Northbrook Knitters, Crocheters Keep Kids Warm This Winter

NORTHBROOK, IL — With a tradition going back many years, members of the Northbrook Park District's Knitting and Crocheting Group recently made their annual donation to the Foster Children Pajama Drive. The group answered a call for pajamas, socks and gloves to help local kids in foster care stay warm this winter.

“The effort and talent shown in the beautiful handmade items created by the [group] is remarkable and very much appreciated," Illinois State Senator Julie Morrison, who started the drive, said. "During this giving season, our community showed up to donate hundreds of pajamas to keep kids in need warm this winter."

The Northbrook Park District partnered with the Northbrook Public Library on the endeavor, according to a news release. Morrison met with members of the group last month at the Northbrook Park District Center to personally thank them. She presented the group with a Certificate of Recognition for their generous donation of handmade items.

This group is a free drop-in program for Senior Center members, comprised of creators who have been knitting and crocheting since they were young to some who have just recently taken up the needles and hooks, according to the news release. The group is always welcoming new members and often teaches skills to beginners.

Phyllis Kosner, volunteer leader of the Knitting and Crocheting Group, said the group is low on yarn and needs some help.

"If you are knitting and have leftover yarn drop it off here," Kosner said. "We love leftovers, we do patchwork, we take pieces and make blankets from nothing and people are thrilled to have them. If you don’t knit but want to donate, we are thrilled and grateful for gift cards to stores that carry yarn."
Residents interested in joining the group or making a donation of yarn can contact the Northbrook Park District at 847-291-2995. The group meets weekly from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesdays at the Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Donations are also received at this location.