PAPILLION, Neb. (KMTV) — A group at the Papillion Senior Center is spending their time making a difference for people in the Omaha metro.
“I need people who are willing to make blankets, we're really really low on blankets,” said group organizer, Vivian Barry. Barry has been crocheting for 46 years. “I knew nothing about yarn, I taught myself how to crochet so I don't even know if I was doing the stitches right,” she said.
About four years ago she became part of a group at the Papillion Senior Center. “There was a church group that came in and wanted to know if they could use our facility to meet together and crochet prayer shawls,” said Barry. That group has now separated so she gave those who wanted to keep going, another purpose to knit and crochet for. “We're also going to do at least hats, if not hats and scarves for head start, we always do prayer blankets for hospice and we do baby blankets and we either give those to project harmony or some of the homes that have unwed mothers that just need a little help,” she said.
And this Winter the group is also using their skills to keep students at Carriage Hill Elementary warm. “I think older people they enjoy giving back, they see that need and they recognize it,” said Barry, "that need doesn't go away just because we've gotten older, it's always there.”
On average about five people come to the senior center every Thursday at noon to knit and crochet. And those they do it for aren't the only ones getting something from the group. “It's just a fun time to get together and learn about each other and get to know each other on a different level,” said Barry. All while giving back one stitch at a time. “It just makes you feel good and it gives you a purpose in life,” she said.
Last year the group donated their handmade goods to Open Door Mission. They donated 47 scarves, 89 hats, 48 headbands, six coats and 10 baby blankets. They also donated 18 prayer blankets to local hospices.
Barry says the group is always looking for more people to join whether you are advanced or just starting out. And they need new clean yarn.
If you would like to join the group call (402) 597-2059.
Or send donations to 1001 Limerick Road
