In 2012, Turkey-based British expat Dianne Jones set up LILY, which stands for Love In the Language of Yarn. Around this time, many Syrian refugees were fleeing to Turkey and Dianne was desperate to help. She now distributes everything from blankets, hats, gloves and scarves, to socks, sweaters, cardigans and toys – all knitted or crocheted by volunteers.
Since founding LILY, Dianne has received more than 60,000 blankets, 140,000 garments and 2.4 million squares. “The blankets send a message of concern and hope to the Syrian refugee children, who have been made homeless by war,” Dianne explains. “It provides them with warmth, love and a sense of security and comfort.” Dianne regularly visits refugee camps in Şanliurfa and Izmir to see the conditions first-hand and best understand how she is able to help.
The charity is always in need of eight-inch squares, blankets of all sizes, boys’ and girls’ cardigans for all ages, baby cardigans, booties, hats, scarves, sweaters, gloves and socks, as well as toys. “We say that each square in the blanket is a hug from someone who cares,” Dianne tells us. “Seeing the smile on a child’s face as they hold a knitted toy makes it all worthwhile.” To browse suitable free knitting patterns, click here and for crochet click here.
To donate to LILY via PayPal, visit love-in-the-language-of-yarn.blogspot.co.uk. Send your knitted and crocheted items to: LILY, C/O Dianne Jones, Cumhuriyet Mahlesi, Ant Sokak No 17, Kuşadasi, Aydin, Turkey.
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