CORPUS CHRISTI (Kiii News) — Communities around the Coastal Bend are continuing to recover following Hurricane Harvey, and one woman is turning her hobby into acts of generosity.
Rockport resident Denise Hammes has been crocheting for over four years, and now she is turning her favorite pastime into a form of comfort and relief.
"I love to do it. I never sit still without anything on my lap. I'm always working on something," Hammes said. "I do things. I make things. I'm crafty, that's me, so this is the way I figured I could help out."
Following Harvey, many Coastal Bend residents are still working to recover -- including Hammes. Her home sustained roof and water damage, but now she's putting others' needs first.
"I just wanted to do something for those who lost everything. I just felt bad," Hammes said.
Turning to social media, Hammes created a Facebook group asking for granny squares to crochet into blankets, which then provide comfort for many left with nothing.
"Everybody is just helping out and pitching in and sending me squares every week," Hammes said.
According to Hammes she has received squares from around the country, even as far as Europe. The response has been overwhelming.
"Each square is from somebody else who took time out of their day just to show their support, and show that they're still thinking about us and we haven't been forgotten," Hammes said.
At 2,000 squares and counting, Hammes' hobby is keeping her busier than ever. She hopes to continue reaching out to those still in need.
"I would love to get everybody here in Rockport taken care of, and then I want to expand it out to everyone else," Hammes said.
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