A little knitting goes along way

-- Dara Trooien-Leitner

"Knit a cap and save a baby." That’s what Joanna Bradshaw, a Metropolitan State University student, thought when she heard that the Save the Children, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to working for children who suffer from poverty. Save the children and the Warm Up America! Foundation, whose members create handmade afghan blankets, clothing and accessories for people in need, joined forces to create the "Knitters and Crocheters for Newborns: Caps to the Capital" campaign.

It is reported that in impoverished countries two million newborn babies die within the first 24 hours after birth each year. Placing a knit or crocheted cap on a baby’s head for warmth could potentially save their life.

A total of 1,827 people from Minnesota participated, the most from any other state. Bradshaw said approximately 33,000 caps were made in Minnesota, and that Metropolitan State made around 300 caps. More than 281,000 caps total were knit and crocheted for the Caps to the Capital Campaign, according to Save the Children.

Before being delivered to mothers and babies in Save the Children’s health facilities in Bangladesh and Malawi, the caps will make a pit stop to visit President George Bush in Washington, D.C. Personal notes from the knitters are pinned to each cap urging increased support for programs in poor countries that would help save newborn lives, according to a press release.

Bradshaw learned of the campaign in an online Intercultural Communications course this past fall. She knew of a lot of knitters and crocheters on campus and thought it would be fun to get together and support the cause.

"We started in late fall making [the caps], and they needed to be in the mail by Jan. 2. Once I saw the statistics of the number of babies in need, it was difficult not to become involved," said Bradshaw.

Bradshaw selects a nonprofit organization or a worthy cause to support as part of the Winter Season Celebration each year, she said. "There are many important causes in the Twin Cities area, but I thought this year it would be nice to go global."

When asked how she thought we were able to beat out 49 other states, Bradshaw said that although she’s only been part of the Minnesota community for the past seven years, when it comes to helping out she’s never been disappointed at the response of its citizens.

"I get involved so that others in need can gain and the same goes for Metropolitan State. The staff and faculty have always stepped up to the plate when needed and have generously supported important causes," Bradshaw added.

A recognition ceremony was held on Feb. 17 at the Mall of America. Congressional Representative Betty McCollum was there and mentioned she knew that the people of Metropolitan State were busy knitting away.