About ARC

 

Background

A non-profit, non-denominational and non-politically affiliated organization, ARC is eager to send needed knits to shelters in the U.S. and internationally. Founded in 2007 by Jee Jee Kim, ARC began as an individual effort to respond to the staggering number of indigent human rights refugees and abused animals with useful, hand-made knits.

Jee Jee has volunteered and interned with CASA for Children of Washington DC, the DC Child and Family Services, and the local Boys and Girls Club chapter in her neighborhood. She has also conducted participant observational fieldwork in each organization for academic research. Working to end child abuse and neglect, her interests quickly expanded to include human rights refugees and atrocities against animals.

After graduating from George Washington University in 2007 with a B.A. in Sociology, Jee Jee continued independent examinations of people and animals who overcome adversity to survive and thrive. She is currently a graduate student in Washington, DC.

 

Beginnings

Teaching herself to knit in 2007, Jee Jee created simple hats and scarves for domestic violence shelter residents and their children. The first box of knitted goods were given to an anonymous women’s shelter in Prince George’s County, MD, through a police officer who is familiar with the shelter staff. Subsequently, ARC shipped two boxes of knitted items to a Japanese organization called Life Funds for North Korean Refugees (LFNKR). These items were distributed among North Korean orphans who escaped from government oppression and starvation in North Korea.

Jee Jee then assembled a small group of friends who volunteered to learn to knit for charities. ARC offered free knitting lessons to anyone interested in joining in a cause with a simple objective: advance the welfare of those who leave behind everything, and to whom a warm scarf or blanket can mean so much.

 

Current

ARC remains a grassroots effort focused on responsibly informing the public and making significant, substantive progress to ameliorate the circumstances of those in desperate need. Our goal is to restore dignity and hope to those suffering from oppression, abuse, and neglect. For those most vulnerable to hopelessness and desperation, anything that comforts can be a lifeline. Currently, ARC donates primarily to Life Funds for North Korean Refugees, and The Washington Animal Rescue League.

Knitted projects are continuously accumulated until a sufficient quantity can be sent. Shipments can be irregular, since ARC depends on the efforts of volunteers and the knitting community. You can view our shipping history and costs on our Home page. ARC accepts knitted items throughout the year, chiefly in preparation for winter months. However, knits for summer are accepted and appreciated.

Financial donations are used to fund materials and shipping costs. All knitted/crocheted donations go to the appropriate charity, unless preference is specified by the sender. Please see FAQs for more details on sending knitted items or funds.

With your support and determination we can keep a worried head warm, and help a furry friend embrace tomorrow. Thank you for taking the time to read about the history and purpose of ARC.

Giving warmth and raising awareness  through charitable knitting.

Awareness, Respect, Compassion