December 13, 2000
Afghans heartfelt handiwork
'Angels' craft afghans for Pavilion residents
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Knitting a little love in each stitch, members of the Afghan Angels crafted more than 200 afghans in the past year.
For the third year, these angels have crocheted and knitted lap robes and full-size afghans, with a few quilts thrown in for good measure. Each of the 201 elderly residents at the Grand Traverse Pavilions will receive an afghan, with the splash of color and dose of care that will help them to stay warm this winter.
Snuggling under these afghans will warm some hearts, as well.
"Oftentimes residents of nursing homes feel deserted or isolated and this is a validation that people still remember them," said Melissa Sole, chief operating officer for the Grand Traverse Pavilions. "Just think about the stimulation of colors and textures and how these afghans personalize their room."
The volunteer angels celebrated their accomplishments Friday morning at the United Way of Northwest Michigan office, which glowed with a variety of colors and styles from the afghans on display around the room. Despite having about a dozen participants, members churned out finished product at a brisk pace during the year.
"I made so many, I lost count; I walked around and counted 15 that I did," said Norma Eubanks of Bingham Township. "It takes 30-40 hours per afghan and I like to do them while watching TV."
The 200 afghans the Afghan Angels made this year was a significant jump from the 30 that came in the first year, noted Barb Lemcool, director of volunteer services for the United Way of Northwest Michigan.
"You have done a phenomenal job and I just can't thank you enough," Lemcool said.
Friday's celebration also laid the groundwork for next year's efforts as members wandered around the room, admiring one another's handiwork, pattern and color choice. They closely questioned each other about innovative styles or complicated patterns, picking up a few ideas along the way.
"I do all kinds of afghans, that's why I like to come and see," Eubanks said. "I get a lot of ideas from other people."
The results this year were boosted by an influx of donated yarn after word went out asking for help. Knitters and crocheters around the region cleaned out their closets, basements and attics to bring in unused yarn, ranging from that leftover skein to a dozen bought with the best of intentions.
The yarn is sorted by color into a series of bins stationed in the United Way offices. When an Afghan Angel needs more for a project, she simple comes in and 'shops' for it.
More than the beautiful results, it was the system and year-round commitment of the Afghan Angels that impressed Sole the most.
"Oftentimes at holidays, people think about what they can do for others," Sole noted. "These people think about that year-round. It is wonderful that they do this."