| | Published September 14th, 2011
| HUGS Knitting Ministry
| | Submitted by Jennifer Gerst |  | | HUGS knitters Photo provided
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For the past several years, the soft clicking of knitting needles in Lamorinda has come to be associated with the gift of warmth and love for those in need. Since they started keeping track in March 2010, a group of knitters from Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church who call themselves "HUGS" (Hands Utilizing God's Spirit) have made and donated over 800 hats for babies, children and adults. Since 2005, over 125 hand knitted prayer shawls, blankets and scarves have also been given to people who are ill, in the hospital, or who just need a warm touch.
Members of the HUGS knitting ministry at MVPC meet every Wednesday morning to knit, and many others contribute what they knit at home. When they started, the ladies made baby hats, blankets and shawls to be given to church members who had new babies or who were ill. As time went on, the knitters produced more than the church could use, and members began distributing their handmade gifts to local charitable organizations. Currently, hats are given to City Team Ministries in Oakland, and the Bay Area Rescue Mission in Richmond, for their low income and homeless clients. More hats are donated to Knit For Kids, which gives them to seriously ill children attending Camp Arroyo. Each hat is carefully labeled with a bible verse to encourage the recipient. Said one person at the Bay Area Rescue Mission, "For someone to take out time from their busy schedule and do this for me just lets me know that there is still love in the world. It almost made me cry."
Don't expect these ladies to seek publicity for their work, though. Knitter Joan Erisman said, "This is such a positive activity. Some people feel they can't do anything to make a difference, but people are quietly affecting change by doing something so fulfilling. Truly, the giver receives so much more than the receiver!" The knitters agree that it feels wonderful to do something that uplifts others, and they like to keep themselves out of the spotlight. However, they have reached a point now when they knit faster than they can get donated yarn. Knitting needles are poised, but there is no yarn in sight! The knitters encourage anyone who has yarn to donate to drop it off at the office at Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church. Any yarn can be used-partial skeins, scraps, heavy or light weight. Knitters are welcome to join the Wednesday group as well-please contact the church at 376-4800 for information.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA