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Threads of Compassion Program

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Yarn Request/Participate in Threads of Compassion

Thank you for your donation

These shawls help our donor families feel loved in an otherwise difficult time.
My comfort shawl gave me something to wrap my memories in for future sharing. It’s been my comfort for hard cries and snuggle times. This gift, made by love to share for broken hearts, has been a blessing.
Tammy Hackman
Tammy HackmanMother of donor
Threads of Compassion is my way of showing organ and tissue donor families how much we care about them. Each stitch is done with love, and when they place the shawl around their shoulders, we want them to feel the hugs we are sending.
Sharron Clearwater
Sharron ClearwaterVolunteer advocate

Offered at a time when there are no words to say, the Indiana Donor Network Threads of Compassion program provides comfort shawls to donor families at the time of their loved one’s donation. The shawls are knitted and crocheted by volunteers across Indiana who give their time to create beautiful, handmade gifts for families as loving remembrances. The hope is that the shawls will bring families comfort in their time of sorrow and transition.

For more information about participating in Threads of Compassion by making shawls, fill out the form below or email our team at threads@INDonorNetwork.org.

two people knitting

Frequently Asked Questions

The shawls should always be rectangular.

Yes! Wash shawls in unscented detergent before mailing to Indiana Donor Network.

Shawls should measure 24-34” wide and 65-70” long.

Any patterns may be used that meet our specifications. Patterns are available for download.

Please download this helpful guide to determine how much yarn will be needed.

Yarn can either be mailed to you or picked up at our offices on scheduled “yarn pick up” days. “Yarn pick up” dates are listed below:

The first Monday of every month from 10 am-1 pm (begins Monday, January 5, 2026).

The last Thursday of every month from 12-3pm (begins Thursday, January 29, 2026).

No yarn pick-up due to office closure on the following days: Monday, September 7 – Labor Day, Thursday, November 26 – Thanksgiving, Thursday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve

If you cannot pick up on these specific days, please fill out the participation form below and your yarn will be mailed to you in the next few weeks.

  1. Mail your shawls back to Indiana Donor Network, Attn: Aftercare. Our address is 3750 Guion Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222 along with the Shawl Return Form.


    OR

  2. You may bring your shawl to Indiana Donor Network headquarters during office hours between 8:30 am-4:30 pm Monday through Thursday or 8:30 am-12:30 pm on Fridays. If you are bringing your shawl to the office and also need more yarn, we ask that you please come on a yarn pick up day listed above to ensure availability of someone to help you and to ensure that yarn is in stock.

You can make a monetary donation by visiting our contribution page. All monetary donations are tax deductible.

You can become an Indiana Donor Network Volunteer Advocate by visiting our Volunteer Advocate Program page.

Interested in helping? Need yarn?

Use the form below to join the Threads of Compassion program. If you are already a member, use the form below to request yarn to be mailed to you.

Threads of Compassion Interest Form
Select one
First and last
Address *
Address
City
State
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Do you need yarn mailed to you? *
Do you crochet or knit?