and scarves, which are distributed directly to those in need. By donating handmade squares, hats, or scarves, you can help to provide warmth and comfort to those who are most vulnerable during the cold winter months. Sadly, they are not rated by any charity watchdogs.

6. Binky Patrol

Binky Patrol provides handmade blankets, or “binkies,” to children in need of comfort and security. The organization accepts donations of handmade blankets, which are distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, and other organizations that serve children in need.

These blankets can provide a sense of comfort and security to children who may be going through a difficult time and can serve as a reminder that they are not alone. Binky Patrol also accepts donations of fabric and yarn, as well as volunteers who can help to create the blankets. By donating a handmade blanket or getting involved in the blanket-making process, you can help to bring comfort and hope to children in need. As per Charity Navigator, they have 3 stars at 77%.

7. The Little Warriors

Little Warriors aims to provide support to children with cancer and their families. The organization accepts donations of handmade hats, headbands, and other items, which are distributed to children undergoing cancer treatment.

These items provide warmth and comfort to children during difficult times and can help to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with treatment. The charity also accepts donations of handmade pillowcases, which can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity to children who are staying in the hospital. Sadly, they are not rated by any charity analyzers.

8. Soldiers’ Angels

Soldiers’ Angels is a nonprofit organization that provides support and assistance to military personnel and their families. The organization accepts donations of handmade items, including blankets, hats, and scarves, which are distributed to veterans, wounded soldiers, and military families. These items provide comfort and support to those who have served their country and may be facing difficult circumstances.

Soldiers’ Angels also accept handwritten letters and cards, which are included in care packages and serve as a reminder of the support and gratitude of the American people. By donating handmade items or writing letters, you can help to show your appreciation for the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. It is a 4-star charity with a total rating of 94% on Charity Navigator.

9. Ronald McDonald House Charities

Last but not least, Ronald McDonald House Charities is a nonprofit organization that provides housing and support to families of seriously ill children. The organization accepts donations of money, household items, and food to help support its mission. These donations help to provide a “home away from home” for families who must travel long distances to receive medical treatment for their children.

Ronald McDonald House Charities also accepts donations of time and services from volunteers, who can help with activities like cooking, cleaning, and organizing events. The charity has an outstanding score of a solid 100% with 4 stars on Charity Navigator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of craft supplies do charities typically accept?

Most charities that accept craft donations welcome finished handmade items like blankets, quilts, hats, scarves, and pillowcases. Some organizations also accept raw materials including yarn, fabric, beads, and craft kits. Always check the specific organization’s guidelines before donating, as each charity has different needs based on the populations they serve.

Can I donate unfinished craft projects or partial supplies?

Many organizations — such as Warm Up America and Quilts for Kids — accept partially completed items like knitted squares that their volunteers assemble into finished products. For raw supplies, policies vary: some charities focus only on finished handmade items, while others welcome surplus materials. Contact the charity directly to confirm what they can use before shipping anything.

How do I find a local chapter or drop-off location?

Search online for the organization name combined with your city or state (e.g., “Project Linus [your city]”). Many charities listed here have local chapters or affiliate organizations across the United States. Local hospitals, homeless shelters, veterans’ groups, and community centers often coordinate handmade donation drives as well — call ahead to ask.

Are craft donations to charities tax-deductible?

Donations to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are generally tax-deductible in the United States. Most organizations on this list — including Operation Gratitude and Ronald McDonald House Charities — hold this status. Keep a record of what you donated along with its approximate fair market value and date of donation. Consult a tax professional or the IRS Charities & Non-Profits page for guidance on deducting non-cash charitable contributions.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, donating your excess crafting supplies to a charity is a simple yet impactful way to give back to your community. By providing resources and tools to individuals and organizations in need, you are empowering them to create, learn, and express themselves through the art of crafting. But beyond the act of donating, this is an opportunity to reflect on the value of creativity and how it can inspire hope, joy, and healing.

Crafting is more than just a hobby or a way to pass the time – it is a powerful tool for self-expression and connection. By sharing our passion and our resources with others, we are fostering a sense of community and a spirit of generosity.

So, the next time you find yourself with an excess of craft supplies, remember the impact that your donation could have. You may never know the full extent of the positive effect you’ve had, but rest assured that your generosity has made a difference in someone’s life.