Holiday Giving in July Ideas?

Every Christmas my mother says she wants us to volunteer somewhere as a way to include the spirit and actions of giving to the holiday season. Everyone is busy and from what I understand places like shelters and soup kitchens get the most volunteers then anyway. This year I'm finding some options to present to my family and we will hopefully spend a couple days during the summer most likely, volunteering somehow. We are also relatively to extremely adept in sewing/knitting/crocheting/weaving and would like to be able to find a charity that accepts or uses such items.If we found great places far away we would be happy to send items there, but would prefer finding a local group/charity. There are so many and some perhaps better than others. Does anyone have any suggestions as to A)Somewhere about 2-5 adults could spend 1-3 days volunteering at and/or B)Somewhere local that accepts handmade items? Is there a place where we could be of use doing both such as teaching groups or people to knit?Thanks

NY Cares bills itself as the clearing house for people in NYC wanting to volunteer. After attending a short orientation, you get to choose among a pretty large range of opportunities.http://www.newyorkcares.org/

may be useful in your search. As for the sewing, knitting, crocheting, weaving thing I'd suggest that you walk into one of the local churches and offer to provide instruction for either kids or elderly members. Or, reach out to one of the senior centers in the neighborhood with the same offer.