On the third Thursday of each month at 1 p.m., the Margaret Room at Givens Highland Farms fills with conversation, creativity, and compassion as residents gather for the Charity Knitting and Crochet group. Part social gathering and part service project, the group offers residents a meaningful way to connect with one another while giving back to the broader community.
The Charity Knitting and Crochet group was founded several years ago by Givens Highland Farms resident Betsy Stobbs, whose vision created a welcoming space where skilled knitters and crocheters, along with those eager to learn, could come together with a shared purpose. Today, the group is led by Beth Hoffman, who continues to foster an inclusive, supportive environment where residents are encouraged to bring their projects, share stories, catch up with friends, and enjoy a strong sense of community.
While the atmosphere is relaxed and social, the group’s impact is significant. Each year, members collectively create between 200 and 250 knitted and crocheted items, including blankets, hats, and other handmade pieces. These items are donated to organizations throughout the region, such as the Givens Highland Farms Health Care Center, Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry, and the Black Mountain Children’s Home. Through their handiwork, residents provide comfort, warmth, and care to people of all ages, extending generosity beyond campus and into the greater Black Mountain community.
For many participants, the group represents more than a monthly meeting. It is a powerful expression of resident philanthropy. Every stitch reflects care, intention, and connection, enriching both those who receive the handmade gifts and the residents who create them. The Charity Knitting and Crochet group exemplifies how individual talents can come together to create lasting impact and reinforce Givens Highland Farms’ commitment to service, compassion, and community engagement.
Residents interested in knitting or crocheting, whether experienced or just beginning, are warmly welcomed to join and become part of this long-standing tradition of giving.
If you feel inspired to support resident groups, you can make a gift to Givens Life Enrichment by visiting https://givensphilanthropy.org/giving/.