Becky Barnebey—Organizer of Scarf Distribution
When my dear neighbor, Christine, told me about Spreading the Warmth, I knew I had to join in on the fun! I don't knit, but I crochet, and our Knit Nights remind me of the cozy afternoons I spent learning to crochet from my UNT dorm director. Scarves are the perfect size project to take with me and keep my hands busy while I watch TV or travel. I like that I don't need to be a master craftsman to make something someone else needs and will enjoy. Giving out the scarves has been such a joy! I keep a bag of them in my car and almost hope for a cold day because I know I'll see someone at a bus stop who is cold and who needs the physical and internal warmth. The smiles, hugs, and waves goodbye that I've received after giving scarves out say so much. It doesn't take much to make someone's day; It just takes someone to make each scarf and someone to see the need. The warmth just keeps growing from there!
Suzuko Davis—Educator
I taught myself to knit when I was six-years old. In my late twenties, I continued that education, teaching myself technical skills, learning to read patterns, and studying construction techniques. Knitting and crocheting became my passions, which brought me to Holley's Yarn Shoppe in search of great yarn. I ended up working and teaching there for two years, one of which I also served as President of the Dallas Hand Knitters Guild. I met Christine in June of 2012 at Holley's. As I helped her with her knitting, I got to know her better, seeing firsthand how much knitting was helping her and how her new passion was, in turn, spilling over into her helping others. I continue to love teaching and fixing knitting. It will be my pleasure to lend my years of knitting experience and technical skills to Spreading the Warmth’s Knit Nights.
Janis Dworkis—Newsletter Designer
I met Christine Nicolette-Gonzalez over thirty years ago through a book club at the school our children attended. In the summer of 2012, I was thrilled to hear that she had learned to knit and to see the joy she felt as she lovingly made scarves for her family and friends. In early 2014, she called to share her joy with me. It was a particularly cold day in Dallas, and she and her husband had driven around the city giving out her extra handmade scarves. I immediately thought of two older adult knitters who would probably love to make scarves for that cause, and in doing this it would bring purpose to their lives. Both of these women have now made several scarves for Spreading the Warmth, and they have encouraged their friends to join in. I am honored to be a part of this heartfelt project and am looking forward to its growth for years to come. One person really CAN make a difference.
Don McKinney—Tagger and Bagger C0-Captain
I grew up in a home where my mom was never without a crochet needle in her hand. She was a very creative person, and she often made and gave gifts away, from king-sized crocheted bedspreads, to doilies made with a needle so small it was hard to see the hook. Unfortunately, most of the items she made are now gone, but with Spreading the Warmth, as I’ve tagged and bagged thousands of scarves, I still receive the thrill of seeing the imaginative designs our members create. Through this organization, warmth is spread not only to others, but it is also spread to my heart. I still remember sitting at my mom’s feet when I was a toddler and playing with yarn; these days, I get to do this when I volunteer each month with this great group of people.
Patricia McKinney—Educator and Co-Captain
I love to crochet, but years ago I ran out of reasons to crochet on my own. Finding Spreading the Warmth through a family member many years ago has given me a reason to continue crocheting. Knowing that each of my scarves finds a new home through a random act of kindness warms my heart. It’s not about how many scarves we knit and/or crochet, but more about each heart we touch with a finished product and the difference we might make in one life. Being part of this organization and now being on the board is a great honor. Spreading the Warmth has become an extended family to me.
Karen Simmons—Yarn Goddess (she houses and organizes all our extra yarn) and Educator
Crocheting and knitting became something of a sanity saver when I became a full-time caregiver for my husband. It allowed me to focus on something constructive while feeling productive in an otherwise depressing situation. When Christine began Spreading the Warmth, it was not long before we began to realize that the organization had morphed into something more than simply offering scarves as random acts of kindness; although that is important, this group also offered people an opportunity to connect in ways they would not ordinarily have done. Meeting others from varying walks of life is most enjoyable; the diversity is remarkable in that our only connection is a love of knitting, crocheting, and altruism. The pleasure of learning new patterns and techniques (or simply sitting and chatting while we knit) is the best therapy at our monthly knit nights. And it’s free!