Hats and mittens are always needed in a full range of sizes to fit children from toddlers to teens. See Wool-Aid Guidelines for general information. This is an ongoing campaign with no set deadline.

We include guidelines below. Please aim for hats and mittens that will be very warm for the children — remember that we send to children who live in extremely cold conditions!

Guidelines for Hats and Mittens:

• Use wool (at least 80% wool/animal fiber).
• Use worsted weight yarn or heavier.
• Mitten and hat sets would be wonderful, but are not required.
• Hats with earflaps or double-layer hats are wonderful and warm.
• Hats will ideally be able to entirely cover the ears. The thicker, the better, so please, no lacy hats.
• Mittens should have generous cuffs — 2-3 inches or so — for extra warmth and protection from wind.
• Head circumference: approximately 16 to 22 inches.
• Mitten measurement from the base of the palm to the tip of the longest finger: up to 8.5 inches, but allow a bit of extra length for wiggle room.

Please send all finished hats and mittens to:

Wool-Aid
1381 Rocky Creek Court
Belleville, IL 62220

If you are able, a contribution to help share the cost of shipping expenses would be appreciated. See How to Donate to Wool-Aid for details.

We have multiple deadlines for this campaign, with one shipment sent to Kazakhstan in July 2010 and another scheduled for October 2010.

In July, we sent 47 hats and 25 pairs of mittens — including 13 hat & mitten sets:

Thanks to all who participated by creating such beautiful hats and mittens for the children of Kazakhstan!

Wool-Aid is partnering with F.I.R.E.’s Dulaan Project for a shipment later this year (Fall 2010). F.I.R.E. (the Flagstaff International Relief Effort) serves children in Mongolia, with its harsh and extremely cold winters. Because of the cost of shipping, they are no longer sending used clothing to Mongolia in container shipments, but they are still very eager to receive handknit and crocheted clothing that they will send with staffers and others who travel to Mongolia.The F.I.R.E. website also has a video about the Dulaan Project that both describes their mission and shows young children receiving lovingly handcrafted clothing.

We will focus on sending vests, sweaters, and hats for the children of Mongolia — in sizes for toddlers through teens.

Please send all finished items to:

Wool-Aid
1381 Rocky Creek Court
Belleville, IL 62220

Guidelines:

• Use wool (at least 80% wool/animal fiber).
• Use worsted weight yarn or heavier.
• Aim for a tight, dense fabric for warmth
• See our Wool-Aid guidelines for additional information.

If you are able, a contribution to help share the cost of shipping expenses would be appreciated. See how to donate to Wool-Aid for details.