Women create blankets in health class

COLUMBUS - A gift from the heart was recently presented to area foster children thanks to the efforts of a group of Latina women.

The women attend health education classes at the Community Wellness Center in Columbus, where they not only learned about healthy living, but also learned how to knit and crochet.

The 14 pastel-colored blankets they made as part of their first project will now help children in foster care know someone cares.

“It is truly a gift from the community to the community,” said Candy Wombacher, Community Wellness Center certified fitness trainer. “There's a lot of love and a lot of effort put into this gift.”

Wombacher said that after the introduction of the health classes in August, she saw the need to add something more to the mix. As soon as she brought up the possibility of the needle work classes, people said “sign me up.”

Wombacher, who remembers learning how to crochet as she sat on her grandmother's lap in Guatemala, soon passed on her skills to class participants. As the women listened to discussions on various health issues, their fingers worked the yarn into the blankets.

“It's a great opportunity for them to almost have a social gathering while they learn about the health practices of the United States,” said Rebecca Rayman, the health department's executive director.

Rayman said not only have the women made new friends, they've also learned a healthy pastime that has given something back to the community.

“It's a very nice way to give back,” Rayman said about the women who come from many different countries.

Health topics the class of Latina women learned about as they made their stitches included weight loss, HIV, breast health and raising healthy children.

The free wellness center that's operated by the East Central District Health Department also features a variety of exercise equipment.

Wombacher and Auturo Spindola, wellness center director, donated the knitting and crocheting supplies for the blankets.

Anyone who would like to donate knitting or crocheting supplies so the project can continue should call 563-9656 for more information. The Community Wellness Center is located at 3806 Howard Blvd.