When I started my business, (Formerly known as True Threads) I knew I wanted to give back to the community is some way. The short story behind this community project was one that inspired me to take a leap and apply for a grant!
I was standing in front of my living room window, looking outside. It was starting to get extremely cold outside and I seen kids walking to the elementary school without hats. And suddenly I had this small idea like.. wait?? What if I crocheted and donated hats for the kids at the elementary school?
I thought to myself well, they probably already have hats and they probably just aren't wearing them, or it could be in their backpacks. I can't remember how long after it was when I need the advertisement for the community welfare grant.. This grant was specifically to fund a non profit, private business or organization to give back to the community. And there it was!
I went to the school and said hey! I wanna donate hats to all of the kids in your school. Their eyes were stunned, and shocked! "All of the kids??" she said. I said "Yes, all of them and any incoming children too. Everyone gets a hat." And I asked her to provide me with the total number of children in the school and the number children in each grade/class.
I got the number, calculated the amount of yarn needed for all of the kids, picked the best and most brightest colors. I did gauge swatches and tests on sizes and the amount of yarn I use for one hat per size. I made a breakdown of the cost. all of the things! Then I applied for the grant within the same week!
Applying for the grant was a LEAP. But thinking I was delusional enough to crochet almost 400 hats for kids??
December 23rd I got the email that I WON!
It's been such a fun process. Ive been learning more about crochet business behind the scenes, pattern testing, proposals, etc. I also have one lovely volunteer helping me crochet the hats (and some headbands for the 5th grade girlies) Thank you so much Kelia! There's so much time between now and winter so I am working hard to get these awesome children these unique hats! I keep imagining the smiles on their faces knowing they were thought of and that have cool unique hats to wear next Winter.
Ive been posting parts of my process and journey on all of my socials like threads, instagram, tiktok, and Facebook! I am so grateful to have this opportunity.
And because I want to continue to do this I have decided that a portion of my sales will go towards me crocheting more hats and soon.. baby blankets for children in need!
Thank you for being apart of my journey. :)