Hookers (and needlers) work hard for the homeless

A room full of hookers gathered at the School District of Phladelphia headquarters today, but it’s not what you think.

About 60 men and women armed with crochet hooks and knitting needles gathered to create warm clothes for the homeless. This is the 15th annual Knit In started by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.

April Coleman was knitting a hat with a circle of yarn no bigger than a milk bottle cap. She says it feels good to help the people in need.

“I do it because it’s going to cover somebody’s head to keep them warm in the winter, I do it for charity all the time,” she said. 

Tammy Harrity works at the Riverview Home for seniors and the disabled. She brought three residents with her to the event to help.

“We actually use a round loom because I have a lot of folks with disabilities,” Harrity said. “I have a couple folks who have strokes and can only use one hand so they use their good hand and their legs to secure it.”

Before winter, the effort will produce about 1,500 hats, scarves and mittens.