COEUR d'ALENE - They make the world a warmer place, one stitch at a time, and for the Knit Wits, that's a whole lot of knits, purls and chains.

The group of altruistic knitters and crocheters distributed nearly 2,000 handmade hats, mittens, scarves and blankets to 13 Kootenai County nonprofits last week at the Lake City Center.

The items were produced by the group's 30 members throughout the year. They began working on them right after last year's Christmastime donation of 2,100 items. This is the 17th year they've handed out their knitted work to local food banks, children's service agencies and nursing homes.

"We give them to our kids. They just absolutely love it," said Susan Burgenson, a family advocate with Kootenai Head Start.

The agency serves 60 children at the Harding Center in Coeur d'Alene.

"That's a lot of cold hands," Burgenson said, before picking up two large plastic garbage bags full of knitted items.

Other nonprofits that received donations this year include CASA and the women's shelters in Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls.

Kris Wright, Coeur d'Alene's Meals on Wheels coordinator, said her program received three large bags full of hand-crafted gifts - hats, scarves and lap blankets. They send the items out with the drivers delivering the meals, she said, and the clients love the items they receive from the Knit Wits.

"I just really, from the bottom of my heart, want to thank them," Wright said.

The group welcomes those who love to knit and crochet to come out and spend an afternoon socializing with like-minded crafters.

Peggy Leupp, a new Coeur d'Alene resident, just joined the Knit Wits last month.

She has already made 18 little hats.

"I usually crochet while I'm watching TV," Leupp said.

Group coordinator Jan D'Arc said she makes a lot of mittens throughout the year.

They have a member who is in her 80s and homebound.

"She stays home and knits sweaters for us," D'Arc said.

Yarn donations are "desperately" needed, she said. Members often use their own money to purchase the materials for the items they will give away.

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, where the Knit Wits meet the first Wednesday of each month from 1-3 p.m.