Katrina victims receive 56 sweaters from Uncommon Threads

Children at a Headstart school in New Orleans display the new sweaters donated by Los Altos-area knitters.

Local knitters at Uncommon Threads, 293 State St. in Los Altos, sent 56 handmade sweaters to victims of Hurricane Katrina at a Headstart school in New Orleans in January.

“It is really great to be able to do something person to person,” said Louise Spangler, owner of Uncommon Threads. “It is our hope that a new sweater will bring cheer as well as warmth to the children who have suffered so much because of this devastating storm.”

An anonymous benefactor, whom Spangler described as an “extremely generous angel,” donated the yarn for project. The donor was inspired to do something to help but did not want to knit.

Each knitter was provided with a simple pattern for a machine-washable sweater sized for children about six years old. The contributors then adapted the pattern so that each garment had a distinctive color or embellishment.

Spangler said the nuns from the Carmelite Monastery of Santa Clara put Uncommon Threads in touch with the school in New Orleans and arranged for the transportation of the sweaters.

“The nun who packed the box also included candy and a disposable camera, which the school has returned to us,” Spangler said. “It is wonderful to see pictures of the children (in their new sweaters).”