Our mission is to provide the comfort of hats, scarves, shawls and other handmade items to people who are fighting cancer and other chronic illnesses.
Our members include people who knit, crochet and sew. Some are experts and others have just begun. We are happy to teach anyone who would like to learn how to crochet or knit during our monthly get-togethers. People across the United States have contributed to our cause, as well as individuals from Canada and Germany.
WHY DID WE START TEAM YARN?
Team Yarn was begun by Amy (Slater) Pass and Tesha Christensen Pettit in 2012 in honor of Amy’s mother, Cheryl, and the brave battle she fought with Merkel Cell Carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer.
We are a satellite group of Head Huggers, a national organization providing hats to people who need them. We have extended our mission beyond hats, and we invite you to also donate scarves, shawls, afghans, or lap quilts. We would also gladly accept yarn and cash donations. (Please be sure it is soft yarn. See here for a list of yarn we’ve discovered works well.)
“My mom was diagnosed with Merkel Cell Carcinoma in 2011, and she began chemotherapy in the winter of 2012,” Amy said. “We quickly learned that a head without hair grows cold very fast. I began crocheting chemo caps for her right away, as did my sister-in-law, and my mom was also blessed to receive handmade gifts from the cancer support center in her hospital. Each gift was loved and appreciated."
“It’s amazing how meaningful such a simple gift can be.”
“I am inspired to be a part of this because of Cheryl Slater, a woman I knew for most of my life. She was beautiful, strong, and courageous. She is a person who is sorely missed. Nothing will bring her back, but helping others provides a path through our loss,” Tesha remarked.
“Team Yarn members want to bring comfort during trying times. We believe that a small thing like a hat can be a big encouragement when you’re fighting cancer.”
WHO DO WE HELP?
We are in the Twin Cities, and the majority of our items are distributed to local hospitals and organizations to support cancer patients here in Minnesota.
As of January 2016, we have donated over 2,000 handmade items. Donations have primarily gone to Minnesota hospitals and clinics, lodging facilities such as Hope Lodge and Ronald McDonald House, hospice care centers, individuals, and silent auctions to support those paying for the treatment of cancer or chronic illnesses.
“I can’t even tell you how much the ladies appreciate this,” said Nancy Welty, a patient navigator at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood. “They get all emotional.... You guys are angels.”
"Thanks for your generous donation and beautiful hats,” said Children's Hospital Volunteer Coordinator Jenna Van Proosdy.
WHAT ARE OUR GUIDELINES?
Items should be:
- Super Soft (Click here to view list of yarn we’ve found works well.)
- Handmade
- New
- Washable
- Free of smoke and pet hair
- Wool is OK but not preferred, as it is often an irritant and allergen. Please label wool items carefully.
HOW CAN YOU DONATE?
1. Attend a monthly meet-up:
3rd Sunday of every month
1pm-3pm
Silverwood Cafe at Silverwood Park in Minneapolis, MN
(Click the link for directions and cafe menu.)
2. Mail Donations:
Contact Amy at amyinthewind@gmail.com
3. Use the Cambridge, MN Drop Site:
Century 21 - Moline Reality
202 Main St. S.
Cambridge, MN
Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m
If you're planning to drop by on Saturday, please call 763-689-3593 to be sure the agent hasn't stepped out for a real estate showing.
HOW CAN YOU CONTACT US?
For more information, email amyinthewind@gmail.com.
Or, check out our Facebook page and leave us a message:
https://www.facebook.com/
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