One thing too, is that I would have to ship to someplace. Don't mind but that adds up. I live in rural area where things just don't happen. If I achieve things done will see about drop off points. Some mail for a set amount.
Even small communities have needs. Perhaps check with your County's Dept of Health & Human Services, or whatever agency deals with homelessness or those in need of emergency shelter. Or maybe contact your local Red Cross who assists in local emergencies like house fires. Or do the police and fire keep a supply of things in their trunk? Ask if they would be interested in donations of x, y, or z -- whatever you want to make. Or, alternatively, create a stack of whatever it is that you want to make, and then call around to see who may be interested in what you have to donate. That's how our yarn shop got involved.
The local yarn shop, where I take classes, originally started calling around to find out if thre was a way they could donate knitting and crochet supplies, so the incoming women immigrants could have materials to work on something while awaiting placement. The thought was that it would give them something interesting to do during the day, and many may already have the skills. While awaiting the appropriate paperwork, they could make items for their family, and perhaps eventually be able to sell their goods for income. The shop owner was directed to someone coordinating clothing donations who indicated they'd accept completed items (essential), but were not interested in craft supplies (non-essential). But it was a foot in the door and a place our community could passively contribute. And one of the volunteers working on clothing donations lives near the yarn shop and stops in once or twice a month to pick up donations. The shop is now working their connections to find out who is collecting games, books, and perhaps knitting and crochet supplies. Meanwhile the knitting and crochet community is working away to make sure everyone in need of a hat has a free one to cover their head in this cold weather.
We also did a ear warmer / headband project last Summer and early Fall for the Breast Cancer Walk & Race, so all participants could have a pink headband / ear warmer to wear during the race. No set pattern, be as creative as you want, so long as it's some shade of pink. Place your finished items in the basket by the door before Oct. 15th, the last pick-up date.
Additionally, the shop will often receive gifts of handmade items along with UFOs. The store owners (and some of heir long-time patrons) will finish them (i.e. unfinished blankets or quick-to-finish sweaters and the like) or repurpose the yarn into something that can be quickly made and donated. Think
"My dear aunt made this afghan for me several years ago and I just can't bear to throw it away. Do you know what I can do with it?" Or,
"I started teaching myself to knit during the pandemic, but then I had to go back into the office. Maybe someone else has a use for this?" They had a stack of hand-knit and crochet afghans and baby blankets of all colors and sizes ready to donate just before the holidays.
