Massillon, Ohio - A grassroots movement to provide warm winter accessories to people in need is expanding its reach in Stark County.

The Scarf Project of Stark County has a new drop-off location in Massillon for people to donate NEW/WARM scarves, hats, mittens or gloves. Items can be now be dropped off at Essential Ways at 33 Charles Avenue SE.  Drop-off hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 2  to  8 pm, Fridays from 2 to 9 pm and Saturday from noon to 8 pm.  Donations of new yarn, fleece fabric and finished blankets are also welcomed. 

The Scarf Project collects these items throughout the year for their “scarf bombing” in November.  They're distributed outside, for free, to anyone in need with no questions asked.  The primary goal is to warm the world, one scarf at a time.

The group is also seeking leads for potential distributions locations in the Massillon area.  Locations must be outdoors in a high traffic area where individuals can easily take what they need.  

The project was recently blessed with an offer of assistance by Jean Braden. She is the founder of Stitches for Stark County, a loose coalition of artists & makers who enjoy using their time and talents to help others. The group creates blankets, hats, mittens, scarves, etc for local charity groups.  They work to help homeless families, foster care children, domestic violence survivors and women at the pregnancy crisis facility.  The Warm Snuggles Program and My Comfy Kits of Stark County are two of the most recent charities to receive items made by the members of the group. They also partner with Binky Patrol, Inc., a national nonprofit that provides blankets for children.  

To learn more about the Scarf Project, contact founder Toni Kaltenbaugh at 330-432-1930 or email teje@roadrunner.com.  

To learn more about Stitches for Stark County, contact founder Jean Braden at 234-348-0849 or email stitchesforstarkco@gmail.com.