This season, members of St. Andrew Methodist Church marked the third year of Scarves for Christmas by distributing 1,300 handmade scarves to neighbors served by The Storehouse Community Center in Plano. Each scarf, crocheted or knitted by volunteers, was created to offer warmth, dignity and care during the winter months.
More than 55 women participated in this year’s effort, many beginning their work as early as 2024 in preparation for the 2025 distribution. The initiative was also supported by Warm Up America, a Carrollton-based nonprofit that contributed 565 scarves to help meet growing demand.
A Labor Of Time And Care
Scarves for Christmas began in 2021, when 621 scarves were distributed. As the number of families relying on The Storehouse increased, the project grew alongside it.
“Creating a single scarf can take anywhere from four to 20 hours,” said Elizabeth Thomas, co-founder of Scarves for Christmas. “With more neighbors coming to The Storehouse, we knew we needed to prepare even more.”
Before distribution, each scarf was sorted, wrapped and tied with a bow. On Nov. 18, volunteers gathered at St. Andrew for a blessing of the scarves before they were shared with neighbors in the weeks that followed.
Photo courtesy of The Storehouse Community Center
More Than A Scarf
Distribution days brought moments of connection beyond the scarves themselves. Volunteers welcomed Santa and his elves, who shared coloring books and crayon packs with children, creating opportunities for joy and conversation.
“There were so many smiles — and even a few tears — when a scarf was placed on a food cart,” said Patti Hoff, co-founder of Scarves for Christmas. “Our hope is that these scarves remind neighbors that they are cared for.”
Photo courtesy of The Storehouse Community Center
How The Tradition Began
The idea for Scarves for Christmas grew out of a personal experience for Thomas, who received a prayer shawl from Hoff during a difficult season following the loss of her husband.
“That moment of comfort stayed with me,” Thomas said. “We felt called to share that same sense of warmth with others.”
The effort soon expanded, drawing volunteers from across North Texas, many of whom also participate in St. Andrew’s Prayer Shawl Ministry, which provides handmade shawls to people facing illness or hospitalization.
Supporting Neighbors Through The Storehouse
Scarves for Christmas partners with The Storehouse Community Center, a Plano-based nonprofit that provides food assistance, clothing and supportive services to families experiencing hardship. In addition to its food pantry, The Storehouse focuses on long-term stability through case management and community resources.
Learn more at thestorehousecc.org.
How To Get Involved
While this year’s distribution has concluded, planning for Scarves for Christmas 2026 is already underway. Community members who knit or crochet can contact St. Andrew Methodist Church to learn about joining the Prayer Shawl Ministry or contributing scarves next year.
The group also welcomes yarn donations, offering a way for non-crafters to support the effort.
Photo courtesy of The Storehouse Community Center
Why It Matters
“Each scarf represents love in action,” said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse. “They bring warmth, dignity and hope to our neighbors.”
As Scarves for Christmas continues to grow, the mission remains simple: one scarf at a time, one neighbor at a time.
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