August 20, 2009

Conversation and creativity fill the rooms of the Charlottesville Senior Center, where you'll find woman hard at work. The Crafty Ladies are a social circle of seniors in our community who gather weekly to knit and crochet. It may be a simple hobby, but it makes them this week's hero.

"There's one lady at the end of the table named Rosemary that makes a special effort to let each child whose here see how to knit. She shows them how to knit a few stitches," said Mitzi Ware of MACAA.

At 82 years old, Dottie Coleman diligently works to put the final touches on her project.

"Even though her hands ache, she still spends hours knitting caps for the babies. It means a lot for her to do it, and it's just inspiring for us to all see it," said LeDelle Holland of the Senior Center.

For Crafty Lady Betty Lanterman, who moved to Charlottesville two years ago, the Crafty Ladies are a comfort. It gives the ladies a chance to be social, while still providing a service.

"When I see a need, if I can help improve someone else's live, I like to do that," said Crafty Lady Patricia Ford.

MACAA, a non-profit that works to eradicate poverty, is just one of many local organizations who benefit from the busy hands of these ladies.

"Not only do I enjoy doing the crafts, but knowing that someone is benefiting from them makes me feel good about it," said Ford.

Productive and proud, these heroes are using their hands to warm the hearts others.