A husband can only use so many scarves, even handmade ones from his wife. So when Dana Getz's husband had more than his share, Mrs. Getz turned her new found knitting skills to warm others -- and KnitHope was born.

"I thought that there had to be somebody who could use them," she said.

This is the third year that Mrs. Getz of McCandless is making and collecting scarves for those in need. "The idea is not only that they are keeping people warm, but that they are something made for them by someone who cares," she said.

The first year, Mrs. Getz asked friends to help, and scarves were distributed through Light of Life Ministries on the North Side. Last year, she expanded her efforts to supply North Hills Community Outreach, where she has been as a volunteer. She estimated she collected and distributed approximately 200 scarves. This year the goal is 400 scarves, and she has arranged for drop-off sites in the community.

Mrs. Getz received a small grant by the Open Your Heart to a Senior project through United Way of Allegheny County to fund expansion of the project. Using the grant, Mrs. Getz has held two "KnitHope Knit-Alongs" at Ross Hill Retirement Residence in Ross. The goal is to match seniors with younger crafters to create the scarves, but the knit-alongs also encourage knitters to pass along skills and traditions of the craft to others.

"Traditionally, that is how knitting was taught, down through the generations," she said. The last of three knit-alongs held since the end of August will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at the residence. At the first two programs, Mrs. Getz said she was delighted with the interaction of the knitters.

"We had some absolute beginners who had someone take them under their wing and show them how to knit. That is exactly what I was hoping for," she said, "and the conversation was wonderful. It was a real social event."

A group at Epworth United Methodist Church in Shaler has also become involved, Mrs. Getz said.

While most participants make two or three scarves, some make as many as 15, she said.

Jean Ancellotti of Indiana Township is one of the knitters from the church. "The women do it completely from the heart. We make them, and then on Oct. 12, we will have a blessing of the scarves before we send them off," she said.

Nancy Jones from North Hills Community Outreach's Faith in Action Program said the scarves were a big hit last year. "Dana gave us about 30 scarves and we were able to give them to seniors and women and children in their holiday gift packages. They loved getting something beautiful and colorful, made by hand. It just meant so much to them," she said.

Mrs. Getz's friends and family have also helped with her project. A friend designed her logo and website and her sister is teaching her coworkers how to knit. "I've been so lucky," she said.

As the mother of a 2-year old and a 4-year old, and a part-time yoga instructor, the project has kept her even busier. "It just took off. I haven't had time to make any scarves of my own, but this is wonderful," she said.

The following are KnitHope collection sites: Andrew Bayne Memorial Library in Bellevue; Avalon Public Library in Avalon; Northland Public Library in McCandless; and Epworth United Methodist Church in Shaler.

Information: www.knithope.org.

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