Where there’s a need, there’s a deed and Southfield residents are proving it. When local healthcare administrators declared a need for caps to keep patients warm, residents and associates of The Fountains at Franklin, 28301 Franklin Rd., rose to the challenge, setting a goal of making 100 knit and crocheted caps for chemo and dialysis patients by the end of August.

Each Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., a dozen or so students from The Fountains’ Knit/Crochet Project meet in the art room at The Fountains at Franklin to work their magic. Many of them had never knitted or crocheted in their lives before starting this class.

“We’re following a simple crochet hat pattern and many of our students have learned to knit on a circular loom,” said Robin Whitney, community life director and instructor for the class. “Our first male student completed his first hat a few days ago. I encourage him by letting him know that there is an entire line of tools and instruction for guys called ‘The Crochet Dude.’”

In addition to residents, The Fountains at Franklin’s transportation director, a driver and a member of the housekeeping team have all promised to donate at least one hat.

“We’ve already made 80 hats and with just 20 to go, I have no doubt we’ll reach our goal. We’re planning to deliver the 100 hats to the Karmanos Cancer Institute and Beaumont Dialysis Services the last week in August,” Whitney said.

“There’s no such thing as idle hands at The Fountains at Franklin,” added Cathy Lubanski, Executive Director of the Southfield retirement community. “Anybody who wants to be active, express their creativity and help others can find much fulfillment with all the choices we have here. The Knit/Crochet Project is just one example.”

Source: June C. Hussey