Winona Lake community members have made the tornado tragedy in Moore, Okla., a little easier to bear for more than 150 children. Knitters, crocheters, weavers and quilters have made over 150 care squares since May 25.

Stephen Baby, in Pierceton has also joined The Island Weaver by donating 100 pacifiers to attach to care squares as needed and have committed to more if needed.

Julia Porter coordinated the care squares project at The Island Weaver in The Village at Winona. Porter’s aunt, Pamela Thomas, a social worker and first responder at the Moore, Okla., tornado site alerted her to the need for kids in crisis saying those children needed something comforting, familiar and soothing.

Thus began “care squares,” a 14-inch by 14-inch piece of cloth with a pacifier attached at one corner. These squares are distributed to children of all ages. Thomas said that children as old as 10 or 12 may begin sucking a thumb or fingers again in times of crisis, and doctors and healthcare workers would prefer to have a pacifier for them to use. Care squares are an easy way to fill the need.

“It’s really nice to see the community come together to help another town, so far from our own,” says Porter. She and her aunt have been overwhelmed with the generosity of individuals and groups alike, providing over 150 squares, with more coming every day.  The Island Weaver is looking forward to continuing to support other charities and community projects throughout the year, both in our back yard and across the miles.

The Island Weaver, supplying local fiber enthusiasts with weaving, knitting, crochet, and spinning supplies, is located at 807 E. Canal St. in The Village at Winona and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Proprietor Lauri Hoover is a skilled weaver and spinner and has a staff of experienced knitters, crocheters in the shop regularly.

The Island Weaver can be reached at 574-268-YARN or theislandweaver.com.