About five years ago, when Erica Shirk moved from Pennsylvania to Oregon, pastor Dawn Ranck-Hower of New Holland Mennonite Church (NHMC), 18 Western Ave., contacted Shirk's daughter, Hilda, to ask what Erica had been doing for Union Community Care on New Holland Avenue in Lancaster. "Erica would make crafts for them," explained Ranck-Hower, an avid crocheter who soon learned that Union Community Care was in need of afghans. Ranck-Hower explained that the afghans are given to babies of immigrants who do not have a family member or friend here to make a handcrafted blanket for their baby.

Ranck-Hower quickly connected with a few other crocheters at church, who then invited their family members to help out. The group's first year making afghans for Union was 2021. More than 400 handmade items were created in 2023 and delivered in early 2024. Ranck-Hower reported that 223 afghans, 24 quilts, and 155 bibs were crocheted or knitted. "The year before that, we did about 200 afghans," she said. The goal for the coming year is to donate at least 350 items.

Ranck-Hower referred to the group of fiber arts aficionados as "a family affair," noting that three family units are involved and that members have met together as a group only twice. Ranck-Hower has involved her sister Eileen Ranck and her mother, Rosanna Ranck, who makes baby bibs as well as afghans. Sue Martin and her mother, Mary Shuot, are also involved, as are Dawn Kaczor and her family members, which include her daughter, Elsa Lantz, who lives in Colorado; mother, Valetta Kaczor; and sister, Carla Kaczor, both of whom live in the Souderton area.

"Sue and Dawn are usually crocheting during church," said Ranck-Hower, who is not bothered by attendees who crochet during her sermons because she understands that the hobby does not interfere with listening skills. "Everywhere we go, we're crocheting," she said. Dawn Kaczor, an elementary school teacher, called the effort a "creative outlet," noting that crocheting helps her to wind down at the end of the day. Martin crochets while attending Zoom meetings, and Eileen crochets while watching television in the evenings.

The group members estimate that they work 15 to 20 hours a week creating 30-inch afghans. Dawn Kaczor's husband delivers the items to the New Holland Pike Union Community Care because it is near his work. "They have an average of 30 births a month," said Dawn Kaczor. "When (expectant mothers) come for checkups before birth, they can pick a blanket."

"Nothing is rejected," added Martin, who noted that some of the blankets are done in very bright colors and that the group members learned that Congolese women favor those blankets.

Readers who have questions may email newhollandmennonitechurch@gmail.com or call 717-354-0602.