Silver Threads makes blankets for dogs in need

For the past few Tuesdays, seniors gathered at the Valley Stream Community Center to crochet 20 blankets for dogs at Ruff House Rescue.

The Island Park-based organization has beds for the more than 100 rescue dogs in its possession, and the bedding must be changed every day, according to Diane Rose, the founder of the organization.

“They’re going to utilize them for dogs who need homes,” said community center manager SallyAnn Esposito.

She said that the members of the Silver Threads Senior Program normally donate their blankets to nursing homes, but when Genine Chiano, the client care coordinator for Sara Companion Home Services, suggested that the crocheters donate their blankets to Ruff House, Esposito and the Silver Threads members jumped at the opportunity.

“Genine reached out to me, and she asked me if we were willing to donate,” Esposito recounted. “I spoke to the Silver Threads, and they said, ‘absolutely.’”

The Silver Threads donated the blankets at a breakfast on Dec. 11. “I’m very proud of this opportunity,” Esposito said, adding that the Silver Threads would be willing to donate more blankets to the pet rescue in the future.