Group Creates Handmade Projects to Support Neighbors in Need

In October of 2022, the Stitches craft group at Moving Communities to Christ (MCC) Church in Morgantown changed its named to MCC Stitches and switched the location of its monthly meetings to the Village Library of Morgantown. The move was part of an effort to have community members join the group and work on sewing projects that benefit people in need.

MCC Stitches, which meets at the library on the fourth Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon, with the exception of July, August and December, is continuing its efforts under the guidance of group leaders Kara Campbell, Brenda Pearsall and Becky Minarik.

Campbell reported that in 2025, MCC Stitches made donations to several local organizations, including Refresh Berks, soap sacks and washcloths; Hope Rescue Mission, hats and scarves; Lighthouse Women & Children's Center, hats, scarves, blankets and washcloths; Gift of Life, lap blankets; Shar's Hands, soap sacks, washcloths, hats and scarves; Opportunity House, blankets; and Safe Berks, blankets and hats.

The group also contributed items to a street mission in York. "One of our members has a friend in York who has a coat rack where she puts out scarves and hats for the homeless or anyone who walks by and needs them," Campbell noted.

Club members, including Campbell and Cindy Schmeltz, deliver the handmade items. "I specifically go to an organization called Shar's Hands, a shelter for women and children," Campbell said. "Cindy goes to the Opportunity House (and other locations), and she brings hats, lap blankets, scarves and gloves. MCC does a street mission, and Cindy goes out in the city of Reading, where they give clothing to the homeless. She does a majority of the distributions."

MCC Stitches is free and open to people of all ages who knit or crochet or who want to learn. All supplies are included, or sewers may bring their own projects. "We provide all the tools you need to learn, and if the person wants to try knitting or crocheting, they can take their yarn and hook or knitting needles home and continue practicing," Campbell stated.

"I also have coloring (pages) and diamond art if you don't crochet or knit," she added.

Light snacks are provided, and each gathering begins with a Christian devotional reading that relates to a craft or fiber arts.

"Sometimes we have moms and kids. The youngest child (who attended) was 8 years old. Child care is not provided, but if they have really small children, the library has a playroom," Campbell noted.

Those who cannot attend meetings may participate by donating items they have created at home. "We have people that participate 'virtually.' They will make stuff and drop it off on the Saturday we meet. Some people want to be helpful and can't make the meetings," said Campbell. Those who have items or yarn to donate may contact Campbell to arrange pickup.

Campbell said that she is pleased with the growth of the group and its ability to serve others. Attendees enjoy the social aspect as well. "It was the best decision (to move the group). We wanted to make things that actually got into people's hands," she shared. "Hanging out is nice, too. Everyone makes friends. We laugh, we have snacks, we talk and learn from each other. It's a good community."

The Village Library is located at 207 N. Walnut St., Morgantown. For more information about the craft group or to donate items, email kara.campbell48@gmail.com or join the "MCC Stitches" Facebook group.