DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 19, 2004 DHSS-107-2004 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Allison Taylor Levine Phone: (302) 255-9037 Pager: (302) 247-8523 |
SENIORS TURN DONATED YARN INTO CLOTHING FOR THE NEEDY
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program's CareWear Project will distribute nearly
2,500 knitted items to local nonprofits in celebration of Make A Difference Day
Forty senior volunteers spent nearly 20,000 hours over the past year turning donated yarn into 2,500 hats, scarves, mittens, baby outfits and other knitted clothing for those in need. On Oct. 22, 2004, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the volunteers will sort and package their handcrafted goods for distribution to 20 daycare centers, homeless shelters, nursing homes and other nonprofits.
The packaging and distribution event, held in celebration of Make A Difference Day (October 23, 2004), will take place at the B'nai B'rith House, 8204 Society Drive, Wilmington. Members of the press are invited to photo/video and interview CareWear volunteers with their knitted items.
The CareWear Project makes it possible for homebound and other older adults to participate in a community service project without leaving their homes. Coordinators of the program deliver donated yarn to the members' homes and later return to collect their knitted items. Members who can attend hold a monthly meeting to exchange patterns and talk about their current projects.
The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of New Castle County sponsors the CareWear Project. RSVP is a national service program that refers adults 55 and older to volunteer opportunities throughout the county. RSVP is sponsored by Delaware Health and Social Services' Division of State Service Centers. Make A Difference Day is the nation's largest single day of service and is sponsored by USA Weekend in partnership with the Points of Light Foundation.
For more information or to donate yarn to the CareWear project, please call (302) 255-9882.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
