Communitywide “scarf bombing” Friday at 13 local sites
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Nov. 7, 2024) – If you need a scarf, you can get one for free tomorrow.
Friday is distribution day for The Scarf Project. Coordinator Toni Kaltenbaugh says local pickup sites include the Mineral City Library, Dover St John’s Church, Starlight Enterprises, and the place where the project got its start.
“The New Philadelphia Rite Aid building… even though Rite Aid’s not there, we’ll still be there on the corner on the fence. We’re going to hang them out there anyway because that’s a high-traffic area.”
The complete list of locations is on the WJER/WTUZ website and Facebook page. Kaltenbaugh and her helpers have around 1,400 of them to give out this year, along with hats, gloves, and other warm winter items.
“It was designed for the individual that needs help but won’t ask, and it’s anonymous. They can take whatever they need. If they have five kids and need five sets of scarves – take ‘em. No questions. No money.”
All of the items being distributed were either purchased and donated or handmade by volunteer knitters.
“This does a lot other than just warming people with scarves. There’s people that this is their purpose. Like people in nursing homes who don’t have a purpose anymore, they can make scarves and feel good about themselves.”
Meanwhile, Kaltenbaugh says the project will continue after next year. Since announcing her retirement plans, she has received several offers to take over the initiative but she’s still deciding which is the best fit.