When sisters Sue Roe and Pattie Peace learned that women were meeting at Black Creek Baptist Church in Mechanicsville to make clothing for the poor, they knew they could help. “I’ve been knitting for about 30 years and for the Web of Hope for one year,” said Sue.
The “Web” as members lovingly refer to their group, is a project sponsored by the American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter. It has about 400 volunteers who knit, crochet and sew clothing and toys for underserved populations worldwide. Oftentimes volunteers will receive photos of orphaned children wearing their Red Cross gifts.
The volunteers, scattered throughout the greater Richmond area, many times knit with church groups or retirement communities. Others prefer to sew at home and then deliver their gifts to be mailed by the Red Cross to those in need.
While the volunteers come from different backgrounds, they all have two characteristics in common–they enjoy what they do and they love helping people. “I’ve never been one to use what I make. I’ve always given it away and with this group, I know it goes to someone who really needs it,” said Sue.
Sue Pope has been knitting for 35 years and makes caps and hooded sweatshirts for the Web. “I think about all those children who are cold and I like the idea of them having something warm,” she said. Letters from recipients often share that the sweaters and mittens were the only clothing that many of the children had to warm them through the winter months.
Whenever the group gathers, laughter fills the room along with the sounds of clicking knitting needles. “Men watch race cars on TV. We knit and sew,” said Grace Colgin to the amusement of her fellow volunteers.
Black Creek Baptist Church member Laurie Wagner plays a major role in coordinating the group’s work. She invites anyone who enjoys sewing, knitting or crocheting to call. Web volunteers also love teaching people how to knit. “There’s room for everybody,” said Laurie.
“We are always looking for volunteers and also for yarn,” said Web coordinator, Linda Southworth. For more information about the Web of Hope, call Ms. Southworth at the American Red Cross at 804-779-3453.
Special to the Herald