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Stitch by stitch, helping others inspires members
(by Sue Reid - April 05, 2012)
Stitch by stitch, helping others inspires members
By SUE REID
For two hours each Friday morning, a group of about 20 knitters and crocheters get down to business at the Solon Senior Center.
The most senior group at the center has met regularly for at least 15 years. The members’ longevity is due to participants reaping the benefits from arts, volunteerism and socialization, Senior Center Director Jill Frankel said.
The group of women, who represent all skill levels, donate a variety of items, by the box full, to a variety of needy organizations.
Senior Marie Kort, who was one of the group’s founders, said doing good things for people in hospitals and nursing homes is one of the aspects of the group she enjoys most.
Whether it’s baby items for hospitals, lap robes for nursing homes or socks for men and women in the service, it’s all about helping others, Ms. Kort said.
“I’ve been a part of the group for so long because I can do something good for someone else,” she said. “That’s what keeps me involved.”
Knitter Susan Andres, of Solon, has been a part of the group for four years and is one of three women who lead it. Just recently, she mailed a box of items for the group to an organization in Circleville which works with premature infants.
They also mailed items to a group in Hudson that helps newborns of unwed mothers and people in crisis. Hats and slippers are shipped regularly to various homeless shelters as well as hospice organizations, she said.
“Everything we do, we give to different charities,” Ms. Andres said.
“All of these activities have shown to have positive effects on quality of life and health status,” Ms. Frankel said of the group’s giving nature.
“Our knitting and crocheting group is so well known that they no longer have to solicit organizations who could benefit from receiving their work,” Ms. Frankel said.
The senior center receives calls on a regular basis requesting more lab robes, baby blankets, hats, socks and more.
“This happens because each and every item is skillfully made with love,” Ms. Frankel said.
Ms. Andres said people regularly donate yarn and make cash donations for the group’s supplies. “We also watch for sales and stock up on yarn,” she said.
Participants in the group range in age from their 60s to their early 90s. A younger senior, Ms. Andres said she learns so much from the older members.
“We have so many older women who are so full of knowledge, not just about knitting and crocheting but life in general,” Ms. Andres said. “I have learned so much from them. Everyone gets along, and it’s so nice.
“We laugh and have a good time,” she said. “We talk about everything.”
If there is anything within the group that needs discussed as far as who they are donating to, that serves as a morning topic, Ms. Andres said. “But mainly, it’s every day life things. Everyone talks about their families or what they going to do that weekend. It’s just about life in general.”
Ms. Kort said the group often goes out to lunch together after their morning gathering.
“That makes a complete morning for us,” Ms. Kort said.
“As much as the group cares for the items and people they donate to, they also care about each other,” Ms. Frankel said. “If a member is in need, they are the first to identify the problem, pitch in to help and let us know when more assistance is required.”
“It’s about the friendship,” Ms. Kort said.
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