On the third Monday of every month, you’ll find a group of knitters at InSpirit Christian Reformed Church in Byron Center, Mich., stitching projects of love for people both local and overseas.
Last year, they knitted for Knit-a-Square, stitching 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) squares that are used to create clothing and toys for children in South Africa who are orphaned.
“I spent a few months in South Africa working with kids in orphanages, so I got really excited when I read about this,” said InSpirit member Kelsey DeGroot.
Knit-a-Square takes squares and makes them into blankets, scarves, hats, and toys. Many of the children who received the knitting group’s squares have lost their parents to AIDS or were abandoned by parents unable to care for them. The organization receives squares from all over the world.
At InSpirit, the size of the group varied in number each month as well as in age. More experienced knitters lend a hand to the less experienced to get their projects done.
“Last year we were able to send about 80 squares,” said DeGroot. “It’s a great time of fellowship while also doing things to help others.”
This year, the knitting group members are looking at their local community. This month they are working on a blanket for a church member with health problems. They are planning to make hats, scarves, and blankets for chemo patients, nursing home residents, and people in shelters.
“We thought it was kind of a cool idea to show love to our own church family as well,” DeGroot said.
About the Author
Kristin Schmitt is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. She lives in Hudsonville, Michigan.