That’s exactly what The Thimblemill Knit and Natter group and the Oakham Knit and Natter group at Sandwell Libraries are doing at their weekly get togethers and now the knitting groups are getting together with Sandwell Children’s Trust to make knitted gifts for local children supported by the Trust.

Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, joined members of knitting groups from Oakham and Thimblemill Libraries for the official hand-over of the cuddly toys which will be given to children with a postcard explaining where the gifts have come from as a random act of kindness and love, at Thimblemill library.

Cllr Hartwell said, ‘It’s absolutely lovely!  Sandwell Libraries deserve such credit for setting up the knitting groups – but that’s no surprise, as there are so many fantastic things happening in our libraries.  But the real stars are our knitters!  They socialise and make valuable friendships through these groups, supporting each other. But it’s typical of Sandwell people that they are always thinking of other people too and in this case the cuddly toys they are making with love are going to such a good cause.Sandwell should be proud of our knitting groups!’

Sue Hammond, of the Thimblemill Knit and Natter group added; ‘Libraries bring people together and we have loved joining our friends from the Oakham Library knitters, to create this fantastic project for children cared for by Sandwell Children’s Trust.

We all love to knit for good causes and between us have supported local hospitals, baby charities and dog rescues, to bring comfort to our communities. We hope that our woolly creations will make young faces light up and show local young people just how much we care.’

The cuddly toys were gratefully received on behalf of Sandwell Children’s Trust, by Jackie Hodgkins, Communications Manager for the Trust, who said; ‘We’re thrilled with these lovely gifts that will mean so much to the children we care for.  Every one of these toys is unique and has been made with such love.  They’ll become very precious to the children who receive them.

We’ve loved working with the knitting groups on this project – they’re all fantastic people and we want to thank Sandwell Library Services for setting up this brilliant project.’

Volunteer Development Manager form Sandwell Libraries, Melissa Guest added: ‘it’s been a privilege working with all the knitters, who are just so keen to share what they make and donate things that will be used, loved and cherished.

This is absolutely what our libraries are for, giving spaces to community groups to get together and connect with people in Sandwell.  If you do one new thing this year, visit your local library – I guarantee you’ll be amazed at how much is going on for people of all ages!’

These gifts send a powerful message that our community cares. It shows our children and young people that they are valued, that they matter, and that there are people willing to stand with them during difficult times.