COEUR d'ALENE - Caryn Shepler's brilliant blue compression gloves vibrantly complemented the safety orange yarn she used to crochet a pocketed scarf Wednesday afternoon.

It was her first official day as a Knit Wit, and she was happy to be seated at a table in the Lake City Center with other pleasant women who were knitting or crocheting their own warm creations. The Knit Wits meet once a month and are presently seeking new members.

In Shepler's case, she found them.

"Actually, I went looking," said Shepler, 36. "I've been on disability now for two years and I spend most of my days sitting at home doing things I don't want to be doing, like physical therapy. I decided in the new year I was going to find a way to get engaged in my community, because before they put me on disability I was all over the place doing all sorts of wonderful things.

"So, with my limitations, well, what can I do? I can still use a needle, so I went looking for crochet groups in the area and here I am today."

The Knit Wits have been knitting and giving back to the community for 20 years. They make all sorts of knitted and crocheted creations, ranging from colorful baby clothes and hats to mittens and slippers, and donate them to a dozen groups in the community, including area nursing homes, Idaho Youth Ranch and head start programs. These women's works touch many lives every year, from infants to the elderly and ailing. Just last month, they donated almost 2,400 knitted and crocheted items.

"All our groups are just thrilled to get their things," said Jan Darc, 72, of Coeur d'Alene. "Food banks take a huge number of items. They're very grateful to get them. And we get notes."

She picked up one of the many "thank-you" cards scattered on the table around her, reminders of the positive impact she and the Knit Wits have on the community. Darc, who serves as the leader of the group, said one experience stands out when she reflects on her 17 years with the group.

"We went to one of the head starts that we donate to, and they wanted the kids to see who these things came from. They were choosing what they wanted," she said, a smile growing on her face. "One little boy picked bright purple mittens. I'll never forget that, a little boy with purple mittens. There's no accounting for what kids are going to choose."

Knit Wits member Linda Jo Park, 55, of Rathdrum, said she really enjoys the fellowship of the group. She and other members presented Darc with a card and basket of flowers during the meeting to show her their appreciation.

"We keep everything we make at her house, and every month she brings the yarn back," Park said of Darc. "At the end of the year, she's the one that organizes everything and gets it all packed in the right bags and going to the right people. Just a lot of work ... she's such a sweet lady, so helpful. That's just Jan. She's such a sweetie."

The Knit Wits rely on donations of money and yarn to continue their altruistic mission. The group welcomes those who have experience knitting and crocheting and a passion for giving.

Contact Darc at 772-4470 to donate or join the Knit Wits. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 1-3 p.m. in the Lake City Center, 1916 Lakewood Drive in Coeur d'Alene. Donation barrels are also located at the center.