Our Mission

​Youth-led Miles of Scarves exists to improve the lives of those living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Our dedicated youth volunteers knit scarves to sell to raise money to provide assistance to families affected by MS and to fund research to find a cure.  

What is MS?

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system. The myelin sheaths that protect nerves in the brain and spinal cord start to break down, disrupting communication signals. Symptoms are different for every person with the disease and can range from fatigue to blindness to impaired walking ability. There are a number of treatments available, but these often have intense negative side effects. MS has no cure, but we're working to change that.

How We Fight MS

Since 2009, over 120 elementary through college students have participated in Miles of Scarves. We knit scarves, hats, and other items to sell at craft fairs, MS Society events, and other venues. The funds we raise go directly to the National MS Society. Every year we:

• sponsor and volunteer at a rest stop on Bike MS: Colonial Crossroads
• give a $2,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior who has MS or a parent with MS
• volunteer at MS Society events
• give holiday gifts to a family affected by MS
• donate to MS research projects at Virginia Commonwealth University
• host the Yarn Ball, a silent auction and cocktail party where we raise money for research

In ten years, MoS has donated over $130,000. We are always looking for more volunteers to join us in knitting to find a cure!

History of Miles of Scarves

When Meredith Polk was ten years old, she read an article about a group of people knitting the world’s longest scarf to raise money for charity. Since Meredith knew how to knit, she taught some of her friends, and they set a goal to raise $1,500 to sponsor a rest stop on Bike MS. They exceeded that goal in their first year and have been growing ever since. Miles of Scarves is now a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to finding a cure for MS.
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Miles of Scarves fosters a sense of community, sparks interest in all aspects of nonprofit work, and helps young people develop business skills.

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Miles of Scarves is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to  Miles of Scarves are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The MoS EIN is 47-3825458. A copy of the Miles of Scarves determination letter is available upon request.