RSVP VOLUNTEERS TURN DONATED YARN INTO CLOTHING FOR THOSE IN NEED

RSVP's CareWear Project will distribute over
4,500 knitted and crocheted items to 15 local nonprofits in celebration of Make A Difference Day.

More than a hundred RSVP CareWear volunteers spent over 93,000 hours during the past year turning donated yarn into 4,500 blankets, hats, scarves, mittens, and sweaters for infants through adults. On Oct. 21, volunteers will sort and package these hand-crafted items for distribution to 15 day care centers, hospitals, nursing homes, homeless shelters, and other social service agencies. This event will be held in celebration of Make A Difference Day and will take place at the Rose Hill Community Center in New Castle.

The CareWear Project provides socialization and education for its members who attend monthly meetings at three locations in New Castle County. At these meetings, members exchange patterns, catch up on the past month's activities and get help with current projects from more seasoned crafters. The program also makes it possible for home-bound adults to participate in community outreach. Coordinators of the program deliver donated yarn to the meetings and to volunteers homes and collect completed items.

CareWear is overseen by RSVP, a federally funded program and part of the Corporation for National and Community Service. RSVP refers adults age 55 and older to volunteer opportunities throughout New Castle County. The Department of Health and Social Services Division of State Service Centers sponsors the New Castle County RSVP.

Make A Difference Day, on Oct. 22 this year, is the nation's largest, single day of service and is sponsored by USA Weekend Magazine in partnership with HandsOn Network and supported by Newman's Own.

For more information about RSVP, the CareWear Project or to donate yarn, please call (302) 255-9690.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.