“Needles, knitting and newborns” is the mantra of a group of seniors that meets every Thursday morning at the Senior Center in White Bear Lake. Cynthia Stuck and her group of 18 tireless workers knit hundreds of baby hats as a way to welcome the area’s newest citizens born at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood (healtheast.org). To date, they have made more than 1,400 caps in all colors and sizes, and they use various techniques, from looming to crocheting.
“I like seeing how happy women are when they get together to do this project,” says Stuck. “The whole thing is enjoyable and rewarding; it promotes a sense of well-being and an element of knowing that other people care.”
With nearly 50 babies born every week, Stuck says they have their work cut out for them, but they are producing just enough to cover all the noodles. “A number of babies are born right in style,” says Stuck. “And there’s a lot of laughter in the group. We learn from each other and tutor each other, too.”
Folks are welcome to stop by and volunteer at 10 a.m. Thursdays, or they can donate money and materials at the Senior Center. If you can’t make the Thursday meetings, Stuck says you can work on the hats during the week and drop them off at your convenience.
White Bear Lake Senior Center, 2484 E. County Road F, White Bear Lake; 651.653.3121.
