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People gather to knit for charity at the Greenfield Senior Center. -
Anita Finnell and Carol Jones, both of Greenfield, talk while knitting at the Greenfield Senior Center. -
Greenfield resident Janice Michel and others make up a weekly knitting circle that meets at the Greenfield Senior Center to knit hats, blankets and other comfort items that they donate to the local police, oncology units and elementary schools. -
A knitting circle meets at the Greenfield Senior Center to knit hats, blankets and other comfort items that they donate to the local police, oncology units and elementary schools. -
Northfield resident Michael Artherton uses a machine to knit at the Greenfield Senior Center.
GREENFIELD — A group of seniors are crafting for a cause.
On any given week, the Greenfield Senior Center welcomes six to nine seniors on Wednesday afternoons to sit and chat while working on their latest crocheting and knitting projects, including blankets, hats, shawls, stuffed animals and more, which they donate to the Greenfield Police Department, Baystate Franklin Medical Center and Newton School.
“It’s a comfort blanket is what it is, ” said Greenfield resident Janice Michel, the group’s de facto leader, showing off a blanket the group had knitted for the Greenfield Police Department. “We have things going over to the oncology department at the hospital, we have some things for the Newton School and some things going to the police stations to keep in the back of the cruisers. So for example, if there’s a problem and a child has to be taken out of a house, they can give them a blanket and a stuffed animal.”
Michel said the group has been meeting for years to craft for different organizations and causes that are dear to them. Michel was inspired after watching her mother battle cancer decades ago, and she wanted to knit blankets, hats and gloves to help keep patients warm.
“During chemo, you get really cold, and having something warm and soft can really help,” Michel said. “That’s what made me start. My mother passed a long time ago, so I’ve been doing this for a long time.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of this talented group of individuals,” said Jodi Stack, president and chief operating operator at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. “These beautiful blankets are given to our patients, keeping them warm and providing comfort so they can focus on feeling better.”
Knitters added that it’s fulfilling to make things for people, and after a while, friends and family members run out of space for all the gifted knits they receive.
“You get sick of making things for just family because they have enough. You want it to go to somebody who wants or needs it,” Beverly Petravage said. “There’s so much need, and you love to do it and see it go to someone who needs it.”
The group’s members aren’t just Greenfield residents; some come from Montague, Erving and Northfield. They said they enjoy the company while crafting, and chatting about different patterns and projects, as well as what’s going on in their lives and around the world.
“Part of our love for this is that we love show-and-tells,” Michel said. “We love to see what other people are making.”
“You get inspired by being around other folks,” Northfield resident Judy Artherton added.
“When I retired I picked it back up again, and it’s really fulfilled my retirement,” Brenda Millar said.
There is no set schedule for their donations, but they tend to bring them to the usual drop-off locations every four weeks or so, after they build up a stash of items.
Carol Jacobs, interim principal at Newton School, said she was grateful for the donations, which the school counselor has been distributing to students in need so that they can stay warm in the winter.
“We’re so grateful to the people who think about our children. This gives everybody a chance to play outside with their friends and stay warm,” Jacobs said. “You’re nice and warm when wearing the hats and mittens. They’ve been quite very generous.”
The group meets at the John Zon Community Center at 35 Pleasant St. on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and is always welcoming new knitters and crocheters, as well as donations of yarn.
Reach Madison Schofield at 413-930-4579 or mschofield@recorder.com.
