Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not find an answer to your question on the FAQ page, please email your question to: info@scarvesforspecialolympics.org, and we will reply as soon as possible.

  • Which Special Olympics Programs are participating in the 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project?

    Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

  • What are the official colors of the 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project?

    For 2012, there are both Red Heart® Super Saver and Red Heart® Soft colors to choose from! Red Heart® Super Saver 387-Soft Navy, Red Heart® Super Saver 319-Cherry Red, Red Heart® Soft 4604-Navy, Red Heart® Soft 9925-Really Red

  • Do the scarves need to incorporate both official colors, or can they be one solid color?

    Please incorporate both a red and a blue from the official colors of the 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project. You may use either the Super Saver or Soft colors, or any combination thereof.

  • Where can I purchase the official yarn colors?

    Please see the list of recommended retailers under "Stitcher Resources" or the colors are also available through www.shopredheart.com. We encourage you to please check with your local retailers to confirm that the designated Red Heart® Yarn is in stock.

  • How do we know how many scarves a Program has received?

    Starting in mid October, we will update each Program's page as often as possible with how many scarves they have received so far. We can only report the numbers we receive from the Programs - but we make every effort to request reports on a regular basis. We will post updates as we receive them, and starting in December will update weekly with the numbers we receive from the Programs who send them in.

  • Why isn't my state participating?

    All Special Olympics Programs are given the opportunity to participate in the USA Scarf Project, and all Programs that have chosen to participate are listed here at ScarvesForSpecialOlympics.org in the drop-down menu. If you do not see your state listed, we encourage you to support any of the participating Programs listed - they would appreciate and welcome your support wherever you are!

  • Where do I ship my scarves?

    Please refer to the specific address details on the Program page, selected from the drop down menu on the Home Page.

  • How should I ship my scarves?

    Please place each scarf in an individual Ziploc bag for sanitary reasons. Multiple scarves can be shipped in the same box. Please send via UPS, Fed Ex or USPS to the address specified on the Program page you selected from the drop down menu. Please include one 3x5 index card with your name, email address and mailing address printed legibly. We also have a downloadable gift tag available here on the website under Stitcher Resources!

  • How many scarves are you looking for?

    Each participating Special Olympics Program is looking for a different number of scarves. The drop down menu on the Guidelines page will indicate how many scarves each Program needs to fulfill its goal. If your state has reached its scarf capacity, please consider sending your scarf to another as a token of your support.

  • Can I include a note in the package with my scarves?

    You are welcome to include a note of well wishes in the box with your scarf. However, due to privacy regulations, please do not include any contact information on the actual note and do not enclose inside the Ziploc bag with your scarf. You can also find a downloadable gift tag here on the website under Stitcher Resources!

  • What is the deadline to ship my scarves?

    Each state has a separate deadline to coincide with their respective events. Please reference your state’s page within the drop down menu under Project Guidelines.

  • How many scarves can or should I knit or crochet for Special Olympics?

    You can knit or crochet as many scarves as your time allows! Please refer to the Program’s targeted number of scarves on their respective pages. We will start to post numbers received by the Programs in early December 2011 and will update as often as possible. If your state has already reached its goal at that time, please consider sending your scarf to another participating Program.

  • Which Special Olympics Program does this project support?

    The Special Olympics USA Scarf Project allows you the ability to support the Special Olympics Program of your choice by choosing from a list of participants. For 2012, there are 40 participating Programs.

  • Why do I need to follow the official colors/yarn guidelines?

    The 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project is not only about providing a hand knit gift to Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and supporters, but it creating a sense of unity and community. Consistency in colors, sizes and design helps strengthen the message that we are all part of the incredible Special Olympics Movement.

  • What size should the scarf be?

    Please knit or crochet your scarf to measure approximately 6” wide by 54” to 60” long. This measurement should include any fringe or embellishments.

  • What pattern should I use for my scarf?

    You may use any pattern you like for your scarf. Have fun with it – be creative! If you’re looking for inspiration, you can find free downloadable patterns here on the website. We encourage you to share each other’s patterns with your friends and knitting groups as well.

  • Can the scarves be either knitted or crocheted?

    Yes.

  • What happens to the extra scarves if a Program receives more than they need?

    As a symbol of unity, community and support within the Special Olympics Movement, scarves will be gifted to athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and supporters of each participating Special Olympics Program. We ask that you refer to the number of scarves needed and received on the respective Program pages in the drop down menu. If your Program has reached its goal, please consider helping another Program to achieve its goal.

  • Where will the scarves be distributed?

    The Special Olympics Programs across the USA each hold different events, tournaments and Games throughout the year. Many Programs will distribute their scarves at their State Winter Games, but we have tried to include as much information as possible on each Program page as to where they will be distributing the scarves they receive.

  • How can I help spread the word about the 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project?

    There are several ways you can help if you like, and we’ve listed a few here: 1. Help spread the word to your friends and fellow knitters and crocheters by telling them to visit www.ScarvesForSpecialOlympics.org 2. Share the project on your Facebook, blog or in knitting and crocheting forums that you may follow online. 3. Upload photos of your Scarf Project progress to our Scarf Project Scrapbook on Facebook through the link found at www.ScarvesForSpecialOlympics.org 4. Let teachers know at your local schools so they can possibly use the Scarf Project as a community relations project. 5. Tell your local knitting and crocheting shops about it and maybe they can promote it as a group project or assignment. 6. Share the project with local nursing homes or other places where knitting and crocheting are popular hobbies. 7. Post an announcement sharing the project website link in your lunchroom at work or on a central bulletin board area. You just never know who else might knit or crochet in your workplace! 8. Recommend the Scarf Project to your own knitting or crocheting club.

  • Are there ways I can support Special Olympics if I do not know how to knit or crochet?

    Absolutely! If you would like to make a donation, please donate to Special Olympics by clicking on the red DONATE NOW button found on the Home Page. Supporting Special Olympics monetarily helps build stronger sports and training programs and contributes to the overall Special Olympics offerings--fostering strength, courage and empowerment among athletes in your state’s Program and around the world.

  • Who is the sponsor of the Scarf Project?

    Red Heart® Yarns is the official sponsor of the 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project. Thanks to their support, we are able to bring this project to multiple Special Olympics Programs across the country.