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Tri-Cities' Project Warm-Up overflows with fleece

18.05.12

PASCO — Thanks to Project Warm-Up, more than 300 blankets, hats and baby clothes will keep needy Tri-Citians warm.

Donations began flooding in soon after New Year's Day, and volunteers immediately began knitting, crocheting and sewing.

That means more scarves, gloves and lap robes will be given this year to children and clients served by agencies such as the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission, Grace Clinic and the Benton-Franklin Health District.

Holli Calder-Cox, the project director, said help poured in after a public plea in early January for supplies including yarn, fleece and flannel. Most volunteers can't afford to buy the supplies for all the warm items they make.

"I am so impressed by the generosity of this community," she said.

Project Warm-Up essentially was out of materials after the program spent almost all year homeless.

The all-volunteer program was housed at the Benton Franklin Volunteer Center, but the nonprofit closed in January 2011, and Calder-Cox said the group lost its space.

Source: Mid Columbia Tri City Herald