Local craftspeople knit, crochet to keep neighbors warm

The Crafty Ladies from Buffalo Grove Park District's Alcott Center and Sedgebrook Knitters in Lincolnshire have been busy and on a mission. The two local needlework groups knitted and crocheted dozens of hats, scarves and blankets to help keep neighbors in need warm this winter.

The hefty supply of colorful goods was coordinated by staff at Vernon Area Public Library for delivery to the Vernon Township Food Pantry. Pantry clients will be able to choose the items they need, including hats for babies, children and adults, when they stop in for groceries. More than 300 families currently use the township food pantry.

"This generous outpouring of help is what happens when people work together," said Janice Kellman, head of Community Engagement and Programming at the library, who works closely with the township. Library staff members were happily overwhelmed by the volume of knitted goods that the two knitting groups produced.

The library supports the Vernon Township Food Pantry year round. Patrons are encouraged to donate household cleaning items, personal care and feminine hygiene products as well as nonperishable foodstuffs for the pantry. Collection bins are located in the library lobby.