‘Scarf tree’ helps clothe the needy
A sign in Chess Park, made by Michelle Dawn, invites those in need to take scarves and other winter clothing.
Kim Velmer hangs scarves on the “scarf tree” in Chess Park in Monongahela. Scarves are being tied around trees along with other winter clothes for residents who may be in need.
If you visit Chess Park in Monongahela this winter, it might seem like clothes grow on trees.
Kim Velmer started a “scarf tree” in the park. Inspired by a similar project in Central Park, scarves are being tied around the trees along with other winter clothes being left in the park for locals who might be in need.
“I believe (Michelle Dawn) was the first person who posted this idea (on Facebook),” Velmer said.
“I want her to get the credit for it. It was not initially my idea, I just took the initiative to get it started.”
After she caught wind of the idea, Velmer asked Mayor Bob Kepics, with whom she graduated from Ringgold High School, for permission to use Chess Park.
“I was all for it because it’s a great program,” Kepics said.
After being given the go-ahead, Velmer got to work.
Dawn created the sign in the park urging people in need in the community to take anything they need. Since beginning the scarf tree, donations have come on a daily basis.
“I posted on Facebook to just take (donations) down at your convenience, and there hasn’t been a day that there hasn’t been anything down here. There’s been an outstanding response for this from the people in the community alone,” Velmer said.
Those within the Monongahela community are not the only ones sending clothes. Velmer received boxes from people out of state with items to leave in the park.
Scarves are taken by those in need every day, according to Velmer.
“I was here two weeks ago hanging some scarves I had received from Texas. A woman was waiting for the bus. It was early in the morning and it was cold.
“She came over and asked if she could have a scarf, and I said ‘Absolutely.'”
Of course, no one can ever be sure there aren’t some trying to take advantage of others’ kindness, taking clothes when they don’t truly need them, but Velmer is not worried about that.
“We just have to have faith that they’re going into the right hands. I met a little old lady who lives on the corner, and she said she’s been watching to see who is actually taking them,” Velmer said.
But Velmer said if the scarf tree helps even one person, “then we’ve reached our goal.”