2008 Year in Review

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Sweaters Made With Love

Some of the ladies who are a part of "Sweaters for Africa." Connie Pruis, Alice Senior, Jane VanZuiden, Marla Buikema, Betty Pruis, Mary Hook and Arlene McBride.

A display of some of the sweaters.

Two African mothers and their babies wearing the sweaters.

“Cast on,” or “chain?” What you do depends on whether you are knitting or crocheting. Every Monday, “Sweaters for Africa” has been meeting in the Emmanuel Church Fireside Room to knit or crochet baby sweaters. As needles and fingers move rapidly, the balls of yarn are transformed into unique patterns.

Since January of 2008 more than 20 ladies have made over 145 sweaters. The sweaters will be sent to needy children in Africa.

Operation Christmas Child began in 1993 by Franklin Graham. The sweaters are packed in a shoebox and given to the children in Africa at Christmas, along with hygiene articles and a toy. The children range in age from 0-5.

“We are so thankful for the many people from our church and people from the community that have helped in this project,” stated Jane VanZuiden. “This is such a blessing to think that we are going to help keep those little children warm at night when it is cool in Africa.”

If you are interested in becoming a part of this group effort, “Sweaters for Africa,” please call Jane VanZuiden at 815-772-2763 or Betty Pruis at 815-772-4866. The simple “T” shaped sweater pattern will be furnished to you. They will be meeting the first Monday of each month at 1:30 through the summer months.

If anyone has 4-ply yarn that they are not using or would like to make a monetary donation, it can be left at the church.

The deadline for making the sweaters is September 1, 2008.

For more pictures see Sweaters For Africa.

Editors Note: I attended one of the sessions with these ladies and became aware of the love and devotion that is put into each and every one of these sweaters. It was neat to see the uniqueness of each little sweater. These truly are sweaters made with love.

by Dawn Zuidema, theCity1.com
April 1, 2008