By Jean Hammond of the Bedford Arts and Crafts Society
The Bedford Arts and Crafts Society (BACS), founded in 1956, has been extending a helping hand to the Bedford community. Over the years, an enthusiastic group of people has gathered weekly for an afternoon of camaraderie, crafting, and community projects.
These creative crafters have produced knitted goods, including hats, mittens, and ear warmers, as well as handcrafted greeting cards for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and other special occasions to help keep recipients warm and to convey cheer and good wishes.
From 2021 to 2023, more than 600 knitted items and nearly 1,000 imaginative cards were shared with the Bedford community. Materials were gathered through donations from members and friends; the projects were also supported by a grant from the Bedford Cultural Council.
This year, knitters were organized by Barbara Goldberg, and the card makers by Sandi Rosenfeld and Sally Rubin. The distribution was coordinated by BACS member Susan Schwartz and Healthy Communities Coordinator Carla Olson.
These crafted treasures were given to the recipients of the Food Bank (either picked up at the Drive Thru or delivered to their homes) as well as to VA Hospital patients and homebound Bedford residents.
Olson says, “Thank you to the BACS and your generous team of artists and knitters for all the beautiful hats, scarves, tissue packets, and greeting cards given throughout the winter season. They were very well received and lifted our neighbors’ spirits!”
The BACS club now has members from Bedford and neighboring towns, including Lexington, Concord, Billerica, Arlington, Waltham, and others.
Visit www.bacsma.org to learn more about BACS programs, classes, artists’ gallery, and membership.
People who could use help with food supplies, please reach out to [email protected] or phone 781-275-7727 or visit www.bedfordma.gov/BedfordFoodBank.
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