Disney Cast Members Stitch Together Gifts of Love

[Wendy]

Bringing warmth and happiness, Walt Disney World BlanketEARs are sprinkling a little extra pixie dust throughout the community by knitting and crocheting items for donation to various charitable organizations in and around Central Florida.

Established in 2007, the BlanketEARs started out as a small group that would get together once a week to knit caps for soldiers deployed overseas. Over the years the group grew into a sizable organization and expanded their efforts to include baby caps, afghans and pet mats. They meet once a month for an evening workshop to work on various projects as well as to learn new skills- a new stitch, pattern and even learning to quilt.

This past holiday season, the BlanketEARs delivered more than 150 caps and blankets to hospitals in the Orlando area.

“The thought of someone personally creating items makes patients feel cared for and blessed. It means a lot because the Disney BlanketEARs took the time to make something that can bring joy and comfort,” said Alexsandra Rosello, a coordinator at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute.

Cast Member Kelly Ann Antalek was inspired to start the BlanketEARs here in Florida after reading about a similar group in California. She quickly learned that there were many local organizations that would gladly take hand knitted crafts.

“My motivation is simple.” Says Antalek. “The more I crochet, the more I can donate to people in need.”

Looking forward, the BlanketEARs aspire to reach out to more charities in need of assistance and hope to include wheelchair totes and scarves among their donations.

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[Tink]

We have a charity like this at work. Those who can come together and knit and crochet things for others, often others right at the community. A year ago Christmas, they made lap robes for my residents at the Willows.

I donate yarn and needles and hooks to them. I simply do not have the time to do any creating anymore.

[Wendy]

I donate yarn and needles and hooks to them. I simply do not have the time to do any creating anymore.

Oh what a shame, you make such beautiful things