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Copyright © 2005-2018
Dinker & Giggles. All Rights Reserved.

Our Mission

To bring hope to children and families in a place of loss and darkness through the crafting of amigurumi (toys) and other handmade items.

Donated fibers of hope will be given to places that have a direct and immediate connection to those in need – fire and rescue departments, abuse shelters, homeless centers, mission trips, and more.

Start Creating Hope Today

…

Do you have a talent with hooks and needles?
Perhaps you have an overflowing stock of yarns?
We’d love to have you help bring smiles to those in need!

“So two good things happen as a result of your gifts—
those in need are helped, and they overflow with thanks to God.”
2 Corinthians 9:12 TLB

Our Mission

Create Fibers of Hope

This is Our Story

When founder Alaina Frederick’s family was in a small car accident on a rainy 4th of July, herself and her eldest son were transported to the hospital via ambulance. The memory of how scared her special needs son was will never be erased from her mind. To make matters worse his beloved “Owly” was still at the accident scene and he had nothing to squeeze and hug.

Fast forward three years from that accident when her third son was in the hospital with Kawasaki disease where he received a handmade blanket. The comfort it brought can never be expressed in words. Our goal is to provide the same comfort in situations where children are scared, confused and even lonely.

It’s Your Story Too!

Our mission is to collect handmade amigurumi and donate them to places where workers have a direct and immediate connection with those in need — for example fire departments, abuse shelters, homeless centers, local and international mission trips, etc.

This is where you can become part of the story!! We need your crafty hooks and needles to create hug-able animals and toys to be donated. If you are better at hats, blankets, and scarves those are accepted too! If you have no (self-professed) crafting skills gladly welcome supplies like yarn, fill, and monetary donations to be used to create, pack and ship the fibers of hope.

Donate Yarn

We are often told that some want to be involved but just don’t have the time or confidence in their talents to make items. That’s okay – we gladly accept donations of unused yarn!

Easy Patterns

We’ve compiled a list of quick, easy patterns that are perfect for putting your amazing talents to use to bless others.

Supply Your Habit

In the need of new needlework supplies? When you purchase through our Amazon link a percentage will be returned to us in order to purchase much needed yarn.

Fibers of Hope Blog

Stones for Bread: A Novel {Review}

Stones for Bread: A Novel {Review}

by | Aug 15, 2015

Stones for Bread is an delightful tale one that can only be compared to a tearful, releasing conversation you have with a friend. Sharing of all the things in your life that are bringing stress as twinges of pain sting your face with salty...

read more
A Different View on Parenting

A Different View on Parenting

by | May 17, 2015

I want to take a new approach to my parenting skills. After my husband and I watched the movie Courageous, I had a yearning inside of me to develop a deeper presence in my boys' lives. Every smile, twinkle and hug is precious to me. Moments I...

read more
23 Years of Praying!

23 Years of Praying!

by | Apr 2, 2015

How many times have you prayed for your kids? Wow. I have no idea.  I have prayed for my children all their life and my oldest born in 1990.  I prayed before she was born.  Are you praying daily for your kids? I had breast cancer when I was 24 years old and the doctor...

read more

F A Q: Got Questions? We've Got Answers!

Something not answered? Fill out our Contact Us Page
What is amigurumi?

It is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting animals or other inanimate objects. People have crafted everything from little puppy dogs to complete “picnic” sets with yarn foods.

Why do you want to gather amigurumi toys?
Firstly, they are super fun for the artist to make. Additionally, they are easy squish down in a resealable bag without damaging the toy. This allows many toys to be stored in a small area allowing firefighters and rescue workers to carry in their rigs for when the need arises. We can also send them with workers headed on mission trips.
Do you accept hats and blankets?
Yes. We accept hats and blankets in ALL sizes. We donate these to local abuse shelters and halfway homes.
I don't know how to knit or crochet - how can I help?
We do accept supplies of yarn, fill for stuffing the toys, plastic bags, or monetary donations. If you should want to learn the craft, we will be sharing resources to get your started crafting on our blog.
What yarn should I use to make the hats/blankets?
Because we do not know how they will be used – we recommend using natural fibers and nothing that is 100% wool. Wool blends are okay. They should be kept clean during the creation process and unwashed due to detergent sensitivities.
What yarn should I use to make the amigurumi?
We suggest following the pattern authors fiber recommendations. Typically washable blends of cotton, wool, or bamboo are used. When using acrylic make sure it is of high quality to stand up to small children.
What's the issue with the animal eyes?
As these toys may be given to children under the age of 3, we recommend using the child-safe eye method as demonstrated by Freshstitches.
Do you have hang tags I can attach to my items?
Currently our chapter leaders have a supply of hang tags [cards letting the recipient know that the items was handmade just for them and includes an uplifting verse or quote] that they attach to donated items as they check them. We are working on making a home printer version for those who are gathering and donating items in their own local communities.
Can I suggest an uplifting quote for the hang tags?
Of course! If there is a particular scripture verse or quote that has brought light to your life during a dark time we’d love to hear it for inclusion on future hang tag printings.

I still have questions...

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More Info

Donations of yarn or completed hats, blankets and amigurumi toys may be dropped off at a local donation center or mailed to the below address. If you’d like to donate monetary funds for the purchasing of yarn please use the Paypal address below.

Donation Address:
Coming Soon

Phone: (814) 406-9328

Paypal Donations: donate@dinkerandgiggles.com

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