Have you ever done something that allows you to learn a new hobby and help the needy at the same time? Knitting for the Needy allows you to do this. Anyone who shows up to this event can be taught how to knit and also will be helping different charities at the same time. The students sew their own individual pieces of cloth that will eventually be put into a large quilt. The quilt and the cloth are then donated to the Ministerial Alliance who give them to different charities for people in need.

"I decided to start it because I thought it would be fun to help kids learn to knit while being able to give back to the needy at the same time," said Middle School Art Teacher Kay Leeper.

Knitting for the Needy started on October 6 and will run through October 27. This event takes place in the middle school art room from 3-4pm every Tuesday throughout October. In order to do this event, students need to have a permission form signed by their parents and turned in to Mrs.Leeper. Knitting for the Needy is limited to 5th-8th grade students only, but other people can volunteer to help or donate materials if they want to be a part of this event and aren't a middle school student.

"I think that Knitting for the Needy is great because of the fact that it teaches kids new skills and helps the needy at the same time. I think Mrs.Leeper has everything lined out very well," said Middle School Librarian Jane Rainey.

This event started last year at the same time in October. The first year that it took place about 40 kids showed up so they reduced the amount of kids who could come to about 20 kids for logistical purposes.

"I encourage my students to go to it because it teaches kids a new hobby and it is a great group activity that they can be involved in," said Middle School Teacher Teresa Yardley.

Knitting for the Needy provides students with a chance to learn a new skill and also a chance for them to socialize with kids their own age while having fun at the same time. It also allows teachers to get to know their students better. Students can also use this event as a way to hang out with their friends after school. People who want to help by volunteering their time or donating materials need to contact Mrs.Leeper for information. She can be reached at CMS during regular school hours at 632-2185.