Crochet toys for refugee kids in Lesvos
Crochet for a Cause: Handmade Toys for Refugee Children in Greece
Last year (2025), we crocheted and collected over 100 amigurumis for Nordsystrar. And Isabel (who works for Nordsystrar) has now asked us to help out again, and of course I said yes!
Nordsystrar is an organisation that works to support women, children, and LGBTQIA+ people on the move in Greece. Through aid efforts, sustainability projects, and awareness-raising.
Isabel regularly visits the refugee camp on Lesvos, Greece, and she told me that many of the people living in the camps are children. She also told me that while there are some toys available, they are few in number and often poor in quality.
That’s when the idea took root: I make a lot of amigurumis and most of them just end up in a plastic bin in my studio, so why not send some of them to the kids in the refugee camps?
So, I’ve decided to donate a batch of handmade amigurumi toys to the children in the camps, and I’d love for you to join me. Maybe you also have a bunch of toys lying around, or maybe you want to make some new ones, but don't know what to do with them when they are finished?
Free crochet patterns: Rainbow Duck, Bob the Owl, Ruth the Bee
For Who?
This project is open to everyone, no matter your skill level or location. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just learning your first stitches, you're welcome to join. Every handmade toy counts, and every contribution makes a difference.
How it works:
- We’ll be crocheting throughout July. Any toy pattern is welcome, as long as it's safe and kid-friendly. If you want to use one of my patterns, you can use any free pattern on the blog or use the discount code CROCHETFORLESVOS at checkout to get 15% off any amigurumi pattern in the webshop. (The code is valid until the end of July.)
- At the beginning of August, you'll send your finished toys to me (I'm located in Finland). The last day to send your toys to me is the 16th of August.
- I’ll collect everything and pass the toys along to Isabel, who will deliver them directly to the children on her next trip to Lesvos.
Want to be part of this?
Sign up here and I’ll send you all the shipping details at the beginning of August.
Let’s bring a little joy to the kids at the refugee camp together. 💛
2 comments
Hi Daniela! Unfortunately, I don’t have anyone in the USA who could forward the package, but maybe there are some similar projects in the USA that you can join if the shipping becomes too expensive. I totally understand if it’s not in your budget to ship to Finland. <3 In the future, I’m gonna try and find funding for this project that would cover the shipping.
This is the kindest thing. I live in USA and although it seems like a crazy idea, I’ll stop at my post office to ask how much is it to send a box to Finland. Is there any other way to send the knitted toys somewhere in the USA, and then they send them to The kids???
Thank you for doing this and may all this come back to you in blessings!!! Praying for more people like you in this world!!!