Stitches East, held in Hartford, CT recently, is one of four markets sponsored by XRX. Always a popular gathering place, it drew yarn enthusiasts from around New England and the country. In between classes and a bustling market, knitters and crocheters stopped by the Warm Up America Share & Care Cafe to say hello, drop off sections, and help assemble afghans. Volunteers also offered to teacher beginners how to knit and crochet lessons. Knitters and crocheters are amazing, caring people. Thanks to you all.

In between classes and buying yarn, visitors to Stitches East market in Hartford, CT, helped assemble afghans at the Warm Up America booth.

Evie Rosen, a former yarn retailer and nationally known knitting teacher who resides in Wausau, Wisconsin, came up with the idea for Warm Up America! because she wanted to do something to help the homeless. Her simple concept of asking customers, friends and the community to knit and crochet 7" X 9" sections that would be joined into afghans grew into a nationwide program that has produced more than 250,000 afghans. These afghans have been donated to victims of natural disasters, battered women's shelters, the homeless, and others in need.

By 1995, the program was an overwhelming success and Evie turned to the Craft Yarn Council of America, a non-profit association of yarn companies and publishers, for assistance. Warm Up America! soon became a major national, grassroots program. In 2002, Warm Up America! was incorporated as a 501C3 tax exempt, charitable organization.

Today, WUA! includes countless volunteers across the country. Thousands and thousands of knitted and crocheted afghans and accessories are distributed to various charities each year.