FREE! Make Twirls for Girls for "Toys for Tots!"!

In 1947, Diane Hendricks handcrafted a Raggedy Ann doll. She asked her husband Bill, a USMCR officer, to donate the doll to a charity that would give her to a child in need. Unable to find such an organization, Diane told Bill that he should start one. Toys for Tots was born out of a spirit of giving of oneself, and today brings the joy of Christmas to millions of children across the country.

As crafters, we know how fun and satisfying it is to make and give a handmade present, especially when the recipient is a child. Remembering back to our own girlhoods, some of our most cherished gifts were handmade clothes for our beloved dollies. Whether they were made by moms, grandmas, aunts, or even purchased from craft bazaars, they were unique and special, just like the women who created them.

We invite you to share in the tradition of giving handcrafted doll clothes to girls at Christmastime. We are providing a free, easy patterns so that you can make beautiful “twirl” skirts to your local Toys For Tots campaign.

In addition, a selection of eBooks in our "Make a Difference" category will have 100% of the proceeds of their sales donated to Toys for Tots for both boys and girls.

When you are ready to donate, simply print the donation form and keep with your donated skirt(s). Details of where and how to donate the items are included on the form. The official form is included in this download. Use one form per donation.

To find your local drop-off location, visit http://www.toysfortots.org.

We encourage those people living outside of the U.S. to make and donate these sweet twirls to children in your local area. We want to see children all over the world being the recipients of these handmade projects.

Q: Where do I take the finished items?
A: Many businesses and organizations sponsor drop site locations. In fact, all Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us locations nationwide are set up to receive donations. To find your nearest "Toys for Tots" unit,
visit www.ToysforTots.org. There are over 600 locations. If there is not a Toys for Tots unit located in your area, addresses are also provided as to where you
can send your items.

Q: How should I package the finished items?
A: The organization asks that donated items are unwrapped. Please include the donation form to ensure that your items are paired with just the right doll or stuffed animal.

Q: Is this drive sanctioned by "Toys for Tots?"
A: Yes. We contacted Bill Grein at the national headquarters for approval. We were given authorization to use the logo and the name "Toys for Tots." The following letter was received from Bill Grein:

"Dear Kim, On behalf of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and thousands of underprivileged children I want to thank you and all those who help in the effort to make doll clothing for the dolls of our needy children. You are all to be commended for your kindness and generosity. Best wishes for a warm, happy and fulfilling Christmas holiday season!"
Bill Grein
Vice President
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

Q: Can I use patterns other than the ones provided?
A: You are welcome to use any pattern you like, and you are not limited to skirts. Free-fitting styles are preferred so that they will fit a range of doll/plush animal sizes. If the item is made to fit a specific sized doll (for example Barbie or Cabbage Patch Kids), please make note of that on the submission form.

Q: Can I knit or crochet an item?
A: Certainly! Again, make sure that you give size information on the submission form.

Q: I don't sew, but I want to participate – what can I do?
A: Support your local crafter :)! This is the perfect time of year to find beautiful doll clothes at holiday bazaars and craft sales.

Q: Where can I submit photos of what I made?
A: We’d love to see the skirts you have been making! Let us know where you donated them to, how many you donated, and any other thoughts you had when donating. Did you teach your children to sew through this project? Was this your first time sewing? Did you bring a group of friends together to sew and donate? We’d love to hear about your experience! Submit your photos and experience to the “I Made This!” section at www.YouCanMakeThis.com -http://www.youcanmakethis.com/imadethis.htm

Q: Will you be doing anything for boys?
A: These little guys are just as important! We want to support the idea of children receiving something special this Christmas, whether they are a boy or girl. From now until December 15, 2008, a select group of patterns will be located in the "Make a Difference" section at www.YouCanMakeThis.com. 100% of the proceeds from those patterns will go directly to the Toys for Tots foundation to purchase toys for boys and girls.