Do you knit or crochet? Donate to kids in need

Going back to school usually means taking out appropriate clothing for the upcoming weather.

Many families, however, don't have the necessary warm attire for their children to wear during the cold winter months.

If you knit or crochet, you can donate your time and talent to help these children in need so both you and the children can be proud of the beautiful outerwear you create.

For 14 years, Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops have been sponsoring the “Snug Hugs for Kids Crochet & Knit-A-Thon” to connect generous people who knit and crochet with children and families in need.

Items needed most include mittens, hats, scarves (as single pieces or in sets), sweaters, slippers, afghans and baby items including blankets, sweaters, caps and layette sets for children aged newborn to 18 years.

Anyone interested in participating in the CKAT can print a registration form by visiting merlins.com and clicking on “Latest News.” Registration forms are also available at Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops and yarn shops located throughout the Chicago area.

All handcrafted items will be combined with the winter outerwear collected during Merlin's much larger clothing drive called Snug Hugs for Kids held through Dec. 9 and will be donated to Merlin's charity partner Children's Home and Aid. Visit childrenshomeandaid.org.

On Saturday, Nov. 20, a celebratory one-day Crochet & Knit-A-Thon event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1145 N. Fifth Ave. in St. Charles.

During this free event, volunteers can deliver their items, spend time with fellow participants, and tag the donated items. Participants who cannot attend the event can drop off finished items at any of the Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops in Illinois or ship them before Dec. 8 to Merlin's corporate office at 525 Tyler Road, Suite S, St. Charles.