Bloomington needlework group supports breast cancer survivors
A local needlework group of about 30 members is making a significant impact on cancer survivors and children in need through their handmade creations. The group contributes to Knitted Knockers, a national organization that provides handmade prostheses to breast cancer survivors.
The Bloomington needlework group has found a meaningful way to give back to their community by creating knitted prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomies. The idea was introduced to the group at Creekside, and members have since become dedicated contributors to the Knitted Knockers organization, which provides these specialized items to breast cancer survivors at no cost.
The group's efforts are coordinated through "One Good Deed," which serves as Minnesota's official collection and distribution point for Knitted Knockers. Since June 2024, One Good Deed has been processing and distributing the prostheses made by the Bloomington group and other volunteers across the state.
Beyond their work with Knitted Knockers, the needlework group's impact extends to other vulnerable populations. Members have produced and donated over 4,000 knitted items, including hats, scarves, and fidget toys designed for children with special needs. This broader charitable work has helped foster a supportive community environment where members can contribute their skills to help others.
The group's activities demonstrate how local volunteers can address real needs in their community. By combining their needlework skills with a commitment to service, the 30-member group has created a sustainable model for supporting both cancer survivors and children in need. Their work highlights the power of grassroots community organizations to make a tangible difference in people's lives.
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Source document
[0:01] It is a very special group.
[0:03] They're an amazing group of ladies.
[0:05] They're very giving.
[0:06] Knitted Knockers is a national organization
[0:09] that provides, knit and crocheted,
handmade prostheses for women
[0:13] that, have gone through mastectomy,
due to breast cancer
[0:18] or any other reason
that they had their breasts removed.
[0:22] I've been partnered with Needleworkers
for four years, on a variety
[0:26] of other things, but One Good Deed became
the state of Minnesota's
[0:30] Knitted Knocker collection
and distribution
[0:34] point in June of 2024.
[0:37] And since that time, we have sent out over
[0:40] 325 pairs of Knitted Knockers.
[0:43] I've been coming for about four years.
[0:45] Just after I was diagnosed
with breast cancer.
[0:48] I'm a four year survivor.
[0:49] It was a very basic, stage zero.
[0:51] So I was a lucky one.
[0:53] Michelle came in one day to Creekside
and had this note
[0:57] for how to make the Knockers. And it’s, like,
it just hit me.
[1:01] I was like, I needed to help somebody
because I didn't need it.
[1:05] I was lucky enough not to need it.
[1:07] But there's a lot that do,
and I knew my talent could handle that.
[1:11] And so that's kind of where we got
started on that.
[1:14] And we've been making Knockers ever since.
[1:18] And all of the knockers
that we send out in
[1:21] this state are made in this state,
which we're really proud of.
[1:25] This group in particular knits
probably 75% of what's sent out.
[1:30] They do a great job of it.
[1:32] And they do a variety of different items,
[1:36] whether it's knit, crochet.
[1:38] Most of them want the hats and scarves.
[1:40] Some of us make other things.
[1:42] I, on the other hand,
make items for special needs children,
[1:45] which are little fidgets. Everybody does
something and it's all donated.
[1:49] Last year, I believe we donated over 4000.
[1:52] We take donated yarns here, which is
very nice and that helps us get along.
[1:57] There's probably about 30 of us.
[1:58] This has been going on,
I think, for 30 or 40 years,
[2:02] the needlework group.
And, it's a little crowded right now
[2:05] because we are in a temporary home,
but we’ll still always take people.
[2:09] If anybody wants to come join us,
we have a good time.
[2:11] Thursday morning,
start at 9 o’clock, go to about 11:30.
[2:15] And there's always somebody to talk to.
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