Charity knitting lends helping hand to those in need

MILLERTON— It’s not often a relaxing afternoon of cheerful conversation and good company combine to lead to good deeds. But that’s exactly the case with a new knit and crochet group that meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. in the NorthEast-Millerton Library Annex at 28 Century Blvd. 

Christened “Helping Hands” by the group’s founders, Ynes Killmer and Jo-Ann Wilcox, a handful of friends gathered recently on Wednesday, July 18, with the specific goal of using their skills and some yarn to create a variety of items for those in need. 

Killmer, who expertly employed her long circular knitting needle to create a prayer shawl, noted that previously, all the knitters donated items they created to a number of charities, usually those a distance from home. 

“But then I thought, ‘Why not do it here? We have enough people in our community that are underserved, as they call it,’” she said. “Over in Ulster County, they need help, too.’”

She hoped for items “like hats and mittens and scarves to donate to the mitten tree at the school at Webutuck,” and added, “I also talked to a lady who said they desperately need this in the Sharon school system.” 

Killmer said they would happily donate “wherever we find a need,” including the Presbyterian Church, the November Library Craft Fair and possibly Sharon Health Care and Noble Horizons.

Wilcox, who had brought a number of colorful hats to contribute, spoke in practical terms when she said, “We need to get more people in here if we’re going to do all that.” 

That idea appealed to all, as they discussed the possibility that this group might be welcomed by potential members because, unlike the library’s weekly 6:30 p.m. knitting group — which is also open to all — it did not involve driving at night and getting home late.

As they discussed the possibilities, Killmer noted that the idea has expanded from the original intent, suggested by Wilcox, to help their friend, Cindy Snow, fill “Bonnie Boxes.” Bonnie Boxes are distributed to cancer warriors. In addition to handcrafted hats and soap savers, the boxes include hand sanitizers, tissues, word search booklets, pocket calendars, mints and the like.

Marge Ramann, who neither knits nor crochets but was planning to pick up a loom as a way of being involved, said, “I wouldn’t mind buying some of those.” 

Killmer noted those, along with any other handmade items destined either for the Craft Fair or the Charity group, could be dropped off at the library. 

Meanwhile, sat Ramann and chatted, which, as Killmer said, is a good thing. She said all are welcome, even those who don’t craft, because, “it’s nice for people to have someone to talk to besides themselves.”

They agreed, however, that they would be glad to “try” to teach anyone who wanted to learn. Murphy, who was taught 60 years ago by her grandmother, took a moment from crocheting a delicate baby hat that coordinated with the lovely pastel blanket she had brought to donate, noted she had even taught “a couple of left handers,” not an easy task.

Killmer said her favorite memory of teaching came from a woman who got to the end of her first row. Killmer told her, “Now turn around,” meaning to flip the piece she was working on. Instead, the woman stood, turned and then sat down. “I’ll never forget that,” she laughed.  

That cheerful exchange was just one among the many that filled the quickly passing afternoon as the group enjoyed the fresh atmosphere created in the newly renovated, very bright and welcoming Annex book room.  

As Wilcox, who knits only “off and on” said, “it’s just nice being with friends.”

Hoping others would soon join in the efforts, Murphy encouraged, “Come and show your talents,” a welcoming idea that will both be good and do good for all involved.