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Project Warmth--Seniors as Activists

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Contributed by: Christena Southwick on 4/10/2008

PROJECT WARMTH

A sense of warmth provides comfort and implies being taken care of and loved. The Volunteers of America RSVP program has managed to capture this metaphor and spin it into reality by simply using yarn. Since 1992, a loosely knit (pardon the pun) group of volunteers have created a seemingly endless supply of afghans, lap robes, hats, mittens and scarves for metro agencies that serve the needy. All they need to create their miracles for others is yarn.

Project Warmth is made up of seven groups of women that meet regularly to knit and quilt. There are also individual volunteers who knit from home to make items for Project Warmth.

Mary Lester, a former DPS teacher works as the RSVP Project Warmth Lead Volunteer. She does everything from soliciting yarn donations to visiting homebound volunteers, picking up and inventorying items, recording volunteer hours, and delivering items to agencies who serve those in need. Mary says, "I'm thrilled to be involved in it. I believe everyone is called to some sort of service, and for me, this is it." Mary also reports that from July 2007 through March 2008, 1641 items worth $30,347.00 were distributed to metro homeless shelters, hospitals, schools, victim's services agencies and nursing homes.

Mary also speaks of the benefits Project Warmth volunteers receive-knitting and quilting provides feelings of warmth, creativity, accomplishment and, for the homebound, connection to the world. Mary also reports that volunteers are given free creative license and that each item is a one of a kind treasure both in creative expression and value. As Mary says, "They do their own things, and whatever they come up with is wonderful."

However, yarn is expensive. The RSVP program would love to hear from people in the community who have yarn to donate-even once-to this project. There is always a need for more yarn because there is always need for warm items. If you find this program interesting and you would like to volunteer or form a group or your own, please call Stephanie Somora, RSVP Project Manager, at 720-264-3311 or email her at ssmora@voacolorado.org.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Christena Southwick

Morrison , CO

Christena Southwick has posted 31 stories and 0 comments since joining on 1/24/2008. Christena Southwick 's average story rating is 5.

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