Vanna's Choice

My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was 5 years old. I always keep yarn with me, no matter where I am. If I go to a doctor’s appointment, I crochet while I’m waiting. As soon as I board an airplane, I begin crocheting. If I’m behind the puzzle board at Wheel of Fortune, I’m crocheting—even if it’s just for a two-minute break. So when Lion Brand® Yarns asked me to create my own lines of yarn, I said, “I’d love to do that, and I’d also like to give back. I want to find a charity that’s near and dear to my heart.”

Then I went to Memphis and toured St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

During my visit, I met some of the patients and their parents. I learned that St. Jude saves the lives of children, but it also does tremendous research to find cures for cancer and other diseases. And the hospital takes good care of the whole family. The St. Jude staff members were warm and friendly and helpful. It was just amazing. Once you go to the hospital, how can you say no?

So I said, “St. Jude is the one!”

I donate half of my proceeds from yarn sales to St. Jude. To date, we’ve donated more than $1.7 million to the hospital. It warms my heart to be able to do that.

There are many reasons why I like St. Jude. Even though it’s huge, it has a small, hometown feel—like a happy family. Having grown up in the South, it reminds me of my roots. It’s also a first-class organization that does remarkable work.

My mother passed away from cancer, and many of my family members have had cancer. I’m fortunate to have two healthy kids. And I’m happy to do my part to help St. Jude help children get healthy.

Longtime Wheel of Fortune co-hostess and actress Vanna White is an avid crocheter who has her own lines of Lion Brand® premium yarns, called Vanna’s Choice. A portion of each sale goes to St. Jude.