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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. Laura Pinson was so pleased with the care her aunt received during her final days at the White Plains Hospital that she decided to take her friend up on her request to join Knit-Wits, a volunteer group that sells its knitted goods and donates the profits to the hospital.
"She was here two weeks and she was in hospice, so she was dying. The care was phenomenal. Everyone was compassionate and honest. They made her last days so comfortable," said Pinson, a White Plains resident who joined Knit-Wits this fall. "This is my way of giving back and saying thank you."
Pinson joined a group of approximately 20 women who first banded together about two decades ago to knit sweaters, scarves, ponchos, jackets, baby suits, purses, vests, hats, gloves and other goods to benefit the White Plains Hospital. The group includes avid knitters, former hospital employees, and other Westchester residents who meet every Friday to coordinate special orders and plan future inventory details. The Knit-Wits have raised approximately $500,000 for the hospital while selling its work in the hospital lobby once or twice a month since the group's inception.
"All of the money we earn goes to the hospital unless people give us donations and we buy yarn or needles with it," said Diana Russo, a Scarsdale resident, who joined the Knit-Wits about eight years ago. "We're down to about 15 to 20 people tops but everybody does their specialty, so it works out nicely."
Laura said she's noticed that the Knit-Wits have had less visibility as hospital stays have shortened over the years. The knitting crew has begun taking special orders from hospital staff and regular customers to boost sales.
For those looking to stock up on winter gear, the Knit-Wits will be setting up shop in the hospital lobby next on Jan. 11.
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