A Story That Warms the Heart: Local Woman Knits 1000 Sweaters for Needy Children

When Anna Taylor saw the call to action in Guideposts magazine, “A Call to Knit,” in 2006, she took the matter seriously. “I had put the knitting needles away several years before,” she chuckled in an interview with WSET TV a couple of years ago. “I think I can do this though.” The matter was then settled. Over the next nine years Anna Taylor has knitted, and then she knitted some more.

In fact, the sum of her efforts has been a total of 1000 sweaters that have been shipped to needy children throughout the world. In the beginning she did not have a total number in mind, but as the completed sweaters continued to slip off of her knitting needles, she set with a goal of 100 sweaters. “I don’t know how long I will be able to knit,” she said to one of her daughters when asked how long she intended to continue. The goal grew. Eventually the final goal of 1000 became a reality. Many of the supplies she has used throughout the years have been donated by friends and other members of the community, a gift that she is completely thankful for. According to her daughter, Norma, she mentioned the idea of catching up on her reading now, after not doing much else while knitting the sweaters. “She has one of the Kindles now to read books on. Now she reads and knits at the same time,” Norma laughed.

Knitting has been a part of Mrs. Taylor’s life for as long nearly as she has been alive. She actually began knitting scarves for the Navy when she was in the 7th grade. Now, as back then, the effort has not been about her; however, today she does see this as an opportunity to get the word out about the need for the sweaters. The need for warm clothing is ever present. “Maybe someone will see this and pick up the needles too,” she speculated. With an example of commitment like Anna Taylor’s to use as a guide, it is a cinch that someone will. Thank you, Anna.