Knitters Produce More than 10,000 Clothing Items for People in Need

A little boy grins holding a hand knitted sweater donated through Knit for Kids
A little boy grins holding a hand knitted sweater donated through Knit for Kids. PHOTO: James Edward Bates / Genesis Photos

NEW YORK (November 12, 2014) — More than 10,000 shoppers at A.C. Moore stores personally knitted clothing items for children in need through World Vision’s Knit for Kids program.  Several of the donated items will be distributed to New York-area children – at the Martin Luther King Health Clining and the BronxWorks Shelter – on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Representatives from World Vision, A.C. Moore and Premier Yarns – an international manufacturer and distributor of high-quality yarns – will distribute the donated clothing to dozens of local families just in time for winter.

World Vision’s Knit for Kids program unites thousands of volunteer knitters to fight poverty with knitted items such as blankets, hats and sweaters. Last year, more than 66,000 donated sweaters were distributed to children in need in the U.S. and around the world.

Earlier this year, the Premier Yarns’ Knit for Kids Yarn Line began selling in the 140 A.C. Moore stores, and the retailer also set up donation boxes in their stores to collect the knitted items to donate to World Vision.

So far, more than 10,000 handmade clothing items have been donated. As the official drop-off center for the World Vision Knit for Kids program, A.C. Moore is looking to secure 100,000 donated items.

WHO:
Local families receiving donated knitted items
Representatives from A.C. Moore, Premier Yarns and World Vision

WHAT: Knitters Produce More Than 10,000 Clothing Items for People in Need

WHERE:
Bronx Lebanon

Martin Luther King Health Clinic

1265 Franklin Avenue, Bronx, NY10456

BronxWorks Shelter
Nelson Avenue Family Residence
1605 Nelson Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453.

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 12

Martin Luther King Health Clinic: 10-11:30 a.m.
BronxWorks Shelter: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Quotes from participants:

·         “We are thrilled with the response so far from our customers and team members!” said
Pepe Piperno, CEO, A.C. Moore. “Hitting the 10,000 donation mark is a testament to the overwhelming generosity of the arts and crafts community. We still we have a long way to go to reach our goal.  We encourage our customers to continue to support the Knit for Kids program in your local store. Our hope is to continue to reach kids in need in all the communities that we serve.”

·         “We are honored and delighted to partner with World Vision and AC Moore for Knit for Kids program,” said Hal Ozbelli, President, Premier Yarns. “The response from the community has been wonderful and reaching 10,000 pieces for the program was amazing. I thank all my partners and our wonderful community of knitters and crocheters who continue to do things for our kids in need.”

·         “We are very thankful for our partners AC Moore and Premier Yarn, as the Knit For Kids program has benefited greatly from their enthusiasm and commitment to helping children,” said Brad Beegle, Director, World Vision. “The arts and crafts community is clearly demonstrating their support through these generous donations, and we send our thanks to everyone who has participated. We believe there will be many more children benefiting from this program in the months and years ahead!”

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About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.

Highlights

  • More than 10,000 shoppers at A.C. Moore stores personally knitted clothing items for children in need through World Vision’s Knit for Kids program.
  • The donated clothing will be distributed to dozens of local families in the Bronx area just in time for winter.