By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor

Joan Ames and Jane Dunphy are hard at work creating some of the hundreds of hats and mittens that the Willows Knitters will donate to children in need. Photo/Bonnie Adams
Westborough – Over the past few years, knitting has become a popular, almost trendy hobby. Although a group of knitters, all of whom live at the Willows Retirement Community in Westborough enjoy the hobby, they do not do it for the mere pleasure of creation. Rather, these ladies have a mission – to make hats and mittens for children in need.
In 2011, they certainly met that goal, as they knitted 911 hats and 236 pairs of mittens, all of which were donated free of charge to local organizations, including Westborough Youth and Family Services and several Worcester schools.
The knitters also donated 350 helmet liners that were given to a Framingham veterans” organization, which then sent them to troops serving in Afghanistan.
The group was started by Betty Watts in 1994. After she passed away eight years ago, Joan Ames stepped in to coordinate the efforts.
Every other Saturday, year round except during July and August, 15 to 18 women gather in the Willows sunroom to socialize and knit. Many of them also knit independently, Joan said, especially if health conditions or family obligations do not allow them to join the Saturday gatherings.
Even though some of them may be a bit limited due to the effects of age or illness, they all agree that the time they share with each other is very special.
“I'se been knitting my whole life,” Jane Dunphy said. “I love doing this because I know the kids need warm mittens.”
Elaine McPherson agreed, adding, “My own kids have enough – it's nice to do this for someone else who really needs it.”
“Getting together with friends was a nice benefit,” Mary Hoctor said.
“It's a wonderful social hour. I just love being here with everyone. And Joan [Ames] is especially wonderful; she is always helping us,” she said.
Ruth Scanlon noted that she had knit as a young girl but had not done so for many years.
“I's learning how to do it all again,” she said. “It's all coming back to me.”
Joan and her husband, Bill, personally delivered many of the hats and mittens to the children in Worcester.
“It's so fun to see the kids” reactions as they pick out what they want,” she said.
Bill also has served another role in the group – as a “fit model.”
Joan explained that the ladies wanted to make helmet liners for the troops but did not have a pattern, so they adjusted the one they were using for the children's hats. Using a helmet that belonged to the son of one member – and also using Bill's head measurements – they were able to make the perfect size. The liners also had to be made out of acrylic yarn and in camouflage colors.
“We received a few thank you notes for these, which was nice,” Joan said. “It's great to know you are making a difference and helping someone.”