Northern Illinois University
Operating Staff Council

Interested in learning how to crochet, knit or sew?

The Giving Project is a group of students, faculty, staff (civil service and supportive professional staff) and retirees who gather to create useful items for Huskie students and other members of the community in need. You can read more about the project in this Northern Staff News.

Some of the items we make include:

• Face masks
• Scarves and hats
• Washcloths
• Baby blankets
• Hammocks for rescued ferrets

Many of the items we create are for the Huskie students and are distributed by the Huskie Food Pantry.

Meeting Details

Members make items in their homes and communicate periodically on Teams. When we return to business as usual:

Day/Time: Thursdays, Noon-1 p.m. (Feel free to bring your lunch!)
Location: Founders Memorial Library, room 338.
Materials: Yarn is available. You’re welcome to bring a crochet hook or knitting needles.

Please note: If you can't attend our meetings but want to create items for students, contact Aline Click at dcl@niu.edu to make arrangements.

Huskie Community Face Mask Project:

Materials:  Pattern, fabric, elastic or cord, thread, scissors and sewing machine.

Instructions:  Mask-making instructions (PDF)

Pattern: Mask sewing pattern (PDF)

Tutorial: YouTube tutorial

Donations needed:  Elastic or paracord (preferably black or grey), Regular sewing thread (white, black or grey).

Where to drop finished masks and materials: To make a donation of materials or masks, please email Aline Click at dcl@niu.edu.

Where students can pick up a free mask:  New Hall (during meal pick up) and NIU Police Dispatch Center near Health Services (24/7) with OneCard ID. Available on a first-come, first-serve basis.