What starts as a ball of yarn quickly evolves into some much-needed winter apparel – from hats to scarves, in all colors and sizes.
“To see the progress is really awesome,” says Anne-Marie Kurtz, student volunteer, with an interest in learning to knit. “It’s going to a good cause, which definitely makes it worthwhile.”
Kurtz and other Kent State students gathered on the fourth floor of University Library to volunteer time and talent to take part in a 12-hour knit-a-thon.
Many have never before picked up a loom, crochet hook or even knitting needles.
“It takes only about three to five minutes to teach them and to encourage them to keep on coming to improve their skills,” says Kent State senior Julieanne Jimenez.
For Jimenez, who co-started the Knitting for Those in Need Club, helping others is a passion she enjoys sharing.
All that the students knit goes to nonprofit organizations in the local area.
“It’s just cool to see how you can have yarn and it just makes something out of it,” says Lexi Stoicovy, Kent State student volunteer. “I think that’s what I like the best, and it’s something handmade. Not everyone will have what you’ve done.”
Besides organizing the knit-a-thon, the group teams up with other knitting clubs to meet weekly both on and off campus.
Together, they have donated hundreds and hundreds of items.
For students, it is a way to learn a new skill and help those in need.
“This is something that you can do here in the library or in your dorm, and it’s your way of reaching out to them,” Jimenez says.
