IDK how many groups there are? That pattern is a little different our stop at 24 rows. The large photo of all the octopuses look right. But the one with a bows attached and the eyes attached go against the pattern my group uses. No additional items can be added. The designs have to be embroidered in. It's for safety so they don't get pulled off, tangled in tubing, or fall off in the rigorous sanitizing process both by the Ambassadors and at the hospitals.
The group I joined is on FB. It's the one mentioned in the above article, actually. I don't see how you can become certified without the group. You send in photos to the moderators of the group on FB of your finished octopus showing specifics like, tentacle length, body length, and that it is stuffed rock hard. When approved, you mail it in where it will be sanitized and checked to see if it held up. If it passes you are notified, again on FB that you have become certified, then directed to yet another FB page that puts out how many octopus are needed and at which hospital. At that point, volunteers can choose to send as many octopus or as few or none at all to a specific Ambassador all over the US. It seems to be quite organized. Some hospitals ask on behalf of 10 babies. Some may ask for 100. It varies. I know of a lady who has a big map on her wall and marks with a pin where her octopuses have gone to. They are easy to become attached to. You can write a card of encouragement to the parents and tell them where the octopus came from. Some of these ladies and gentlemen have made 100's of octopuses to help 100's of babies. Sometimes the moms post a photo of their tiny baby holding on to their octopus. It's very fulfilling to see that!
The project is a medium hard level. I am a beginner crocheter. I caught on to the stitch right away. But I had troubles in other areas. That is where the FB group was really helpful with their hints and suggestions. But there are ladies who have crocheted for 30-40 years who could not do this pattern. It is not crochet. Its amigurami stitched extremely tight so that approved stuffing won'e ever come out. One of the biggest topic on the FB page is how to relieve hand cramps that sometimes accompanies this project.
There are local Octopus FB Groups like the one in Plano, TX near me. Sorta. 4 hrs away, actually. They hold in-person tutorials once a month and are there to help with any issues you might be having. They have nothing to do with approving or distribution of octopuses though. They are there just to help out.
There are other ways to volunteer like Hats for Hearts that make red beanies for babies etc. I am sure there are many others. But usually organized groups have ambassadors or reps they go through and rarely are they personally delivered by the volunteer to. But check with your local hospitals Volunteer Group to see what programs they have. You may find one that take drop offs. I know cancer-chemo patients need beanies and will gladly accept them.
