Every Tuesday, the City of Green hosts Knit for the Needy. This event is organized by The City of Green Parks and Recreation Division, and is located at the John Torok Community & Senior Center from 1-3 p.m. This is a year round activity, and it started roughly eight years ago. The event is free and open to anyone who would like to participate, as long as they bring their own needles and crochet hooks. They are also able to bring food to share if they would like.

Matt Kress, member of the Green Parks and Recreation Division, explained the basics of this event. “Usually there’s about 12 to 15 people who come to participate each time,” Kress said.

Knit for the Needy is mostly made up of senior citizens, or as they liked to be called “Green’s Active Adults.” Activities like this can help them feel engaged and excited about what they are doing for their community. This also provides them with health benefits and extra socialization. Events such as this one are planned for Green’s Active Adults. The environment during Knit for the Needy can be described as a fun time where people can sit and talk while knitting for a good cause.

Members are able to make whatever they want and however many items they choose. This includes commodities such as blankets, hats, scarfs, afghans, mittens, and many other pieces. Patterns are also provided for various items.

Anyone from the community is able to donate things like yarn, knitting supplies, and other warm items to help out with the program. The people who show up to knit are able to work with any items provided. Everything made at Knit for the Needy is donated to Green Good Neighbors and delivered to families in need of warmer clothing.

“The amount of items donated really just depends on how many people are there from time to time. We usually donate well over 100 items a year,” Kress said.

Knit for the Needy has had obvious success in the past, and they hope to keep building on this for the future.

“We are always hoping that more people come to the program and join in and we continue to get donations of yarn and supplies to keep making everything to give to Green Good Neighbors,” Kress said.

Supplies can be donated at the Central Administration Building and will be given to Green’s Active Adults to be made into something special for someone in need.