The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Northwest Indiana (RSVP of NWI) of United Way completed their annual Crafting for Love Drive. Volunteers made an array of items, by hand, from scarves and mittens to teddy bears and blankets, to be given out as Christmas presents in Lake, LaPorte, Starke, and Porter Counties.
This year, the annual project brought in more than 400 hand made items that were then turned into 186 presents given to different non-profit agencies throughout the region. “Our volunteers spend all year knitting and sewing to make this drive happen,” Michael Glorioso, Director of RSVP of NWI said. “They have so much fun wrapping the gifts, they spent their year making them. Knowing the gifts will be going to those in need makes it all the more rewarding.”
This year over 10 non-profits received gifts to be given out to the individuals they serve. These agencies include Hilltop Neighborhood House, Starke County Community Services, Campagna Academy, We Care from the Heart, and the Blue Star Mothers.
A representative from Hilltop Neighborhood House said, “Last Monday, Santa visited the children of Hilltop, and each child that met him received a book and two stuffed animals. It was a great day seeing all of their smiling faces.”
According to Mr. Glorioso, the annual drive has grown each and every year. This year they received donations from the RSVP members, First United Methodist Church, and the Reading Buddies Program of United Way. Christmas is often called the season of giving and it seems that the RSVP of NWI is keeping that idea alive and well. For more information about the Crafting for Love drive or RSVP of NWI, call Michael Glorioso at 219-464-3583 or email him at Michael@unitedwaypc.org