OBK Goes Local News!!!

Click on this link to read the interview conducted by KION Tuesday Dec. 23.
Knitting for Pre-mature Babies and the Homeless
Updated: Dec 23, 2008 10:21 PM
A group of women and one man who work at the Monterey County Health Department have spent their breaks over the last three years in the break room knitting hats for pre-mature babies...

Great job Regina!

"Neither rain nor more rain nor heat nor gloom of sights stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"

Your efforts were embraced by the purveyors and patrons of Dorothy’s Place. As Regina and I watched Patricia, Paula and Roz enter the facility bags in hand, we were all warmed to heart as one of the workers recalled last years delivery upon recognition.









As I captured the moment from within the comfort of the vehicle, I watched as homeless people wandered the streets and realized that this is the reason we were there. People drenched from head to toe walked and waiting to have their needs fulfilled.

Unlike the previous year, this year there were far less patrons outside as the weather obviously kept them under cover. Last year we had immediate gratification as we watched the forty hats go to the individuals, as we no sooner delivered the hats when they came out wearing them.











This years reward for those hours spent doing something, whether it was therapeutic, spirit of giving or just for fun, is knowing it was going to a worthy cause.

At this time of year, I am thankful. Yes, thankful for the friends I've made, thankful for the job I enjoy, thankful that i can provide for my family, but more thankful that I have the ability through little effort to give to others in need.

Watching these unfortunate souls walk the street in search of food, shelter and warmth, I felt satisfied that in some small way we are doing our part to help them get through another day. Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of this great effort and let’s continue to show that we care!

Coming Soon...Items for Sale!

You've seen 'em, scarfs, hats, mitts and many other items made by your fellow OBK'ers. Do you have items to show, sell or donate, take a snapshot and foward to one of the editors for publishing.

Preemie Hats are Adding Up!

Challenge to complete 100 preemie hats are clsoing at an alarming rate. Thanks to my system of mathematics and the contributors our current count is around 75. Keep 'em coming!

They Just Keep Coming...

Great Job! Homeless hats added up to 160+ and counting... Your efforts will be rewarded when the recipients receive these gifts from the heart. Last years hat count was huge at 40 only outdone this year (2008) by the contributions from you, the volunteers.

Pictured left to right..

James, Roz, Vicki, Paula, Barbara, Susie, Jony, Patricia & Suzanne

Homeless Hat Preview

Today was soooo awesome. We met in the multi-purpose room to display the hats that will be donated to Dorothy's Kitchen for our annual homeless hat giveaway in November. This is one of our many OBK projects that we love so much. Two large bags filled to the brim, pun intended, were poured onto the table, for a total of 117 hats. And we are not done yet!

Pictured above from left to right: Margee, Roz from California, Suzanne, Regina, Susie, Patricia, & Judith. We have several other members who are not in the above photo but they are just as passionate and helped in knitting, and/or providing materials for our Hats for the Homeless project.

Helmet & Booty Call

My current project...working to get as many hats and booties ready for expectant mothers. My first attempt at a sweater, although it may not be size appropriate..

2008 Stitch & Pitch

Stitch & Pitch at the Oakland A's coliseum 2008. As always, the event was enjoyed by all that attended. Attendees included, Lita, Sari, Patty Barbara, Anne, Patty (+ friend sorry forgot his name), Regina, Roz, Margee and a few co-workers form Borders and yours truly, James.

We arrived early enough to receive a #14 Ellis jersey. P&S committee also provided us with an Oakland A's Pitch & Stitch bag with a few knitting projects.

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How it all started...

While visiting our work place lunch area to warm my lunch, I walked upon a group of co-workers with needles tapping and laughing away. Familiar with what they were doing I inquired as to what the event was…before you know it I was describing how I was one of seven kids in our family to sit arms extended yarn wrapped around the wrists as my mother wound the yarn into a ball.

With stomach full of lunch and laughter, I began to walk out when asked to join them every Wednesday. Looking for any reason to get away from the computer, I replied, “sure,” little did I know that it would soon become an addiction.

This was my introduction to the “stitch and bitch”, not quite mastering either, yet fully engaged in the activity. I’ve come to except the fact, when I drop a stitch it’s because I’m laughing so hard my eyes tear up.

We’ve attended several knitting events and donated projects to our Community Hospital NIC Unit and Dorothy's Kitchen for the homeless. Always looking for ways to organize our group to better serve the community.

Visit our pages, read our tales, learn of our fellowship and check out our projects.