Estevan Diversified Services (EDS) has partnered with the Estevan Salvation Army on a pilot project that will result in wool scarves and toques – which are created by EDS participants – being part of local Christmas hampers this year.

Traditionally EDS has sent the toques and scarves that they create to Regina for homeless people in the Queen City, said EDS program coordinator Roberta DeRosier. But EDS recognizes that there are local people who could use them during the winter months.

About a half dozen of their participants have been involved with the project. Their first donation of about 39 scarves and 19 toques was made to the local Salvation Army on October 29.

“Several of our ladies love to knit, and we were trying to think of something, a project that they could do, that would be helpful,” said DeRosier.

EDS needs donations of wool so that the program can continue, DeRosier said. The participants have enjoyed the project thus far, but they need more wool to continue with their efforts. Donations can be dropped off at EDS.

Lieutenant Brian Bobolo said that between the Salvation Army and the Community Hamper Association, upwards of 200 hampers will be filled this year. Many will contain a toque or a scarf knitted by EDS participants. Any leftover toques and scarves will be donated to local people who are homeless.

“We are currently serving a number of people who are homeless in Estevan,” said Bobolo. “They spend at least some of their nights on the streets. There are about 15 of them right now who are out on the street, or sleeping in the cars.”

They do have some toques and scarves in stock, but they aren't as nice or as warm as the ones that EDS is preparing.

“You're doing a great thing for people in need in Estevan,” he told most of the EDS participants who are working on the project.