THE KNITTING GUILD OF AMERICA -
REACHING OUT TO TROUBLED CHILDREN

"Children in crisis often wonder if there is anyone who cares. Precious Pals lets them know that they are cared about and loved.”

Our Precious Pals™ Program provides immediate comfort to children in crisis by providing thousands of stuffed animals with knitted outfits to law enforcement agencies and other first responders all over the United States. The Knitting Guild Association members and conference attendees provide stuffed animals with hand-knitted outfits to local first-responder or other child-help agencies or bring them to TKGA Conferences to be presented to various local agencies. According to one law officer, the Pals are invaluable. The children sometimes tell the animal what happened, then the animal "tells” the investigating officer.

How You Can Help
Purchase a bear or other stuffed animal. You are welcome to use our free pattern to knit a sweater with matching pants. Knit an outfit to dress your bear. You can add your own stripes, checks, or any creative design. Contact your local agencies (fire department, police department, etc.) to make local donations. Or bring your Precious Pal to the next TKGA conference – we will be sure they get to a child in need. If you are unable to find a local agency for your Pals and you cannot attend conference, you can still play a part. Simply purchase (or knit!) an animal, knit an outfit and mail it to:

The Knitting Guild Association
1100-H Brandywine Blvd
Zanesville OH 43701-7303

Download the Precious Pals Pattern only or the Precious Pals Pattern with Information.


Where Do the Bears Come From to Knit Outfits For?

Guilds sometimes have asked TKGA where they can get bears or other stuffed animals to knit outfits for. Here are some ideas from other guilds:

• Some guilds prepare ahead and purchase bears when they go on sale after Christmas (or Valentine’s Day).

• Some guilds cruise summer yard sales for bears they can wash up and use.

• Sometimes stores will make a special offer to guilds once they understand the Program (it helps if you share with them the TKGA Web site address of this page about the Precious Pals program so they can read about it and see pictures of children with their Pals).

• Some guilds knit the bears as well as the outfits!

And remember, it doesn't have to be "bears". Any cuddly stuffed animal can make an adorable Pal. We've received stuffed bunnies, dogs, cats, pigs, moose, elephants, hippos and more.


KNITTERS HELPED KATRINA VICTIMS
With help from Janelle Tessier of Doran's retail framing shop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70 stuffed animals from members of The Knitting Guild Association were sent in 2006 by TKGA to Volunteers of America in Greater Baton Rouge. The teddy bears and other stuffed toys were distributed to children by case managers and first responders within the Katrina Aid Today and Louisiana Spirit programs. The grateful faces of some of those who received the gifts say it all...Katrina children with Pals.