VALATIE – Thursday evening brought the 20th Annual Warm Up America dinner and presentation to the First Presbyterian Church. Warm Up America is a national organization that has been knitting and crocheting afghans for people in need since 1991. The Valatie Presbyterian Women established their local chapter 20 years ago.
Attending the October 6 dinner were representatives from each of the beneficiary organizations. They were Catholic Family Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties, Habitat for Humanity, Community Hospice, Domestic Violence of Columbia and Greene Counties, The Salvation Army, Capital City Rescue Mission and The Ronald McDonald House. The Hudson Day Care also received knitted things but a representative was unable to attend.
Event organizer Judy Bury reported that the group was donating 35 small afghans and 29 large; the small ones consist of 5 squares by 5 squares and the large afghans are 7 by 7, each square being 9 x7 inches. The group also made 8 baby blankets, 66 pairs of mittens, hats, sweaters and a few quilts.
Knitters come from the church and the larger community. There are about 10-12 knitters now and the group is always looking for more. She says that they are also looking for donations of yarn.
After dinner each of the representatives told the group about their respective organizations, the work they do, and what is new. Many echoed the words of Anique Dangelo of Columbia Greene Domestic Violence who said, “These afghans, because they are hand-made, go a long way to making the shelter feel more like home.”
