The Horizon Village Knitters, from left, are Peggy Kelly, Ethel Rude, Vicki Kurtz, Doris Klotz and Sharon Zollner. Missing: Sally Reid, Launa Watson and Mae Hill.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
lthomson@medicinehatnews.com
A group of knitters at Horizon Village have been meeting every Wednesday afternoon – when COVID restrictions permitted – to create items to be donated to several local charities and organizations.
The group of eight women call themselves the Horizon Village Knitters. They keep busy knitting and crocheting items for donation, and when they can’t meet together, they just keep creating in their own homes.
Vickie Kurtz is a resident of Horizon Village, which is an independent living condominium area. Kurtz has been part of the knitting group for eight years, but says it was well established before she arrived, mentioning a previous member of about 20 years.
Kurtz does both regular and loom knitting, but says she personally prefers crocheting.
Much of their yarn and wool is donated, but Kurtz says they sometimes purchase it as well. The group has consistently knitted and crocheted for charity.
“We made afghans for people who are sick in the hospital or had surgery,” said Kurtz. “We’ve given away 10 afghans in the past year.”
Over the years, the group has donated to The Mustard Seed, the Ronald McDonald House, the Salvation Army and the local women’s shelter.
“We also make a lot of little hats for the maternity ward and the hospital,” remarked Kurtz.
The Horizon Village Knitters generally donate goods around Christmas each year. In an email to the News, the group outlined charitable donations for the year.
“This year the group will donate six hat/glove combos, as well as six adult hats and six children’s hats to the Finlay Bridge campaign. To The Mustard Seed the group will donate eight toques, two pairs of slippers and one blanket. To Saamis Immigration, six adult hats and 12 youth hats. To Big Brothers and Sisters, six large hats and 12 children’s hats. Also this year, 34 newborn baby toques for our local hospital.”
Kurtz says she hopes the donations are well accepted and loved.
“I know there’s a lot of homeless people and I’m sure they really appreciate when they get these,” Kurtz said. “I know Ronald McDonald House was really happy when we gave them afghans and hats and slippers.”
Kurtz says it’s a well loved hobby put to good use.
“We love to knit and crochet so that’s what we do.”
