A new weekly group has formed at Jaffrey Public Library called Hands with Heart that meets weekly at the library to support Knitted Knockers (handmade breast prostheses for breast cancer survivors), Project Linus (afghans and no-sew fleece blankets), Hundred Nights Homeless Shelter in Keene (socks, mittens and hats) and Mildred’s Mittens (mittens and hats for local school children in Jaffrey). 

“Our best ideas come from the community, and when library volunteer Ann Marie Given told me about Knitted Knockers, the idea was born to make this into a weekly library program that could support multiple community needs. Eileen Eber, who has worked with Project Linus in the past, was the perfect staff person to take this on,” stated Library Director Julie Perrin.

In its first few weeks, the group has completed and sent 44 breast prostheses for sizing and free distribution to breast cancer survivors, along with a pile of blankets and winter items.

“The group is enthusiastic, and it is heartwarming to be a part of helping each other learn and share,” stated Eber. 

“Hands with Heart has already exceeded any expectations I had and touched my own heart,” Given stated. “When I suggested Knitted Knockers, the organization that provides knit or crochet prosthetics for breast cancer survivors, Julie was very receptive. During our first session of making the ‘knockers,’ a woman who happened to be in the library at that time asked what we were doing. I explained the Knitted Knockers to her and then she shared her own personal journey with breast cancer. She has allowed me to crochet a prosthetic for her and I feel so honored. Hands with Heart has touched a life and made it more joyful, for both of us.”

Walmart in Rindge has provided the library with a donation for the special yarn required for the Knitted Knockers projects. Members of the community have donated other materials.

The group meets on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Bean Room at the Jaffrey Public Library. For information, send email to jperrin@jaffreypubliclibrary.org or call the library at 603-532-7301.