While most people spent their afternoon plopped down on a couch in front of a big screen TV on Super Bowl Sunday, a group of dedicated people gathered at Infinite Yarns to donate their time to a worthier cause. The store, located at 34 Hempstead Tpke., hosted its annual charity event prior to and during the Super Bowl called The Super Bowl Sunday Charity
Knit-Along. All of the items knitted or crocheted during the event will be sent to the SCO Family of Services, an organization that assists vulnerable families in the five boroughs and on
Long Island. Their services include homeless shelters, early childhood education centers and programs for the developmentally disabled.
Anne Schneck, owner and main operator of the store, provided the yarn and the patterns for the knitters and stayed in the store until after closing time for patrons who wished to continue their work after hours. Some choose to take any unfinished garments home with them and bring them back to Schneck later on.
Schneck will send a box of goods to the SCO about two weeks after the Super Bowl. Dozens of hats, gloves, scarfs and blankets get sent in each year. “I continue to accumulate [knitted goods] in the upcoming months,” said Schneck. “I try to send one box now and another in the fall. I sent one this past November. One finished blanket fills up the box.”
Coworkers and customers are proud of Schneck who does The Super Bowl Sunday Charity Knit-Along every year.
“It’s wonderful that Anne contributes her time and effort to assist a charitable organization,” said knitter and part-time Infinite Yarns worker Patricia Forte. “It’s very rare in today’s world. Everyone wants to be paid for their services.”
The ladies working around the table did not seem concerned with recognition for their good deed. The day became a bonding session in the company of friends while attendees shared patterns and conversation, and good will got passed along as a by-product.
Stephanie McGuckin, a city bus driver and avid knitter for the past 52 years, was excited to be a part of the charity knit-along for the first time.
“I wanted to come in early because of the coming snow and I needed some yarn… When I saw everything, I decided to stay.”
In addition to the philanthropic aspects of the day, McGuckin was also happy to take part of the activity because of the therapeutic benefits knitting and crocheting has to offer. “My blood pressure is completely normal, and it’s because of [the knitting.] My doctor said, ‘I don’t know what you’re doing, but keep doing it!’”
Schneck hopes for an even larger turnout in upcoming years. Newcomers are encouraged to get ready for next year’s Super Bowl charity. Submissions for charity can be turned in to Schneck at any time.
