What began as a service project at one NCS Senior Center last year has evolved into a full-scale campaign with several 
centers, nonprofits, a youth volunteer group, and a business participating. The project began in 2019-20, when Pimmitt Hills Senior Center Assistant Director Kathy Fries saw a need and began collecting hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves to get adults and children through the winter.
Pimmitt members crocheted and knitted at the center and at home and donated new items to Cornerstones to distribute to the community. In 2020-21 even more centers are participating, including the Herndon Senior Center and Sandi’s Knitnicks, the Kingstowne Center for Older Adults, Service Source, Lewinsville Senior Center, and Mott Community Center.
Also participating are the National Charity League (Virginia Bluebell Chapter), Fairfax County Health Department, and a local business, Pruitt Title LLC. ServiceSource is further supporting this effort by facilitating a virtual class on loom knitting hats (see information below).
Herndon Senior Center Director Ruth Junkin said, “Kathy has drummed up enthusiasm and helped all to focus on helping others, which lifts spirits tremendously. Her coordination and advertising of the project has made a substantial increase in the number of children and adults who can be helped this year. I am so pleased Herndon Senior Center members are participating with such pleasure and gusto.”
As of this printing, 185 new hats, gloves/mittens and scarves have been collected in the month of January. For February, NCS is adding HomeStretch and Shelter House, which both serve homeless families, as recipients for this project.
How to Get Involved
Anyone is welcome to donate new purchased or handmade items! Simply leave items in the box in center entry areas no later than these dates:
Wednesday, Feb. 3
- Kingstowne Center for Older Adults: 6488 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria, VA, 22315
- Mott Community Center: 12111 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030
- Lewinsville Senior Center: 1613 Great Falls Street, McLean, VA 22101
Friday, Feb. 5
- Herndon Senior Center: 873 Grace St, Herndon, VA 20170
The public is also welcome to join the virtual Zoom class on loom knitting hats:
Friday, Jan. 29, 2:30 pm
- Location: bit.ly/VCAASocialSpace
- Meeting ID 901 875 2818; Password 8727