Stitching Hope
About Us
We are a student-run nonprofit dedicated to building and uniting our underserved communities. We partner with local senior homes to create events for residents and volunteers to come together to learn or continue to crochet, knit, and quilt winter projects, which we donate to the unhoused community.
Our Story
The idea for the nonprofit began to take shape one holiday break while Khushi was helping her younger brother, Krish, clean out his room. Among the old clothes and toys they planned to donate, they stumbled upon piles of Krish’s crochet projects: years worth of hats, scarves, and trinkets that had been accumulating since the fourth grade. There are only so many one family can use, but what felt like a surplus to them, they realized in that moment, could be life-changing for someone in need.
Donating his projects sparked the thought that perhaps many others may have the same “problem,” which could actually become a solution for those in need. Remembering the senior citizens who also loved to knit and crochet, the vision formed.
From this vision, Stitching Hope was born: a bridge between communities. By giving seniors a renewed sense of meaning through making, while directly addressing the needs of the unhoused, Stitching Hope creates connection, purpose, and impact with every stitch.
MEET OUR TEAM
Himnish Koul
Treasurer
Himnish is the treasurer of Stitching Hope, managing the organization’s funds, keeping track of expenses, and overseeing the cost of materials for projects. He chose this role because he wanted to support the nonprofit in a way that combined his interest in data and numbers with his desire to help others. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and reading.
Ayaan Kodvawala
Expansion Director
As the Expansion Officer, Ayaan leads efforts to grow Stitching Hope, establishing chapters across the nation. His role allows him to utilize his confidence, passion, and communication skills, building strong teams to carry our mission forward. In his free time, Ayaan enjoys volleyball and pickleball!
Amal Hanafi
Inventory Director
Amal is the Inventory Director of Stitching Hope, where she oversees the flow of supplies and products. While teaching, she realized that one of the most valuable lessons the new generation could learn is empathy. Amal has brought her strengths to Stitching Hope in order to support diverse communities and learn from them in return. She also enjoys playing volleyball and guitar.
Sarah Gulati
Events Coordinator
As the Events Coordinator of Stitching Hope, Sarah helps to manage and lead in-person events at homes. She loves helping people in her community and socializing, so her role allows her to combine both those passions. In her free time she enjoys drawing and doing Bollywood Dance!
Cat Shen
Media Director
Cat is the Media Director responsible for the posts you see, the posters you read, and the logo! Combining her passion for art and her love of helping others, including volunteering at senior homes, she strives to create a unique and visually pleasing online presence for Stitching Hope. When not doing work, she is probably reading webcomics or drawing!
Khushi Kumar
Co-Founder & Co-President
Khushi is the cofounder and co-president of Stitching Hope. While working as a medical assistant in geriatrics and living in Philadelphia, she was struck by how many seniors felt isolated and without purpose, as well as the struggles of the homeless community, including the shortage of basic clothing necessities. Wanting to bridge the two, she founded Stitching Hope to give seniors renewed meaning while providing essential supplies to those in need.
Winter Karl-Gruswitz
Secretary
Winter is the Secretary of Stitching Hope, overseeing communications between our partners. This allows her love of crocheting and helping people to shine. She also loves to make puppets and play roller derby!
Krish Kumar
Co-Founder & Co-President