Five years and 500 blankets ago, the Woodcrest Villa Critters got their start. A group of knitters and crocheters, the Critters are a busy bunch. Pat Smith, one of the original organizers and members, recalls that the group’s original goal was to make 3 blankets in a year. They had no problem surpassing that modest goal within a few weeks and have proceeded to eclipse it as they spread joy and warmth across the local community.

The Critters organized in 2006 after being inspired by Warm Up! America, an outreach effort encouraging volunteers across the country to make and assemble blankets for the less fortunate. Typically, about 42 squares are used to make an adult afghan and slightly less for children’s and infant’s blankets.

Each volunteer knitter or crocheter at Woodcrest Villa works on the small squares – some making dozens at a time. The group then collects the squares and puts them together to make blankets. In the beginning, the Critters included several dozen Woodcrest Villa residents. Several of the original Critters now live at Mennonite Home, but maintain a connection with their friends at Woodcrest Villa by continuing to knit or crochet afghan squares.

Through the years they have donated 231 adult blankets, 119 youth blankets, 126 baby blankets and 19 lap blankets for a total of 501. Organizations that have benefited from the Critters’ talents and generosity include: Lancaster Shelter for Abused Women, Corner of Hope, Claire House, Conestoga View, Water Street Rescue Mission, Milagro House, United Veterans Administration Beacon House, Tabor Communities, Mom’s House, Mennonite Home, New Life for Girls, COBYs, Head Start, Cambridge House and local families in need.

Later in April, the Critters will present the official 500^th afghan to the Lancaster Shelter for Abused Women.

Photo caption:

Woodcrest Villa Critters members display a few of the 500 blankets they have made for the local community. Pictured are (seated, left to right): Jean Beane, Polly Bigler, Pegge Dean, Ginny Chambers, Luelle Gamber; (standing, left to right) Henrietta Koerwer, Jeanne Tesnar, Betty Nixdorf, Arlene Mooney and Pat Smith.