Many of you may know bestselling author Debbie Macomber for her books such as the Blossom Street series or the Cedar Cove series, but beginning today, she has started a charity endeavor that she needs her loyal readers to help with.

Knit1 Bless2 is a Mother's Day initiative during which Macomber is hoping her readers will use their knitting and crocheting skills to provide handmade items such as blankets, clothing and bibs to children in need.

"Mother's Day is a very special time for me. I'm usually on tour in May, as I will be this year when my new Blossom Street novel, HANNAH'S LIST, is released. But I always make it a point to be home on that special Sunday to celebrate with my children and grandchildren and honor the memory of my own mother," Macomber said in a news release. "This year, I thought about the babies born into this world who may not have all of the advantages that my own children and I enjoyed. I wanted to find a way to help -- and knitting for charity has always been one of my passions. It seemed like a natural: I could encourage my many readers who knit or crochet to mark Mother's Day by making one special project. "

Working in conjunction with three national charities - Project Linus, Newborns in Need and Binky Patrol - Macomber hopes to provide thousands of items to needy children.

The Web site for Knit1 Bless2 went live today so go there, register to make something and send it by May 31.

And, remember, if you can't do anything during this 3-month time frame, there is always a need out there (we'll have a future column on that very topic).