Volunteers welcome to join Operation Warm Hearts
Area residents interested in volunteering their time and talents to knit, crochet, or sew items for local charitable organizations are welcome to join the Operation Warm Hearts group at King-Bruwaert House (KBH) in Burr Ridge. The group meets at 1pm on the third Tuesday of the month (March thru October) in the lower-level Woods Inn of the senior community located at 6101 S. County Line Road. Members make items that include hats, scarves, mittens, baby items, lap robes, blankets, booties and infant outfits that are kept in storage until fall when the items are then distributed to several local agencies.
Operation Warm Hearts began in 2010 when founding members hosted their first meeting to discuss a plan for sharing their skills and socializing with others as a common bond. Members enjoy the camaraderie of meeting each month and creating useful items of all colors and sizes. Agencies that receive the items include Anna M. Jeans School, the National Association for Down Syndrome, Family Shelter, Pillars, and the National Children’s Shelter of the Philippines. More than 350 pieces were donated to these agencies in 2022.
In October, the group hosts an annual Open House in which they display all the items that have made during their season. Guests are invited to visit the Open House to view all the beautiful, handmade items that will then be donated to infants, children, families and older adults.
“It’s so inspiring to see so many people who have a passion for helping others,” said Shareen Klasing, who helps to coordinate the monthly meetings. “There’s an emotional spirit in the room and it’s an amazing gathering of some very dedicated people.”
The next meeting will be held at 1p.m. on Tuesday, March 21. For more information, contact Shareen at (630) 230-9529 or shareenk@kbhouse.org
