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Creative minds use helping hands
(by Robin DeCicco - March 12, 2008)
Ashlee Woodruff/Staff Photographer
The Knitwits of Ridgefield Park donate to HUMC and Bergen CAP.
Knitting club has donated to charity for nearly 20 years
Hackensack University Medical Center and Bergen County Community Action Partnership (CAP) have long benefited from the efforts of a group of local knitters. For the past 17 years, the “Knitwits” of Ridgefield Park have been knitting and crocheting blankets, slippers, sweaters, hats and gloves and baby clothing for local charities and hospitals in the area.
Twice a month, a group of 20 women gather in the Ridgefield Park Civic Center to eat, drink, knit and show off their crocheting creations to one another.
By the end of last year, the group made a total of 1,324 items to be distributed to sick and needy adults and children. It made 412 sweaters for preemies, 115 hats for cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy, 86 baby blankets, 93 child hats and 58 ponchos.
“We made so many more articles in 2007 than we have before. It’s a great feeling to make all of this clothing and then bring it to people who are so grateful,” Kitty Sinatra, executive director of Knitwits, said.
Elaine Miller, a spokesperson for the Hackensack-based Bergen CAP, acknowledged the work of the Knitwits.
“Bergen County Community Action Partnership is very grateful to members of the Knitwits for their generous donations of handmade cold weather clothing for the homeless of Bergen County,” Miller said. “Their kindness in helping those who are less fortunate is truly heartwarming.”
In 1991, Kitty and her husband James brainstormed to think of a program to bring senior citizens together and give them something to do during the day that was also for a charitable cause.
At the time, James was the president of the Ridgefield Park chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). The organization agreed to sponsor the Knitwits and supplied them with wool, so that they could knit many different items.
Although the local chapter of the AARP still donates some wool to the group, the Knitwits are currently in need of more wool.
“We require a lot of wool, simply because that is what we make everything out of. We want to continue to make over a thousand items per year, and in order for this to happen, we need more wool,” Sinatra said.
Last year alone, the Knitwits donated their creations to Hackensack University Medical Center, Holy Name Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital and charities including, Shelter Our Sisters, Englewood Needy and Hackensack Homeless Shelter. They also give ponchos to war veterans in Paramus and West Orange.
“It’s such a joy to see the faces of the homeless when they receive a sweater or blanket from us. It’s very rewarding,” Kitty said.
Mary Ellen Papay, who has participated in the Knitwits for more than 10 years, said: “A lot of people need clothing and gloves and hats to keep them warm. It’s a great feeling to know that we are helping others.”
Similarly, long-time member Kendal Funk said that she likes spending her time making things that people will use.
“Crocheting keeps me busy. It’s a good way to spend my time. Everything we do here is a group effort; we all enjoy knitting together.”
For more information on the Knitwits or to donate wool, call Kitty at 201-641-6774.
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