Throughout the year, residents of The Legacy Willow Bend, Plano’s only life care retirement community, always look for ways to help those in need. As the holiday season approaches, they feel it is especially important to make a difference. Its with this in mind, The Ladies of The Legacy Willow Bend, the community’s knitting group, recently donated 3,837 hats, scarves, children’s blankets and washcloths they knitted or crocheted to various local organizations. The group has created more than 17,000 pieces since its inception, and the distribution event is a much-anticipated yearly tradition. At the event, the groups accepting the donations spoke individually about how they distribute the items to people in need served by their organizations. The event took place at The Legacy Willow Bend , and representatives from the following groups accepted donations at the event:
- Christ United Methodist Church
- Cochran United Methodist Church
- Dallas Police Department
- Hope’s Door
- International Refugee Committee and Pebbles Apartments
- Jewish Family Service
- Plano Police Department
- National Council of Jewish Women Greater Dallas Section
- Street Side Showers
- Trinity Basin Preparatory
- Vickery Meadow Food Pantry and Clothes Closet
“As a Jewish sponsored not-for-profit organization, we take pride in supporting other not-for-profit organizations which depend on the generosity of others to make a difference for those they serve,” said Rivae Campo, volunteer coordinator at The Legacy Willow Bend. “Our residents are always seeking ways to give back, and The Ladies of The Legacy Willow Bend are the perfect example of that dedication to service. Each year, we are awed and inspired by the number of items they create and send out to the local community, and we look forward to sharing in their joy as we hear firsthand from the organizations receiving the items.”
The Ladies of The Legacy Willow Bend work on their precious projects throughout the year by knitting and crocheting together each week and individually in their spare time. For the past eight years, the group has remained steadfast in its commitment to provide articles of clothing to the area homeless and families in need. The group is passionate about the importance of volunteering and giving back to the greater community, and sees the annual distribution event as a culmination of their dedication and efforts. They meet each week on Monday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. to work on their special items. For group member and resident Betty “Jo” Frie, participating in the group gives her sense of satisfaction.
“Being a member of The Ladies of The Legacy Willow Bend is incredibly meaningful for me,” said Frie. “For the past three years, it has provided me with joy and a reminder of the blessings I have received over the years. I make an impact on the lives of those in need, and it’s something that I will continue doing for years to come. As the event gets closer there is a sense of excitement, especially thinking of all the wonderful pieces being together in one place. It’s something special to see and fulfilling to be a part of as we listen to those receiving the items and learn more about who will benefit from them. We’re fortunate to have the support of the greater community and receive many donations of yarn that makes this event possible each year. We are thankful for everyone who donates and helps us make these creations.”
“We’re honored to stand alongside The Ladies of The Legacy Willow Bend and are proud to have them as members of our community,” said Laura Levy, executive director of The Legacy Willow Bend. “The group reminds all of us about the power of generosity and thoughtfulness, and we are extremely proud of all they accomplish.”
If you are interested in supporting The Ladies of The Legacy Willow Bend in their work and would like to support their efforts, please consider donating yarn. The ladies work with medium worsted weight yarn, and would appreciate any help from the community. Donations to the group may be dropped off with the concierge at the front desk at The Legacy Willow Bend.