The most recent, and biggest, example is the birth of my first
niece, Benner said. While I've been working and living in Sweden, my
sister had a little girl, Magnolia. It pains me that I have not been
able to meet this beautiful baby and see her grow. When these feelings
catch up to me, I find comfort in crocheting.
This is not the clubs first foray into service. In the past, members
have knitted stuffed octopuses with tentacles specifically designed to
soothe premature babies. And, most recently, they participated in
something known as yarn bombing. To raise awareness for Lyme disease,
the group affixed lime green creations to parking meters, a clock tower
and several building exteriors in downtown Newark. (The students are
also responsible for the scarf that, during colder months, adorns a
campus statue of Judge Hugh M. Morris, the late U.S. District Judge and
namesake of UDs Hugh M. Morris Library.)
But, since the need for social distancing, philanthropy has taken
on new meaning it bonds the group at a time when separation is the
norm. In trying to provide a sense of connection for strangers through
handmade hearts, the members of KCC have found a way to stay connected
themselves, checking in with one another via phone calls and Zoom
meetings.
Even when were apart, working on the same thing brings us
together, Dawson said. Its great to have this shared sense of
purpose. According to Lankenau representatives, the response to Loops
for Love has been so strong, the hospital is hitting pause on the heart
donations. Instead, they are now accepting knitted ear savers for
hospital staff, the little devices that protect frontline workers
against face-mask irritation.
You can bet that the needles of the KCC crew are primed and ready to go.
Sometimes, artists are compelled to create and create, but they
dont know what to do with their stuff, other than trying to sell it,
said Emma Lewis, a rising sophomore linguistics
major. Our art is so often for ourselves, but when you can use it to
help someone else, thats a wonderful feeling. Its a great outlet for
giving back and feeling better inside.
Article by Diane Stopyra; photos by Kathy F. Atkinson and courtesy of Janice Dawson and Laurie Watson
Published
Aug. 31, 2020