Downers Grove Knitters Help Soldiers, Veterans

One by one and thread by thread, a group of women are knitting to help former and current U.S. soldiers stay safe th Memorial Day. The Needle Crafters at Oak Trace senior living community have donated more than 20 homemade wool helmet liners to troops overseas. Some of them are being sent to places like Afghanistan.

The wool stays cold when the heat is at its worst, and helps maintain body warmth during the frigid temperatures of the night. The group of around 12 women, some in their 90s, started the project in December. They plan to send another batch of 20 liners later this year. Along with each donation is a special message to each troop: “Made for you with love from a grandmother.”

Another project the group has started this year is knitting neck scarves for homeless vets in the Chicago area. With a need in one hand and yarn in the other, the group hopes to have 40 to 60 scarves made by this fall.

The Needle Crafters meet the second and fourth Monday of each month.