CLAYTON – Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library’s Knit Night attendees are gifting more than 100 handmade knitted and crocheted hats, scarves, and gloves to Harbor Shelter in Smithfield. These thoughtful donations aim to provide warmth and relief to local individuals and families facing winter hardships.
The final Knit Night gathering of the year took place on December 4 where attendees celebrated a successful year of crafting with a holiday party. During the festivities, the group presented their donations, filling a table – and then some – with their carefully crafted garments. This event marked the eighth year of partnership between the library and Harbor Shelter, Johnston County’s only nonprofit agency supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and families in transition.
“So many people are fortunate to have a warm coat, hat, and gloves, but in North Carolina, you never know what the weather will be like,” said Harbor Shelter Executive Director Kay Johnson. “Being able to take those items back and distribute them to those in need during these cold snaps is truly invaluable. It provides comfort and makes sure that they have something warm.”
Johnson emphasized the impact of these donations: “It’s essential, especially now, because our needs are so great within this community. We are seeing an uptick, not only in domestic violence and sexual assault but also in individuals reaching out to us.” Harbor Shelter has fielded more than 500 calls in 2024, underscoring the growing demand for its services.
Considering this increasing need, Johnson noted the significance of handmade items. “I believe that when anyone creates something with their hands, they put a piece of themselves into it. We are receiving something handmade from the heart of these individuals who have taken the time to knit these items for those we serve. It’s a special moment.”
Meg, a Clayton resident who has attended Knit Night for two years (and prefers not to have her last name used), shared her personal connection to the cause. “At one point, I was homeless, and someone did that for us. It was very, very, very appreciated,” she said, reflecting on her time in Indiana where winter temperatures can be especially harsh. “It means everything. I personally know how much a warm cap means. It just really matters. You don’t think about the tiny things – the things that you take for granted.”
Knit Night has become a place of connection and fellowship for many attendees. Meg added, “It’s a lot of fun, and there’s a lot of really great personalities. It’s very inclusive, and everybody’s welcome. It’s a safe place. I’m not a very social person, but I rarely miss it. It’s the only time I can sit down, and what I do is I sit down, knit, and listen to an audiobook.”
Beyond offering practical assistance, Knit Night also fosters skill-sharing and creativity. Attendees of all experience levels are welcome to bring their materials, exchange ideas, and try out resources provided by the library. “Personally, hats aren’t the hardest thing I’ve
made,” Meg said. “It’s pretty cut and dry, and a project that a newbie could easily pick up if they wanted to learn.”
Library Associate Caroline LaiMing Mak highlighted the community-building aspect of Knit Night. “They enjoy each other’s company – meeting new people. Actually, a few of them just moved here, and others have been around for years. We’ve all become good friends,” she said. “We’re giving back, helping with what people need. You could say we’re a community space, giving back to the community – full circle. It’s awesome.”
Knit Night will resume at 5:15 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
