I find I go crazy just sitting. I'm pretty busy with my web and board projects but there are still those times when I wish I had something to do. I heard someone on TV mention knitting caps for "the homeless" and tried to google it; that looked like about my speed... but couldn't find that specific one. HOWEVER: if you google Knit and Charity, you'll find all kinds of projects to do, at home.. and general crafting, the About.com site here has a LOT of possible projects: http://familycrafts.about.com/od/craftingforcharity/Crafting_for_Charity.htm
A couple of years ago a woman I knew only through the internet came out to Monhegan and spent the night with me, first time she ever had spent the night there, though she'd been out on day trips. She brought me the most beautiful sunshine yellow quilt, crocheted! I love it, it brightens me up every time I wrap up in it. She does a lot of these for people, I guess.
Thanks for reminding me of the prayer shawl my DIL from PA crocheted for me; I haven't used it all summer but it will keep me warm and cozy again this winter.
Yes,it does help! I started back crocheting when I had to be so close by in my caregiving, but didnt want to be consumed by it. I crochet hats for local neonatal babies, and aghans for Disaster Relief. It really helped my heart ot know that while I am sitting home, and financially hanging in there well enough to pay our bills, that I could be of help to someone else ..