This past June the residents of Iowa experienced some of the worst flooding in years. Many families experienced devastating losses including the warm clothing that is necessary for the bitter Iowa winters. Carol Anderson, a knitware designer in St. Ansgar, Iowa, has been working since the floods began to collect clothing and blankets to donate to the victims. When she put out a call to her fellow knitters and crocheters worldwide to help these people, Janet Kent, knitting instructor at Fayette Senior Services, and Nancy Crow, the crochet instructor, responded. And so did their fellow knitters and crocheters at the center.

The Monday afternoon “Stitching for Others” group has spent many hours at the center knitting and crocheting the much needed items for Iowa flood victims.

They now have ready for shipping two blankets, three sweaters, six pairs of mittens, 17 pairs of socks, 34 scarves, and 107 hats.

Anderson will continue accepting donations for the next few months. If you would like to make donations of hand knit or crochet items to the storm victims in Iowa, send them to: Carol Anderson, Cottage Creations, At the Farm on Deer Creek, Carpenter, Iowa 50426

Please attach a card to items with the following information:

1) Name of item;

2) Size, if applicable;

3) Fiber content (most items should be machine washable and dryable); and

4) If desired: your name and address and any word of encouragement.

Send via the U.S. Postal Service, UPS or Fed Ex to either of the addresses above. If you have any questions about these donations, contact Carol Anderson at 641-324-1280 or cotcreat@rconnect.com.

For those unable to send items to Iowa, the “Stitching for Others” group at Fayette Senior Services is happy to accept your hand knitted or crocheted items for donation to greater Atlanta area's low income and homeless men, women and children. You are welcome to join the group at the center every Monday from 2 to 5 p.m. The center is located at 4 Center Drive in Fayetteville. For more information call 770-461-0813 or visit www.fayss.org.

Anderson is a well-respected designer and writer of knitware patterns. Her best known patterns include Wonderful Wallaby, a hooded sweater with pouch; Wisconsin WinterSocks; Babies' and Bears Sweater; Iowa Crew/Cruise Socks; Rambling Rows Afghan; and Log Cabin Afghan Revisited.

Fayette Senior Services is a non-profit organization that provides a wide variety of life-enhancing social, leisure and educational opportunities for older adults age 50 and better.

Since 1978, Fayette Senior Services has provided services to eligible older adults to improve their quality of life and foster independence. Our social services include: Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Referral Service, Information and Referrals, Transportation Services, In-Home Services, and Case Management.

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