This group was originally formed to knit mittens for children in the orphanage in Akkol, Kazakakhstan. We have now broadened our scope to include any warm woolen items as warm items are not available in the local market. The snow starts flying in August and finally melts in April. Temps reach down to 40 BELOW ZERO in mid winter.
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The children at the orphanage are 3 to 16 years old. The greatest need is for the older children, sizes 8 to adult. (Our son wore a size 8 when we adopted him at age 12.) All items are needed. At this time socks are the highest priority. The smallest size for a 3 year old child would be a 7" foot. The largest would be an adult sized man's sock. Besides socks, other items needed are vests, sweaters, mittens, scarves and hats.
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Wool or other animal fiber content should be at least 75% as acrylic does not hold heat against the body. The orphanage does not have a washing machine, so everything is handwashed.
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Thank you for joining this group to help the older children who are so often overlooked. For more information about the orphanage in Akkol, go to http://www.knit-on.com/html/help_others.html