YMCA student learns to knit. An innovative and unique intergenerational learning program has begun at the West Broad Street YMCA located at 1110 May Street, Savannah, GA.

This program, a partnership between Coats and Clarke Corporation, Warm Up America Foundation, The Housing Authority of Savannah, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah Arts Academy, and Senior Citizens, Inc., provides an opportunity for those skilled in the art of knitting and crochet to pass their knowledge and skill onto a younger generation.

Volunteers from SCAD, Savannah Arts, and local seniors come to the West Broad Street YMCA twice a week and work with children in grades 3-5. All of the supplies are donated through the Warm Up America Foundation and each child has his or her own box of supplies.

"This is one of the most fun things I have done in a long time," says Phillppa Paddington one of the volunteers. "I have loved knitting and crochet for years. To be able to teach someone else, especially a young child, and see their face light up as they start to actually make something is incredible!"

The pilot program began at the end of October and will run through the middle of November. "We want the kids to have an opportunity to make something for someone else," offers Deborah Enoch, Program Director at the West Broad Street YMCA. "This way they not only have the satisfaction of having accomplished something but they also get to learn about the importance of giving."

The concept, which started in a public grade school in upper state New York, has taken root all across the nation. This is the first such program in Savannah.

"We love coming to Savannah!" says Mary Colucci, Executive Director of the Warm Up America Foundation, who has made several trips to Savannah and the West Broad Street YMCA to ensure the success of the program. "We have done this in many places, but it is always different, always special, and always rewarding. I think the greatest thing here has been how engaged everyone at the Y is. It's really funny to see these kids, boys and girls, scramble to get their homework done so they can come and work with the yarn!"

After the pilot program there are plans to expand with the number of volunteers and children at the first of the year. The eventual goal is that each child will make pieces of quilts, sweaters, and scarves that will be given to local homeless shelters as well as elderly persons in the neighborhood.

For more information contact Deborah Enoch at 912-233-1951.