Western Bay of Plenty crafters are being challenged to exceed the number of woollen blankets and clothes sent last year to Eastern Europe for Operation Cover Up.

The project was launched more than 20 years ago to unite knitters and crocheters across New Zealand in making blankets and warm clothing for children, families, and the elderly living in temperatures as low as minus-25 degrees Celsius.

Area coordinator Sharman Marsh says in 2022 the BOP contributed four pressed wool bales full of knitted items and 11 cartons of goods like stationery, backpacks, toys and games and hygiene packs.

'We sent 225 large hand-knitted blankets, 213 hats, 168 scarves, 213 slippers and socks, 91 hat, scarf and glove sets as well as 220 knitted jerseys,” says Sharman. 'That represents a lot of work.”

This year knitted effort will be collected mid-July and sent to Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine.

'One of the ladies in my craft group has already knitted 17 blankets this year. She is an absolute wonder,” says Sharman. 'The benefit of the project is actually two-fold; not only are we contributing our skills to meet a need, but we also enjoy spending time together, so it fills our social need.”

Sharman encourages more knitters to get involved in Operation Cover Up. She says those who don't knit or crochet can donate wool or money to help cover the cost of shipping.

'I have knitted since my childhood and Operation Cover Up, with its particular emphasis on the many poor children and families in the former Soviet Union countries, is a way to marry up my hobby with the need,” says Sharman.

Two companies have stepped up by donating goods and services; Farmlands Tauriko is supplying wool packs and Mainfreight is helping with transport.

WBOPD residents are invited to the collection morning to support the project and those who've contributed. 'Shoes, toiletries, stationery, toys and non-knitted clothing are also accepted,” says Sharman. 'But in terms of the knitting and crocheting, it really is amazing to see the creativity of our local craft community.”

The annual Operation Cover Up collection is at Lifezone Church, Oak Lane, Judea on Thursday July 13, from 9.30am with morning tea at 10am. There will be a display of the handiwork, a talk and video from the field. A gold coin donation is appreciated to help cover shipping costs.

To donate knitted items, wool or shipping cost funds before July 13, call Sharman Marsh on 027 245 4034.