Thomas Jefferson’s knitting possé comes together to make hats for the troops.
Artwork by Rebecca Holt
For its second year now, Thomas Jefferson has been giving assistance and support to the troops by participating in the Knit For Our Troops organization. “The program is in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain USO,” said TJ Librarian and Knitting Guru Sudi Stodola.
Knit For Our Troops is an ongoing program that allows students, and anyone else who wants to contribute, the opportunity to knit hats that are sent out to U.S. troops in other countries (as well as those who are based in the U.S.) for warmth. “We start in November and continue knitting until the end of school,” said Stodola. “All materials have to be labeled, because of the diverse range of flammability each one presents.”
The organization is initiated by Chris Loffelmacher, who runs the programs at the Denver Public Libraries. “We actually have two connections to Chris here at TJ. He has two sons, one who graduated from TJ [Aaron] and the other who is still attending [Matt],” said Stodola.
The Knit and Lit club at TJ meets every Tuesday and Thursday after school, and during Excel Time on Wednesdays. “I didn’t know how to knit until I joined the club. It was pretty hard at first, but you learn. I’ve been knitting ever since, from scarves to the hats for the soldiers,” said Knit Club Member Feben Asfaw.
Stodola runs two collection days during the entirety of the project. “I try to collect as many as I can before spring break and then before senior check out,” said Stodola. “It’s better during spring break because seniors have a lot going on towards the end of the school year.”
Members are still being accepted, and all students are encouraged to join, even if it’s just to knit one hat. “Any student can join,” said Stodola. “Your first ball of yarn is free!”
Stodola has also decided to add a special incentive to students for the sake of the project. “If any senior brings a hat they knitted in before May 17th (Senior Check-Out), I will personally take five dollars off his or her overdue fees.”
