Jonah Larson

Jonah Larson, adopted at six months old from Durame, Ethiopia, discovered his passion for crochet at age five in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Guided by his aunt and YouTube tutorials, he rapidly developed his skills, initially mastering dishcloths before expanding his repertoire. This early engagement with crafting laid the foundation for his future endeavors and philanthropic work. His family instilled in him the values of giving back, which influenced the direction of his talents.

In 2019, at the age of 11, Jonah founded Jonah’s Hands LLC. This enterprise allows him to sell his crocheted items, including blankets, scarves, hats, and booties, and to share his knowledge through YouTube tutorials, books, and DVDs. A significant portion of the proceeds from Jonah’s Hands, along with funds raised through GoFundMe campaigns, is dedicated to supporting his birth village in Ethiopia. Through these efforts, he has raised approximately $25,000, funding notable projects such as the establishment of the first library and a science lab in Durame. The library, named Jonah’s Library, houses over 3,000 books and provides tutoring for more than 2,000 students. The science lab at Teza Gerba School was the first of its kind in the region, providing essential equipment and fostering educational growth. His philanthropic work continues with plans to fund construction of adequate restrooms for students in Durame.

Jonah has gained recognition for his crocheting prowess and philanthropic contributions, being featured as a regular correspondent on The Drew Barrymore Show, where he has interviewed figures such as Jimmy Fallon and Henry Winkler. His message, “Crochet Brings the World Together, One Stitch at a Time,” encapsulates his commitment to community and education. He encourages aspiring crocheters with the advice, “It’s not going to be super simple, it’s not going to be a breeze, but you always have to keep trying, and it will turn out the best.”