LINDSBORG, Kan.—Bethany College Knit Wits is an intergenerational service group of knitting overachievers.

            Knit Wits members crafted more than 300 bandages for people in need during the 2005-2006 academic year.  The group originally planned to make just 125 items to celebrate Bethany's 125th anniversary.

            But this seriously crafty community doesn't lack a sense of humor.

            "We didn't realize how fast they would go," said Joyce Englund, head Knit Wit.  Englund has been knitting for more than 65 years.

            Each natural cotton bandage, when finished, measures three or four inches wide and four feet long.

            The knitted and crocheted bandages were sent to Global Health Ministries in Minneapolis, Minn.  Global Health Ministries then distributes them to areas of the world where patients suffer from slow-healing open sores and ulcers.

            Members also made sweaters, prayer shawls and "chemo caps" for cancer patients this year.

            Knit Wits meets every Friday afternoon on campus for cookies, conversation and crafting.

            Members' ages range from eight-year-old neighborhood kids to lifelong knitters.  In between are college students, faculty members, administrators, community members and Pat Formo, the wife of Bethany's president.

            "The whole idea is to be there and encourage kids to learn a craft they can use," said Englund.  New knitters are encouraged to give the first item they craft to charity.

            Bethany Campus Pastor Noni Strand, who helped begin the group in 1998, said older Knit Wits are models of community, support and charity.

            "I don't know very many people who knit stuff and keep it," Strand said.  "People like the idea of creating something to give…it's a tangible way to use their skill to help."

            Recent Bethany graduate Jill Klaassen was a three-year member of Knit Wits who learned to knit from Englund and contributed to the bandage collection.

            "I liked meeting other college students and the women from the community," Klaassen said.  "I liked hearing their jokes."

            The name "Knit Wits" came to the group from the name of Englund's knitting business, Knit Wit Enterprises.

            "It's funny as long as you remember to put the 'K' in," Englund said.

            Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to nurture and challenge individuals in their search for truth and meaning as they lead lives of faith, learning and service.

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