Rainy forecast delays communitywide scarf distribution
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Nov. 9, 2022) – The Scarf Project is pushing back its yearly distribution because of the rain in the forecast.
The group’s 7th communitywide scarf bombing was scheduled for this Friday at 14 locations across Tuscarawas County. Founder Toni Kaltenbaugh says it will now take place a week later, on November, 18th, (unless it rains that day, too.)
“And hopefully it’s not going to rain then. I looked today and it’s at a 14-percent chance so we’re saying our prayers and keeping our fingers crossed that it’s going to be cold, and hopefully a little bit of snow.”
Kaltenbaugh accepts new and handmade scarves throughout the year that volunteers hang around the community for passersby to pick up for free for one day each November. She says contributions have continued pouring in since their last count in mid-October, when they were up to more than 1,632 scarves.
“More have come in since then, so they will be going out, too… And I believe we’ll probably be a little over 2,000 this year.”
Kalenbaugh lives at 730 Tuscarawas Avenue NW in New Philadelphia and has a tote on her back porch where people can drop off their donations.
“I don’t have a cutoff here. They can drop off scarves all year long, and whatever comes in after we hang them will go for next year.”
Pickup sites for next Friday’s distribution include the New Philadelphia Rite Aid, Missions Cafe in Dover, Panhandle Passage Park, Newcomerstown Middle School, and the Port Washington Community Center. Kaltenbaugh says if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate then, it will be rescheduled again for the following Friday.