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 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 and bring them to conferences to be presented to 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. Bring your Precious Pal to the next conference – we will be sure they get to a child in need. Or contact your own local agencies to make local donations. You can play a part even if you are unable to attend a conference. 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
Click here for the Precious Pals Pattern.
The Precious Pals Information and Pattern PDF is available here.
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.
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