Winona Lake, Ind., and Moore, Okla., may be 870 miles away, but will soon be connected by yarn and love.  Julia Porter, an employee at The Island Weaver in The Village at Winona, and her aunt, Pamela Thomas, of Tulsa, Okla., were on the phone last Tuesday morning after the horrifying tornado that ravaged Moore. Pamela, a first responder and a social worker, was on the scene in Moore while she and Julia talked about what they needed and what could be done from here.

According to Thomas, kids in crisis need something comforting, familar and soothing.  Enter “care squares,” a 14″x14″ piece of cloth with a pacifier attached at one corner.  These squares are distributed to children of all ages. Thomas said that children as old as 10 or 12 may begin sucking a thumb or fingers again in times of crisis, and doctors and healthcare workers would prefer to have a pacifier for them to use. Care squares are an easy way to fill the need.

Locally, The Island Weaver at The Village at Winona is collecting and sending care squares for Moore, Oklahoma by way of Thomas. The care squares can be knit, crochet, woven or sewn out of soft cloth. They must be 14″x14,” machine washable, soft, cuddly and kid friendly colors. The Island Weaver has a large number of pacifiers that can be attached at the shop before shipping. The Island Weaver also has a few looms ready to weave care squares, so you can also stop in and weave on a “shop square” to send.

The Island Weaver, supplying local fiber enthusiasts with weaving, knitting, crochet, and spinning supplies, is located at 807 E. Canal St., in The Village at Winona and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Proprietor, Lauri Hoover, is a skilled weaver and spinner and has a staff of experienced knitters, crocheters in the shop regularly.

The Island Weaver can be reached at 574-268-YARN or www.theislandweaver.com.