CLAREMORE, Okla. -- A sewing group known as the "Krazy Stitchers" is turning its pastime into a bigger project in Rogers County.
The women in the group are now spending most of their time sewing blankets filled with pockets of weighted pellets.
Mary Bacon, one of the group's members, said the weighted blankets help children with autism or other sensory disorders, like ADHD.
"They have a weight to them, but not so much that it ties them down," Bacon said, "but it makes them feel secure."
"I love doing these because it helps the children," said Dee Childers, another member of the Krazy Stitchers. "That's all it's about, is helping those children. If it helps even one child, it's worth it."
Tonda Ames works with Sooner Success, a free informational program for families and children with special needs. She spoke to the Krazy Stitchers about the benefits of weighted blankets, and she said the women asked if they could help.
"I said, yes, I'm sure there's a great need for those out there -- one, because they're expensive," Ames said. "I said let's start with the schools, and (the Krazy Stitchers) wanted to donate it for free."
Ames collected some money to cover the cost of supplies, and the sewing group got to work trying to make enough weighted blankets to give to every school in Rogers County.
"They're so expensive that we're doing this not to make money," Bacon said, "but as a service to the community."
The women donated two blankets to Claremont Elementary in Claremore, where Kim Meadows, the school's speech language pathologist, said they have an instant soothing effect on the students.
"It really just helps them focus on the lesson being taught, learning the daily activities," Meadows said. "They're amazing."
Hearing about the effect the blankets are already having gives the women even more motivation to put together more.
They decided in addition to donating blankets to every school, they're also taking orders for anyone who would like to buy a blanket of their own. They decided to charge $40 for the weighted blankets.
Anyone interested in buying one can email Tonda Ames at tonda-ames@ouhsc.edu, or call Mary Bacon at 918-645-3226.
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