This year, the Occupational Therapy Department is introducing a new organization to Elizabethtown College that is both practical and rewarding.
Stitch2Serve, a group dedicated to creating knitted, crocheted, sewn and other handcrafted clothing for those less fortunate, has recently made its debut on campus. Their mission is to “serve the local and global community in meeting its tangible needs for comfort, clothing, and shelter, as well as its social-emotional needs,” junior and club president Laura Kleindienst said. “Additionally, club members will establish and strengthen relationships with each other and community members through learning and social activities involving textile arts.” The organization also focuses on fundraising for both the association itself and the community.
Each semester, Stitch2Serve will choose a new charity to focus its efforts on, whether it is a local, national or global project. This semester, the group has chosen to work with Red Heart-One Warm Coat. Stich2Serve will team up with local coat drives to provide warm clothing to both low-income families and the homeless. This semester, Stitch2Serve is focusing on creating scarves from yarn while collecting donated coats.
The inspiration behind this association came from occupational therapy majors who learn to knit and crochet during their first year of college as part of the department’s curriculum. After numerous students made efforts to create a club that utilizes their new skills while helping the community, occupational therapy lecturer Linda Leimbach finally initiated an official organization. Leimbach started the group with the help of Kleindienst, Vice Presidents and sophomores Caitlin Moffit and Katelyn Colyer, Treasurer sophomore Patrice Zinnikas, Secretary junior Jaqueline Nunn and Class Council Representative sophomore Rebecca Orr.
Kleindienst believes that the group is a worthy addition to Etown’s already extensive list of extracurricular activities. “I feel as though Stitch2Serve embodies the mission of the College … the College puts an emphasis on combining education … and service,” she stated.
Kleindienst also pointed out that students are not required to already know how to knit or crochet in order to join. “We are pairing everyone with a partner so that they can learn from each other,” she said.
The club currently has 60 official members and encourages students to get involved. Participants are required to pay $5.00 in dues to pay for the group’s yarn and needles. They are then asked to complete a minimum of two handmade items a semester. “Most of all we want our members to enjoy what they are doing and help others learn about knitting and crocheting and what Stitch2Serve is all about,” Kleindienst said.
Stitch2Serve is continuously collecting donations of yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks to help them with their cause. For any students interested in joining the organization, please contact the organization at STITCH2SERVICE@etown.edu.