County Library Creates Blankets for the Needy

St. Louis County Library will participate in Warm Up America again this year, helping construct blankets for the needy. Handmade afghan squares, gloves, hats, socks and other materials will be accepted for donation at all St. Louis County Library branches. The squares will then be  joined to other donated squares by SLCL craft groups to make full sized afghans for those in need.

This is the library’s fourth year participating in Warm Up America. Customers and staff of the library have produced hundreds of handmade squares for this project both at home and during needlecraft programs. The afghans are donated to local charity organizations such as Lydia's House, CASA of St. Louis, Peter & Paul Community Services and Pathways Community Hospice, which distributes them to their clients in need.

Those wishing to participate are asked to knit or crochet a 7x9” block using worsted weight acrylic yarn. The blocks can be dropped off at any St. Louis County Library branch. In Chesterfield, you can drop goods off at .

The library will work with craft groups to join the blocks together to make full size afghans. The library will also accept gloves, hats and socks. (More information about what gauge needles are preferred is available by calling 314-994-3300.)

Representatives of the recipient agencies will come together to receive the items on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.

Warm Up America is observed nationally by knitters and crafters as a way to help less fortunate Americans stay warm during the winter. In 2011, the library donated 626 afghans and handmade items to the program.

For more information please call 314 994-3300.