COEUR d'ALENE - A group of passionate yarn crafters donated a year's worth of their work to local charities on Wednesday.

The Knit Wits distributed 2,100 handmade hats, scarves, mittens, afghans, blankets, sweaters and more to food banks, nursing homes, shelters and other nonprofit agencies. The giveaway, held at the Lake City Center, is an annual event for the Knit Wits.

Several tables at the center were lined with large, clear plastic bags filled with layers of colorful combinations of knits, purls, chains and loops.

Bridget Eismann, Crime Victim Advocate in the Post Falls Police Department's Victim Services Unit, grinned as she accepted a bag of items.

"This is one of the things that is most appreciated," said Eismann, who works with crime victims, including women and children affected by domestic violence. "They love them. They love the quality, and that it came from the heart."

The Knit Wits have been knitting, crocheting and handing out their work in Coeur d'Alene for 16 years. They now have 30 members who meet the first Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Lake City Center.

Group coordinator, Jan D'Arc, has been involved with the Knit Wits for 12 years.

"We just like yarn work," D'Arc said. "You can only give your family and friends so many things, so we found charities that can use them. It's just gone on from there."

The Knit Wits meetings also offers an opportunity for people to socialize with like-minded crafters.

"The ladies all sit around and talk while they're hopefully working, I tend to nag at them if they don't," D'Arc said, with a chuckle.

Barbara Wardsworth, a member for eight years, said she primarily completes baby blankets.

"I want to do something good, and I enjoy doing this," Wardsworth said.

Michelle Jutila, Activities Director at Life Care Center in Coeur d'Alene, stopped by to pick up a donation.

Jutila smiled and spent some time chatting with members of the group.

One of the Knit Wits asked if Life Care residents like lap blankets, smaller blankets crafted to fit across the lap of someone in a wheelchair.

Life Care has 65 long-term care residents who receive the knitted items, Jutila said.

"They love to get their blankets. As you get older, you know, you're always cold," she said.

The Knit Wits operate solely on donations, and from whatever the members win when they submit their work to the North Idaho Fair. The group enters about 100 items each year, D'Arc said.

"We've received a lot of donations of yarn this last year, and we really appreciate it," D'Arc said.

They can always use more.

Yarn donations can be made by calling D'Arc, (208) 772-4470, or they can be dropped off at the Lake City Center, 1916 Lakewood Drive.