The following story was written and reported by David Arredondo, Native Sun News Summer Journalism Intern. All content © Native Sun News.

RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA –– Helping Hands for Hope, a nonprofit crochet and knitting group giving hope and comfort to those in need, is looking for people to donate their time and skills.

Generous individuals are needed to make either crocheted or knitted squares that are 6 inches wide by12 inches long to be joined together as afghans, hats, scarves, bags and other items for various groups and other nonprofit organizations in the community.

“We just started it last month,” said Nina Sime, Helping Hands for Hope co-founder. “We’re trying to find people to join us in making crocheted squares to join into blankets and scarves to donate to organizations – whoever is in need of warmth and comfort.”

Pondi and Dan Gluhm are also co-founders of Helping Hands.

Individuals wishing to donate can create their own designs or use any pattern for crochet squares – all patterns will be accepted.

Those don’t know how to knit or crochet can still help by donating yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks.

The drop-off site is the Morningside Cafe, located at 710 North La Crosse St. Additionally, the group is requesting that everyone who donates items attach a card with their names so they can be acknowledged.

Some community organizations and groups Helping Hands of Hope is anticipating giving to include Working Against Violence Inc., Black Hills Children’s Home, Foster Care Association, Cornerstone Rescue Mission, senior citizens, veterans, deployed troops and their families, and newborn babies.

“The sky is really the limit as to who we can give a little hope, warmth and love to,” says Helping Hands’ information flier.

For additional information, contact Nina Sime or Pondi Gluhm by phone at (605) 348-2233 or in person at Morningside Cafe.

(Contact David Arredondo at layout@nsweekly.com)