Handmade sweaters, hats and scarves are more than just warm weather accessories. Through the alchemy of Knit-It-Alls, they are a laying on of hands that transmits warmth, healing and human connection from volunteer knitters to people experiencing homelessness.

For more than 20 years, scores of local volunteers have hand knit these and more for distribution through shelters and other service providers. Knit-It-Alls is under the auspices of Solid Ground’s Retired & Senior Volunteer Program.

“I have been blessed to see the result of your gift,” reports a staff member at an emergency service center in South King County.

“A smiling face, a sigh of relief, and just knowing they will be sleeping that night with a little less stress in their lives. On behalf of those that will be helped, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your kind heart and generous gift.”

This year, about 1,900 people will receive these lovingly knit garments for themselves and their families.

These quotes, from thank you notes received in prior years, give some idea of the impact each of the donations will have:

Sorted garments ready for distribution.

“One woman selected the striped afghan/blanket we had received from Knit-it-Alls. She was very pleased – she said she used to crochet a lot, but could not do it any more due to injuries to her right hand…”

“A gentleman was drawn to a yellow hat and one of the ‘granny square’ scarves – he asked if he could take both for his wife (who has many health issues and has to stay at home); he said, ‘These are so nice – they would make a nice Christmas gift for my wife.’”

‘A young woman who was recently coming out of a domestic violence situation (and who finally found a place to live where she feels safe) saw some turquoise and white striped mittens that she loved. She said, ‘Oh, these are so sweet! Can I please have these? They’re my favorite color.’”

“Thank you once again for the generous donation of these wonderful knitted items! They certainly brighten the lives of our neighbors needing a little extra warmth at this time of year!”

A simple act of creation, a loving gift of caring. For more information or to get involved, contact rsvp@solid-ground.org.

The Knit-It-Alls team (l to r): Jen Gahagan, Jan Hancock, Pat Loftin, Charla Sullivan, Sue Haley, Sarah Parkhurst & Cindy Etter