GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Common was bundled up with more than 1,000 garments and toys Monday night as The Scarf Project entered its fifth year of helping those in need stay warm.
These items, strewn around the common’s benches, fences and signposts, were put out for the taking by founder Sandra Cross and her team of volunteers. With help from the charity’s 222 members, the Turners Falls resident collected 202 pairs of mittens and gloves, 200 hats, 329 pairs of socks, 175 scarves, 80 stuffed animals, 30 coats, 22 small fleece blankets and an assortment of infant-related items. All were free and available for anyone in the community to take.
“Probably now more than ever, it’s even more necessary, in my opinion,” Cross said of her project’s necessity, “because the cost of living has gone up so high, people are unemployed and COVID is still around.”
While some of the charity’s members donate store-bought items, many items are handmade. Cross herself knitted 70 scarves, while her cousin, Tina Blais, contributed 100 handmade hats.
“Her contribution is immeasurable,” Cross said of Blais. “One hundred hats for people is amazing.”
The Scarf Project is a true family affair, considering the yearly service of Cross’ daughter, Alicia, and her grandchildren, who help set out the clothing annually.
“We’re going to help people who need it,” Cross’ grandson, 14-year-old Angelino Davis, said of his dedication to The Scarf Project.
Angelino, who worked alongside his 12-year-old sister Deshiana Davis, observed “a lot more things here than there were the first time.” Alicia Cross estimated this year’s collection to be “twice as big as it was last year.”
“I just want to thank everybody that came,” she said. “People were just dropping stuff on my doorstep. Buckets and boxes of stuff.”
Donations are brought each holiday season to a collection box at Alicia Cross’ house at 37 Woodleigh Ave. in Greenfield. Financial donations can also be sent to the same address.
Cross shared in a Facebook post Tuesday morning that due to forecasted rain and heavy winds, she and her volunteers would be collecting items that remain on the common at around noon on Wednesday. She plans to return the items to the common when “we have reasonable weather again.”
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-930-4231 or jmendoza@recorder.com.