Volunteering gives warmth to hundreds of kids
Written by Ashley Grossman, social media and content manager for The Salvation Army Northern Division
It’s that time of year again. Inevitably, it will get cold in Minnesota and North Dakota sooner rather than later, which is why one group chose to volunteer their time by doing what they do best: knit.
For 30 years, Joyce Thorin and her friends have used yarn and knitting needles to help keep others warm during harsh northern winters. “We just love to knit,” said Joyce, of GracePoint Church in New Brighton, Minn. “And there are many people who need help keeping their kids dressed warmly in the cold weather.”
Their group is called Knit Unto Others, and for decades they’ve donated hundreds of hand-crafted hats, mittens and scarves to The Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids program.
“This is a really fun way for us to give back and help support our local community,” said Joyce.
It’s a gift of time that truly makes a difference.
Anyone who loves to knit or crotchet is welcome to join the group. They meet the first Friday of every month at the Culver’s on Silver Lake Road in New Brighton.
Your time creates smiles
While we’re always in need of warm, durable winter wear, knitting isn’t the only way you can volunteer your time to make our Coats for Kids program a success. There are a variety of other ways that you can help – from answering phones at our phone bank, to sorting donations, to helping parents find coats for their kids. There’s a little something for everyone willing to lend a hand.
What could make this experience that much sweeter? Witnessing firsthand what it truly means for these mothers and fathers to provide their kids with warm clothes. Last year, we gave these parents and their children an opportunity to express their heartfelt gratitude through handwritten notes. Read some of the handwritten notes.
Our coat drives are already underway across Minnesota and North Dakota. The largest of our efforts is our Twin Cities Coats for Kids program, which has been providing warm winter gear to local families for 30 years. During that time, more than 325,000 coats and winter accessories have been given away to kids who need them. This successful program is replicated at many of our additional locations in Greater Minnesota and North Dakota to serve children throughout the region.
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering to support your local community today.