Crafting ways to keep Philadelphia kids warm

Dozens of men and women gathered at City Hall recently to crochet for a cause.

The women and men were hard at work making mittens, gloves, hats and scarves for children in Philadelphia’s homeless shelters.

“Every year, there are more than a thousand children who are homeless in the city of Philadelphia,” said Candice Woods, a coordinator of the program. “So we are trying to supply them with winter attire so they are prepared for the cold winter months.”

Matty Jones had completed more than 100 hats before bringing her hook to do even more crocheting during the day-long event.

“I guess I am a fast crocheter,” Jones said. “I love it, because there are so many needy children, and if they get a hat it means so much to them when they are in shelters. So I don’t mind crocheting them.”

Bella Robinson was doing hats, scarves and blankets.

“Oh, I love doing it, it’s relaxing,” she said. “You just take your time and you relax. It’s very entertaining too … you make things and you enjoy your work,” she said. “I don’t sell them, I donate. In a day, I can make about three hats and two scarves.”

Donation boxes have also been set up for people who want to drop off their own creations.

Organizers want to make 2,000 children’s items before passing them out Dec. 20.