SCARVES TREES MESSAGES WINTER CHARITY

If You See A Scarf Hanging From A Tree, This Is What It Means

Don't throw away any scarves you see tied to a tree. They're there for a very important reason.

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The Weather Outside Is Frightful

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The summer can be absolutely brutal. In Arizona it got so hot that everything was literally melting. But many would prefer that once they're in the dead of winter. Everything gets so cold society itself seems to grind to a halt. Nothing is worse than sub-freezing temperatures. The worst summer seems like a treat compared to scenes like the one pictured here.

The Fire Is So Delightful

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However, it is nice to retreat indoors during these frosty few months. While being stuck because your snowed in sucks, warming yourself by a fire with loved ones makes the most of a dire situation. But if you have been out in the cold lately, you may have noticed something odd.

Scarves On Trees

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This is the scene many citizens in cities across the U.S. have been waking up to in winter months. Scarves have inexplicably been tied to trees. It'd be understandable if it was just one scarf, as it can be explained as someone losing it.

But this is clearly a coordinated effort. Church groups, sororities, basketball teams and many others have gotten in on this movement. They buy or knit winter apparel and leave it on the leave-less branches and bark.

Notes

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Curious as to what's going on? Many of these scarves have notes attached to them. If you read them, you'll quickly understand the purpose behind this movement.

Not Lost

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Most of the notes contain a similar sentiment. They clarify that they are not lost. They are placed there to be taken by anyone who might need help keeping warm during the winter.

The Homeless

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Not everyone has the luxury of warming themselves indoors during the winter. There are over 500,000 homeless people currently in America. Seeing what the homeless go through can really put things into perspective. The freezing months are the toughest time for these citizens.

Helping Out

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It's always inspiring to see when the homeless are able to turn their lives around. But sometimes they need a helping hand. This is one of many ways we're able to help out and remind others of the tough times they're going through.

Chase The Chill

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This wonderful practice has gone viral recently. However, it's not a new idea. This concept can likely be traced back to an organization called Chase The Chill that was founded in Pennsylvania back in 2008.

Their Mission

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Their website states how their goal was to help others while also enjoying their love of hand-made garments.

"Our mission is to celebrate the art and beauty of hand knitting and crocheting, building community, generating positive interest in a location and sharing with others.

Chase the Chill is an annual graffiti/yarn bombing event that distributes handmade scarves in public places so that those in need—regardless of income and without any qualifiers—can help themselves."

Their First Event

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The organization was founded in 2008. But they recall the first time they started draping scarves over trees two years later.

"Scarves draped on trees, bridge walkways, signs and other public locations appeared overnight in downtown Easton for the first time in fall 2010. Each one included a hang tag inviting anyone to claim ownership of the scarf."

Expansion

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Since then, this idea has spread. It has popped up in countless cities across the U.S. It's also gone international, as chapters of Chase The Chill have surfaced in Canada and the U.K.

Open Your Own Chapter

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Are you inspired by this? You can actually help open a branch of Chase The Chill in your town if there isn't one already. Simply visit their website and sign up.

Contribute

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And, of course, you can copy this activity yourself. Simply hang up scarves in chilly areas where those in need may find them. You can buy them, or you can knit them yourself.

Knitting

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This is a perfect and worthwhile excuse to knit more if you're into crocheting. Even if you're not that great at it, you now have motivation to learn and get better. Everyone has to start somewhere, and you'll get to help others as you improve to untold levels.

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