Youngsters show heart with a special donation
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer

HOWELL - In response to a request for yarn from Tangled Threads, a Howell senior citizens group that knits and crochets garments and blankets for agencies that help the needy, the Howell Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) donated $100 worth of yarn on Feb. 14.

The children of SEPAC entered the meeting room at the Department of Senior Services and handed the ladies of Tangled Threads bags filled with spools of yarn.

Upon receiving the donation the ladies applauded the children. They peeked inside the bags at the yarn, prompting one person to say, "This is perfect. It's just the color I need to finish this scarf."

Fiona Marinelli, who is SEPAC's fundraising chairwoman, said, "We saw a notice requesting wool and thought this would be a great way to help them out and to bridge the gap between young and old. The seniors make a lot if items for our kids and we are trying to get out into the community and let the children socialize with other people and cultures within their community."

Gladys Cragg, teacher assistant and volunteer with Tangled Threads, said of the donation, "This is very special, especially for the children because they get to learn from older people."

Cragg, who was working on a crocheted bag, said the reason why she is involved with Tangled Threads is because she felt the need to give something back to the community.

"People have given to us and it gives us satisfaction to do this," she said.

Nancy Apgar, volunteer and teacher assistant, was busy collecting crocheted squares to make a vest for a child. She said it was wonderful for the children of SEPAC to donate the yarn.

Carol Zur, the director of Howell's senior services, said, "The Tangled Threads program encompasses what we are all about, which is giving and caring for people who do not have the same opportunities we have been fortunate to have."

As of now the ladies of Tangled Threads are continuing their efforts to give within the community. They are currently working on bags for children at the Griebling School. Once the children receive the bags they will fill them with books and forward them to a Head Start program.

Tangled Threads donates its creations to many agencies and locations in Monmouth and Ocean counties, including BartleyManor, Jackson; the Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune; Children's Specialized Hospital, Toms River.

Also, Freehold Manor, Freehold; the Monmouth County Care Centers, Geraldine L. Thompson Division, Wall Township; Head Start of Howell; Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood; Howell Senior Services homebound members; Care One of Jackson; Jersey Shore Pediatrics; Monmouth County Care Centers, John L. Montgomery Division, Freehold Township; Joshua House, Farmingdale.

And, Dr. Naham cancer patients; Solutions Pregnancy Center; Triton House, Point Pleasant; Valentine House, Point Pleasant; 180, Turning Lives Around, Hazlet; and United Way of Monmouth County.

The impact that the ladies of Tangled Threads make in people's lives was captured in a thank-you card that was written by a 71-year-old cancer patient named Mary Lou. She wrote, "Thank you for the crocheted hat and scarf. They fit perfectly. It was so nice of you. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated."