Creating a better world: one blanket at a time

Since the founding of Blanketeers in 1999, the club has produced well over 20,000 handmade items, which are distributed to local and international organizations for people in need.

By Anastasia Pagello
| 11:12 a.m. January 11, 2016

"When I first joined the Blanketeers, I had never crocheted before," said Estela Linder, accompanied by Maluz Buenavista. "The ladies taught me how to crochet, and I have made great friendships with many of them ever since." Photos by Anastasia Pagello

New Blanketeer member, Karen Mills, focuses her talents on making useful items for the homeless. She specializes in crocheting yarn hats, booties, blankets and sleeping mats made of recycled plastic bags.

The Blanketeers spend one morning of each month crocheting in each others company, making a difference to the community one blanket at a time.

Five year Blanketeer member Johanna Harrington is working on a beautiful Irish-Afghan knitted blanket.

Alison Rimer concentrates intently on her most recent lap blanket, of which she plans to donate to Flagler County's homeless.

Ashlock Blanche proudly wears the shrug her daughter Faith Kaskisto made her as a gift.

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“I am happy to put my talents to good use, while making a difference in many people’s lives; it is wonderful to see all our hard work appreciated by those in need.” Estela Linder, Blanketeers member of 11 years

Pleasant chattering, and the gentle clicks of crochet needles filled the room as ladies settled down to start creating a new blanket or warm piece of winter apparel. The Blanketeers gather once a month at the Flagler County Public Library to produce a steady flow of handmade items that are donated to over 50 charities and organizations. The club is estimated to have produced well over

Sheryl Milstein teaches first time Blanketeer member Sahaquira Moye how to crochet. "I am working on my first ever crochet item, it is going to be a blanket for my new born niece," said Moye.

20,000 items since its founding in 1999.

“I first became interested in Blanketeers when my mother received a blanket during the time she spent in the hospital,” said Sheryl Milstein. “I have been crocheting as a hobby for years, so I

figured why not start helping people within the community.”

The hundreds of items made by the club members over the course of a month are collected at every meeting. The items are then organized and later distributed by volunteers to different organizations.

“I enjoy interacting with the other ladies, and I am proud to help make a positive impact within the community,” said Alison Rimer, a Blanketeer member of five years. “On a regular basis I see a lot of homeless people in dire need of warm clothing, so I keep a few extra blankets with me to handout as the weather continues to get colder.”

The club receives an abundance of feedback from grateful recipients through thank-you cards and gracious phone calls.

Contact Judy Mazzella at 597-2950 to donate yarn and other crochet materials.