TUSCARAWAS COUNTY (Tusco TV) - Scarf Project volunteers will again be sharing the gift of warmth during their fourth-annual communitywide scarf distribution. 

Project founder Toni Kaltenbaugh of New Philadelphia says they will be hanging more than 1,700 scarves Friday across a total of 22 locations, including at 15 sites in Tuscarawas County. She says they’ll have handmade scarves, hats and more, all free for the taking with no questions asked to anyone in the community.

"So we are hanging the scarves up with a sign that says ‘Need a Scarf, Take a Scarf,’ and anyone who needs a scarf can take one anonymously. There are no requirements. You don’t have to meet a certain financial status in order to get them. You just take what you need," she explains. 

Returning sites for this year include the New Phila library and Rite Aid location, along with Starlight Enterprises, the HARCATUS Family Support Center in Dennison and the Roswell Community Park. Kaltenbaugh says they also have a few new locations like St. John’s UCC, the Victorian bed and breakfast in Port Washington and several others. 

"Kent is new, the one over behind Cleveland Clinic is new. That’s at 400 Medical Park Drive. It’s at the medical suites where the oncology center is. We kinda figured that people who are going through chemo might need a little bit of help, so we are hanging nice, soft scarves over there," she says.

Kaltenbaugh says all the scarves and other items have been donated toward the cause by people in the community. She says the project has grown in leaps and bounds since 2016 when they started with 123 scarves and a single location, and it’s also inspired similar efforts across the U.S. and internationally.

"It has taken on a life of its own. It’s like when I originally started it, I never expected any kind of response from people and it’s almost like God took over and it exploded," she says.

Scarves will be available Friday while supplies last starting at 9 am. For information or to learn how to get involved, visit The Scarf Project of Tuscarawas County’s Facebook page.

TUSCO TV