TOLEDO—Mercy College nursing student Bobbi Schelkun has learned that education can be more than books and tests. For her, it has been a transformation of her values, too.

What began as a 10-hour course requirement in June has become a weekly volunteer activity. Ms. Schelkun, who lives in Oregon, needed a service learning project and had the idea to teach knitting and crocheting to residents of Madonna Homes, a 171-unit apartment building catering to people who are elderly or disabled.

Bobbi Schelkun, second from right, started a knitting club at Madonna Homes as a requirement for a religion class at Mercy College. She has continued working with the residents, who have made and donated more than 260 hats and scarves to local agencies. (Photo courtesy of Mercy College)

“It started as something I was doing both because I love to knit and enjoy sharing that skill set with others, as well as to fulfill service hours for a religion class,” Ms. Schelkun says. “I never really expected it to take off like it did. But I saw how strong the group was and how much fun they were having — and I was enjoying it too. So I continue to go once a week. I love it.”

The “Madonna Knitters” circle benefits more than just the participants — it also trickles to their families and the community.

“Every week when I arrive for knitting class, I’m amazed at how many items the residents have made,” Ms. Schelkun says.  “They have completed their own lists of Christmas projects for their family and friends and now are giving to those in need throughout the community.”

So far, the members have knitted more than 260 items — scarves and hats for infants, children and adults — many of which have been donated to residents of the YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, La Posada and children at Steward Elementary and Rosary Cathedral School. That’s in addition to the more than 100 hats that have already been donated to the nurseries at Mercy St. Charles and Mercy St. Vincent hospitals.

“Madonna Homes appreciates everything Mercy College does for our residents and for the community,” says Daniel Gosbeth, service coordinator at Madonna Homes. “For us to both benefit from and participate in community service through Mercy College is truly a blessing.”

In addition to yarn that is donated by the Mercy College community, the Madonna Knitters use their own money to purchase the yarn they use for these projects despite their limited incomes. Anyone who would like to further support their efforts with donations of yarn should contact Notre Dame Sister Sally Marie Bohnett, service learning coordinator, at sally.bohnett@mercycollege.edu or 419-251-1866.