Loop of Love: Hillsborough seniors knit beanies for Tampa Bay's smallest babies – wtsp.com

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LUTZ, Fla. — Some of the oldest members of our community are doing what they can to help the youngest, most fragile babies. 
Everyday at the Lutz Senior Center, it’s not unusual to find a table of friends talking and knitting in a so-called “circle of love.” 
  It used to be a just 2 or 3 folks enjoying a hobby, but now it’s a mission to help babies. Theresa Browning is one of the knitters who has been going there for years. 
“Everybody has a special gift. As we age, it’s hard to find things that we can do,” she said. “The group of 3 is probably 30 or 40 now.”
Founder of Beanies 4 Babies Ron Clark said the organization focuses on providing the little hats to newborns that are preemies. 
He and his wife, Gloria, founded Beanies 4 Babies in 2019. Back then, it was small, with only 2 or 3 friends doing the knitting, until they partnered with the Lutz Senior Center. 
“It’s main focus is to keep their heads warm,” he said. “And all these ladies and a couple of gentlemen jumped in and started doing it to where we gave away over 10,000 beanies in the Tampa Bay area.”
Now, Browning said it’s more than just beanies. 
“We started out just doing hats. We went to bracelets, we went to blankets, we went to shawls and every time Ron comes, I’m sure he’s surprised by what the variety is,” she said.
Center supervisor Belkys Poueriet said she knows how much this program means to everyone. 
“It gives them a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that their handmade creations are making a difference with newborns and their families,” she said. 
The organization helps loop together a community of people that may never meet but will always be connected by a simple stitch of love. One senior named Pam Clark called it the ‘hands of love.’ 
“It feels wonderful, giving back,” she said.
The Lutz Senior Center is part of Hillsborough County’s Aging Services, offering different programs for seniors all across the county. 

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