Crochetmas 2022 - Crochetmas for the Coalfields

This is Berea Creates Together, the group that put together last year's 12-foot Crochetmas Tree. This year, we have plans for even more Crochetmas trees!

Our goal this year is to direct this giving spirit to support the continuing flood relief efforts in eastern Kentucky. Winter is approaching. Much of the muck is gone, but people are still displaced, living in RVs, campers, and their backyards. They need support in so many ways, and we think we can help a little.

Volunteers at the Berea Makerspace have built frames for 4' versions of the Crochetmas tree this year, and we are trying to get as many of them up as possible. The crocheters in Berea Creates Together are plugging away at getting covers made for each of these. Our goal is to complete five trees for this 2022 holiday season, and an additional seven trees for 2023, for a total of 12 trees by Christmas 2023! The first four will be installed at sites in eastern Kentucky. Betsy Whaley with Mountain Association has potential sites picked out in Whitesburg, Neon, Hazard, Hindman, Buckhorn and Hyden. The original Crochetmas tree will also be returning to the corner of Chestnut and Broadway.

Many of you have asked how you can help outside of crocheting. This year, you can help by sponsoring a tree! Each tree has a value of approximately $350, so our total fundraising goal is $4200. No donation is too small! Every individual or business contributing to our goal will be featured as a sponsor/cosponsor of one of these trees. $3600 of this goal will go to The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, with $600 covering the cost of tree frame construction. Between August and October of this year, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky handed out millions in grants and direct support to individuals and families affected by the flooding. If you have a community in eastern Kentucky that you'd like to leave a message of encouragement for, please make sure to include it in the donation!

About Berea Makerspace :

The Berea Makerspace is a nonprofit, member-run, multi-disciplinary community workshop organized by volunteers. We provide 24/7 access to shared workspace, tools, and equipment for our members and the community. We host training opportunities, workshops, and community-focused events, to facilitate people learning new skills and to inspire creativity in our region.