Scarf Project giveaway set for Nov. 11
Toni Kaltenbaugh has built a strong support system for her annual scarf giveaway.
This year’s event is planned for Friday at 20 sites in Northeast Ohio. The giveaway is the product of a year-round effort, though, involving a large group of volunteers who crochet and knit items that are then anonymously given to those who need a hand as the cold of winter approaches northern Ohio.
The Scarf Project’s Friday giveaway is the group’s seventh. It began after Kaltenbaugh posted on Facebook a video showing off a similar event in another state. The New Philadelphia resident said she was taught by her mother since childhood that she should stick up for the underdog.
More: 2021 coverageScarf Project distribution set for Friday
Items will be tied or attached to fences or rails in Alliance, Canton, Navarre, Dover, New Philadelphia, Newcomerstown, Midvale, Mineral City, Cambridge, Port Washington, Strasburg, Uhrichsville, Tuscarawas Village and Cleveland.
The movement also has two active locations in Australia, two in Canada, one in New York, and one in Utah.
There’s no charge for the items. Those who need a scarf or other item are invited to take one.
Rain date for the event is Nov. 18.
What is the Scarf Project?
The project has layers of volunteerism and charity, with donations of yarn helping those who knit and crochet to complete items.
Kaltenbaugh said volunteers come from many walks of life. “There are individuals in nursing homes or assisted living settings who help create scarves,” she said. “A lady in her late 90s, who lives alone, makes a hat a day. A gentleman in his late 80s has made about 300 scarves just this year. Another young lady makes hat-and-mitten sets.
“The Scarf Project provides and delivers the yarn, which has been donated, to those who need it. They then pick up any finished products and store them for 'Scarf Day.'”
The group last month held a “Tag, Tuck & Match" day, in which scarves were matched with hats that had been donated to create sets. Several individuals who don't know how to knit or crochet helped out at the event.
The final count for this year’s giveaway is 1,632 scarves, 77 sets, 521 hats, 43 headbands and four snoodles.
Compare that to the first year of the giveaway – 123 scarves were donated at one location.
All products gathered throughout the year are distributed for free every year. Any leftovers are donated to organizations that will distribute to those in need.
Scarf and yarn for Ohio locations can be dropped off on the back porch of 730 Tuscarawas Ave. NW in New Philadelphia. Contact Kaltenbaugh at 330-432-1930 for information on Guernsey or Stark County dropoff locations. Kaltenbaugh said she also can provide information for those who would like to help outside of knitting, sewing or crocheting.
Locations for Scarf Project giveaways
Alliance – Family Dollar parking lot at East Main Street and North Union Avenue.
Canton – Canton Repository, 500 Market Ave. S; Hall of Fame City Ice Rink, 215 Tuscarawas St. W; and Russ and Angel Grosse residence, 1234 Monument Road NW.
Cambridge – Rite Aid, 1045 Wheeling Ave.
Cleveland – Magnolia Clubhouse, 11101 Magnolia Drive.
Dover – St. John’s United Church of Christ, 409 N. Wooster Ave.; Medical Suites behind Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital, 300 Medical Park Drive; Missions Café, 128 W. 2nd St.
Midvale – Intersection of State Street and Barnhill Road SE.
Mineral City – Nicole Donant Library, 8503 High St.
Navarre – Towpath Trail YMCA, 1226 Market St. NE, 330-879-0800.
New Philadelphia – Rite Aid, corner of West High and Tuscarawas Avenue NW; Starlight Enterprises Inc., 246 E. High; Tuscarawas County Library, 121 Fair Ave. NW.
Port Washington – Monument Community Center, 216 W. Main.
Strasburg – Strasburg Village Market, 102 N. Wooster Ave.
Tuscarawas Village – St. James Lutheran Church, 215 Church St.
Urichsville – The Gazebo at the Panhandle Passage Park Trailhead, SE corner of North 4th and Grant Street.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Scarf Project giveaway set for Nov. 11
