February 23, 2012 (Sacramento):  Alice Birney Waldorf-Inspired eK-8 School students are staging a “Knit Together” in Reichmuth Park on Saturday, part of a six-week knit-a-thon to raise money for the school and supply needy children with blankets.

The children have collected pledges for donations based on how many knitted squares they can produce between when the knit-a-thon started January 28 and March 2. The squares will then be crocheted together to produce blankets for Project Linus, which will distribute them to children who are homeless, ill or otherwise in need of comforting.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to learn the value of community service,” said Principal Mechelle Horning. “I am very proud of our students and our staff who work hard to teach children that they can make a difference in the world no matter how young.”

The four students who knit the most squares and raise the most money will win a special celebratory lunch with Horning.

Knitting, crocheting, sewing and other “hand work” helps children develop fine motor skills, which are crucial to the development of writing. Knitting also aids in pattern recognition, which is critical to thinking and problem-solving. Because of these virtues, Waldorf-inspired schools include hand work in the curriculum.
                                                                                                                                                                                
WHAT:                  Alice Birney “Knit Together”
WHEN:                 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 25
WHERE:               Reichmuth Park