COEUR d'ALENE — Snuggly blankets, hats, scarves, socks, gloves and — most of all — a whole lot of love.

That’s what KnitWits members have been working on all year. On Wednesday, they distributed 1,769 of these love-crafted items to keep little ones, older ones and everyone in between nice and warm this winter.

"The babies, they need the hats," said KnitWits member Bonita Daniel of Coeur d'Alene.

"I love doing it,” said Ruth Park of Rathdrum, who has knitted with the group off and on for a few years. “Giving back to the community is great, and I just love the fact that I always have somebody to knit for. I can knit whatever I want and I can give it to somebody and they’ll love it."

In the past 28 years, the 30-member knit-tastic group has annually gifted an average of 2,000 knitted goods to various nonprofits and organizations that serve children, the elderly, the homeless and others in need.

This year brings the KnitWits' contribution total to at least 56,000 items.

"I’m glad to have somebody to knit and crochet for. My family can only stand so much," longtime member Jan D'Arc of Coeur d'Alene said with a chuckle.

This year's recipients include the ABC (Athol, Bayview, Careywood) Food Bank, Post Falls Food Bank, Rathdrum Food Bank, Post Falls Police Victim Service Unit and ICARE, a child abuse prevention program of St. Vincent de Paul.

Bags of KnitWits goods also went to the North Idaho College Head Start school-readiness programs in Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Rathdrum.

Jessica Geiger, supervisor for the Lakeland Head Start in Rathdrum, was surprised by the volume of goods this big-hearted group produces.

"I can’t imagine doing that much," she said. "And I can crochet."

She said the goodies her Head Start received will be much appreciated. Her center didn't receive a grant for socks and boots as it was expecting, so this gift will help families put money toward boots rather than scarves, hats and gloves.

"I think this is just amazing," Geiger said. "There’s a huge need in our area for winter clothing."

Anyone interested in sharing their knitting talents or extra yarn with the KnitWits can call contact D’Arc at 208-772-4470 for information.