Continuing our theme of “do unto others,” while your kids are making Valentines for Vets (see last week’s blog), please put your own knitting skills to work for the children of Newtown, Conn.
Creators of the Kissing Hand Mitten Project are collecting handmade mittens with hearts sewn or knitted into the palm, inspired by the children’s book “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn. In the story, a little raccoon is afraid to start school, so his mother gives him a kiss in his palm. If he feels scared or lonely, he can put his hand to his cheek and feel his mother’s love.
The special mittens will be given to children in elementary schools in Newtown, Conn., during a reading of “The Kissing Hand” by the author. Each elementary school student in Newtown will also receive a copy of the book, donated by the publisher.
The goal for the project is to collect about 2,000 pairs of mittens by the end of February. Knitters from all across the country have been donating mittens. “Kissing hand” mittens can be sent to: The Kissing Hand Mitten Project, 93 E. High St., East Hampton, CT 06424. Check the project’s Facebook site for updates about what’s needed, and photos of donated mittens: facebook.com/TheKissingHandMittenProject.