Retirees at the Staten Island Si Beagle Learning Center show the items they knit and crocheted to support the Making Strides cause.
Retired teacher and breast cancer survivor Susan Glassberg was among this year’s walkers.
Retired UFT members joined Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks across the five boroughs and on Long Island in October.
Retirees contributed in other ways as well. At the Staten Island Si Beagle Learning Center, retired members from the crochet/knit charity circle knit and crocheted blankets, caps, stuffed animals, bottle holders and other pink items in support of this year’s walks.
The group gave away their creations to breast cancer survivors who signed in at the UFT table at the Staten Island Making Strides walk on Oct. 25. Other walkers could also take home an item in exchange for a donation to Making Strides, with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer research and support programs.
Staten Island retirees have long knit and crocheted for Making Strides and other causes. But this fall’s class was only the second specifically dedicated to crafting items for charity, said Audrey Zimring, a Staten Island Si Beagle coordinator. The UFT provided the supplies. For the participants, the Si Beagle class “generates a lot of camaraderie,” said fellow coordinator Jeanne Casanovas.