ELKHART, Ind. (AP) — Inmates at the Elkhart County Jail are crocheting hats and scarves for schools, ministries and shelters to help struggling families stay warm this winter.
The crochet class, taught by Lt. Kris Klosinski, is part of a behavioral therapy therapy program in which inmates are required to earn 20 hours of community service.
Klosinski started the class four years ago as a way to provide the inmates some stress relief while also contributing to a good cause, she said.
“My grandma taught me how to crochet and it’s something I do to relax and ease some of my stress,” she told “So I thought it would be beneficial for some of these guys who are under a lot of stress by giving them something to do while they’re in here.”
Joining the class wasn’t an easy sell at first, Klosinski said. Only three participated in the first year, but those inmates then convinced several others to join. Now, a couple of dozen are involved.
Many of the inmates said knitting is fun, but also therapeutic by allowing them to make positive contributions to the community.
“It’s not often that you’re able to give back while you’re in jail,” Klosinski said. “And some of these inmates have said they especially enjoy giving back to families who grew up in similar situations as they did.”
This month, the inmates donated 500 winter hats to United Way of Elkhart & LaGrange Counties to help kick off the agency’s annual winter coat drive.
