Bridging the gap between care and creations. This simple yet powerful mission statement guides a group of students at Kansas City University (KCU) who have turned their passion for knitting and crocheting into a force for good. What began as a personal hobby for second-year medical students Britney Margheim and Lauren Zakskorn has spun into a full-fledged campus club called Stitches.
It all started in the fall of 2024 when the two learned that they both found joy and relaxation in working with yarn. Margheim, an aspiring surgeon, took up crocheting to improve her hand dexterity, while Zakskorn rediscovered her love for knitting during the pandemic. Both saw the potential for something greater—an opportunity to bring people together, teach new skills and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
“We had both thought about starting a club separately, and when we realized we shared the same vision, it just felt like it was meant to be,” Zakskorn said. “We wanted to create a space where students could keep up with their hobbies despite the demands of their studies, while also making a difference in the community.”
It wasn’t long before their idea had come to fruition, growing to more than 60 members eager to learn, create and give back. Many students join with little to no experience, but that’s not a barrier to participation. Workshops held on campus provide a relaxed, supportive environment where students can learn how to knit and crochet, no matter their skill level.
Each semester, members work on different projects. Last fall, they focused on beginner-friendly items like blankets and scarves. Now, they’ve moved on to stuffed animals and baby beanies, allowing members to develop more intricate techniques while creating comfort items for children in need.
At the end of each semester, the club donates all completed items to local nonprofit organizations. Most recently, they partnered with Care Beyond the Boulevard, an organization that brings free, high quality medical care to people experiencing homelessness in Kansas City. All told, they donated 45 scarves, seven blankets, 25 beanies and one headband.
Beyond the donations, Stitches has fostered a strong sense of community among its members. Many students have found a creative outlet and a supportive space to unwind from their academic demands. Some have even reconnected with childhood memories, recalling times spent knitting or crocheting with family members. Others have embraced the opportunity to learn something new and share their knowledge.
“I’m most proud of our members,” Margheim shared. “They’ve taken the time to learn a new skill in the midst of their busy schedules, and they genuinely want to give back. Seeing their dedication and progress has been incredible.”
As the club continues to grow, its founders hope to pass the yarn to future students, ensuring that their mission lives on. With every stitch, they are bridging the gap between care and creations, proving that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a profound difference.
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