Knitzvah Project

The Knitzvah Project, a charity knitting and crocheting opportunity, started in 2007 at Temple Beth Shalom. 

Due to your generosity in 2024, we were able to let the residents of Community First! Village pick two items of their choice at our annual Dinner and Bingo event.  We were also able to send several bags full of additional items out on Mobile Loaves and Fishes trucks.  The Community First! Village residents lit up with smiles (see the photos below) as we explained the items were handmade for them and they could choose whatever they wanted. They especially loved that some of the items were made by volunteers at the event; sign up here to volunteer at the event, this year on Dec. 7, 2025.

What to Knit!
You can find 2025 Knitzvah Project Guidelines & Pattern Ideas at this link.

Extra Yarn? Donate it to us!
If you have more yarn than time to create with it, we will gladly put it to good use! Just contact Michelle or Andra.

Delivering Items
Finished items may be dropped off at the reception desk at Temple Beth Shalom. Please bag them include your full name and email or phone number so we can tag them appropriately for holiday gifting.  

Deadlines
The deadline to turn in items at Temple Beth Shalom or to one of us is December 1, 2025. If you'd like to drop off at our houses, contact Michelle or Andra.

Tracking
Please also help us track your donations by listing them on the 2025 Knitzvah Tracking Sheet.  

Thank you all for your dedication to Knitzvah and do not hesitate to reach out to either of us if you have a question, comment or would like to help in other ways. 

Yours in knitting,
Andra Gardner and Michelle Mellon-Werch

The Knitzvah Story

Austin has a tremendous need for warm hats and scarves for families in need and members of our community who are homeless. While many people in need receive charitable clothing donations, they rarely receive gifts that are made just for them!

This is where the Knitzvah Project comes in. The goal of the Knitzvah Project is to provide special, personalized, and practical gifts.

Each knitted or crocheted item, hand made by volunteers from our congregation and other friends, is wrapped in ribbon with a card attached (printed on fabric and pinned to the item) that says, "Dear Friend, I made this especially for you. Wishing you warmth and love and all of God's blessings." We sign each fabric card with the first name of the item maker (last names and contact info are not printed on the card).

We support Community First Village and Mobile Loaves & Fishes with our adult hats, scarves, headbands, gloves, and blankets. We have also supported Partnerships for Children Rainbow Room with all of our children's hats, scarves, blankets, and lovies, and Casa Marianella with blankets. 

Help make someone feel important! Start knitting or crocheting gifts for people in our community who need us to care. In addition to scarves, hats, and mittens, we will also gratefully accept blankets or throws.