Friday, June 20, 2025
Members of the Lakeview Public Library’s Knittin Gang took part in Knit for Food on April 5. The 12-hour knit-a-thon raises money and awareness for food insecurity. The money raised from donations made during the event are split equally and donated to Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry and Meals of Wheels.
Knit for Food is a nationwide fundraiser that began in 2021 and this year was Lakeview’s first year joining the festivities. The knit-a-thon raised $530,840 to help fight food insecurity, and the “Knittin Gang…we crochet 2” was able to donate $2,820 to the cause.
“This is our first year as a group entering a team. We started this morning about 9 o’clock and it’s supposed to be 12 hours, so when the library closes around 5, we’re gonna leave her and find someplace else to sit for a couple hours until we’re done,” said Marlene Tapley, who runs the Tuesday knitting class at the Lakeview Library. The Knittin Gang meets from 6-8 p.m. to work together on knitting and crochet projects while enjoying each other’s company.
“We teach people to knit and crochet. We have a nice calming space, so even if you can’t manage anything, you can come sit and talk.”
During the knit-a-thon, members of the Knittin Gang crafted hats, scarves, blankets, and more. Some members joined Tapley in the Lakeview Library while others joined a Zoom call from home or other states. Products they create are donated to babies in the NICU and nursing homes, but creations from Lakeview’s knit-a-thon are going to the Seamen’s Church Institute’s “Christmas at Sea” program, which provides handmade gifts to mariners during the holidays.
