Make a Tremendous Difference by Knitting for Native Americans

A little charity knitting goes a long way when you’re knitting for Native Americans through One Nation, Walking Together

If you have limited time for charity knitting, perhaps you have wondered what you could do to make the biggest impact with the least amount of time or resources.

I have one possible solution for you: knitting for Native Americans.

The organization known as One Nation, Walking Together works to provide assistance to the population of the United States that suffers the direst of circumstances.

Why Do Native Americans Benefit So Much from Knitting?

The statistics for Native Americans are both sobering and staggering:

• The unemployment rate is 70%
• 50% live below the poverty level
• the average life expectancy is 58 years
• 80% suffer from diabetes, tuberculosis, or heart disease
• the infant mortality and teen suicide rates are higher than any other American demographic;
• 2 out of 10 families go hungry

This is to say nothing of the lack of what most of us consider basic necessities within their homes:

• 50% of homes have no phones
• 20% lack complete kitchens
• 20 to 40% lack indoor plumbing or sewage service
• 70% have no transportation

Because so many Native American families have so little, anything you’re knitting for Native Americans can make a tremendous difference in their lives.

Just to name one example: many families do not have adequate furnishings or home accessories. When you offer something like this to a family, you free their finances for other needs. When you live in poverty, every bit helps!

The Story of One Nation, Walking Together

The mission of One Nation, Walking Together is simple: to serve the needs of Native Americans in both reservations and urban areas.

This organization prides itself on serving people, rather than “a cause.” They seek to come alongside Native Americans in many parts of the country to address the needs in whichever community they serve.

The video below offers an incredible overview of what this organization does.

Some of the programs One Nation, Walking Together provides include:

• Food assistance
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Family aid, which can include anything from furniture and appliances to linens, towels, and bedding
• Emergency services

You Can Join One Nation, Walking Together and Make a Difference

When I say that anything you can offer to these families will make a difference, I really do mean anything!

The Ravelry group called “Items for One Nation, Walking Together” gathers knitted items to take to One Nation, Walking Together. Here’s what they gladly take and what you can make for them:

• Afghans in all sizes, including lap blankets
• Baby items (including blankets, booties, sweaters)
• Cowls and scarves
• Face & body washcloths
• Kitchen washcloths
• Gloves, mittens, and fingerless mitts
• Potholders
• Socks
• Sweaters

As you can see, whatever you enjoy making, you can make them for Native Americans! And you can be assured that someone will appreciate them more than they can express.

Be sure to read the Ravelry group page; it includes valuable information including guidelines and the group shipping address.

If you’re curious about all the services One Nation, Walking Together provides, be sure to click the link and peruse their website.

Partnering with One Nation, Walking Together is an amazing way to help improve the lives of Native Americans, one family at a time!