By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

When Lauren Bone was young, her grandma and mom taught her how to knit and crochet. Years later, she has relearned the craft and is using it to help make warm items for those left in the cold.

“I really like doing things to make other people happy,” said Bone, a sophomore, who started Crafts for the Cold, a student organization devoted to knitting, crocheting and making warm items for those in need and just for fun.

“When we get bored in the dorms, we end up crocheting and kitting. I figured there were more students out there doing the same thing,” Bone said. “I wanted to give people a reason to come out and help others.”

Crafts for the Cold is not just a student organization. The group invites all students, faculty, staff and community members to help make scarves, hats and mittens for those in need. Experience isn’t necessary.

Crafts for the Cold recently taught a group of six how to crochet and the members are willing to help teach anyone who wants to learn. The group also has purchased instructional books to help beginners and those who want to try different patterns and styles.

Crochet hooks and knitting needles also are available from the group to be signed out and used. Yarn also is available, however, all yarn purchased with Crafts for the Cold money must be made into items that will be donated.

Crafters turn out every week during the Crafts for the Cold’s Wednesday evening meetings and work on various projects with the group. They lend each other support and guidance as needed.

Crafts for the Cold is participating in a number of service projects in the upcoming months, including Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 3, and a Martin Luther King Jr. Day community project. For MLK Day, Crafts for the Cold invites students, faculty and staff to come to the Fireside Lounge on Monday, Jan. 16, and make a fabric square that will be use to construct afghans for those in need.

Crafts for the Cold meets every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Student Activities Office, 49 Oakland Center. For more information, contact Lauren Bone at lnbone@oakland.edu or Elizabeta Saveski at esaveski@oakland.edu.