Seniors crochet to protect others from the cold

Plastic bags needed 

The Richfield Senior Center has a group of volunteers turning plastic that might otherwise end up in a landfill into crocheted mats. The mats are donated to I’m In Ministry and The Homeless Charity & Village in Akron and are made in a variety of shapes for different uses.

About 10 years ago, resident Anne Burkett came up with the idea as a way to repurpose plastic bags that often end up in landfills and waterways. She brought the concept to the Richfield Senior Center, where bags are now collected and volunteers create the mats. Over time, the group has become increasingly creative, with individuals often working on a single project during each visit.

The plastic is cut into strips and sorted by color before being crocheted. Each volunteer may work independently or collaborate with a partner. It takes about 30 hours to complete one mat.

In addition to serving as a sleeping surface for people living outdoors, the mats are also used in retirement facilities as chair pads and, according to online sources, at outdoor sporting events.

The Senior Center recently issued a call for more plastic bags and other plain plastic items, such as clean tablecloths commonly used at parties. Please, no white tablecloths. While more people may be reusing shopping bags, reducing some plastic waste, there is still plenty in circulation. Plastic bags can be dropped off at the Senior Center, 4410 W. Streetsboro Rd., Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo caption: Shirley Calvin shows the color block plarn mat that she wove. All photos by W. Boyce