As some of you may know, I make sock monkeys for a Charity based here in NYC. While this little hobby has provided countless hours of entertainment for my family (just think what a monkey tail between the legs looks like), it's also spawned a whole new creativity thing for me. So far my role within the charity has been limited to fundraising (making a selling the monkeys) and attending a board meeting or two, but last night I decided to take the plunge as see what the charity is really all about.
Up in the posher regions of the UES, on Park Avenue itself there is a women's shelter. Last night I helped to run a workshop to teach these women how to make monkeys. Now I know that some of you are probably thinking, "what the hell good is it to teach a homeless person how to make a freakin' sockmonkey", and I have to admit I was a little skeptical myself at first. Frankly I was downright terrified of how the idea and I would be received.
But these women were so friendly and attentive, creative and boisterous I had a whale of a time, a complete natural high. Of course I was saddened by the number of women with obvious disability and mental health issues, the women who could have been, should have been someone's granny. I'm supposed to help put every other Wednesday, but I have a feeling I'll be back there again next week.
I for one believe that if you teach someone to make something, anything, it provides a much deeper service than merely making an item. It provides the maker with a sense of accomplishment and that is very valid and very important. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteBTW, yes, you can bring needles and hooks on the plane now. I leave my shears in my suitcase though. However, flying is yarn friendly again! Yay!!
That's exactly how I felt, the women were so receptive and proud of what they'd made it was really touching. I'm really looking forward to going back!
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