Thanks to the knitting talents of 24 of the most dedicated and talented seniors you’ll find anywhere, the upcoming holiday season with be a lot merrier and warmer for many kids, and others less fortunate or needy.

The “Connie’s Kids” knitting class, which is one of a number of fascinating programs at the Warren Senior Center, recently finished up another successful year of knitting and crocheting all for the benefit of those less fortunate.

Pat Thivierge, spokesperson and longtime member of the program, said the class actually began about 13 years ago, under the leadership of the late Connie Vitulo.

“Connie started this for seniors who liked to knit and crochet,” said Thivierge. “We’d get together at the Senior Center, then go back to her house and put the items together. Connie was really a very special lady. Now, we hold classes here and knit hats, mittens, and lap robes.”

These ladies get together each Tuesday afternoon and enjoy each other’s company while knitting a variety of items that most assuredly will make life a little bit better for everyone.

“Every year, it’s gets bigger and better,” said Thivierge, her smile widening as she talks about the progress the program has realized over the years. “We have a potluck lunch every October and all the ladies really enjoy themselves.”

“The knitting class has also benefitted from donations from the Bristol Lodge of Elks and a number of other people in the area,” she added. “We try to find who are most in need, including Head Start, Clothes for kids in Providence, and St. Michael’s Parish, also in Providence.”

This year, the Warren Senior Center ladies knitted well over 1,700 hats, mittens, lap robes and scarfs.

“That was the most we’ve ever done in our history,” said Thivierge, “and donations are always accepted. These ladies are incredible. They worked so hard.”

Knitting class members include Kathy Beresford, Delores Floor, Rita Minutelli, Pat Hunter, Pat Thivierge, Susan Resare, Marie Floor, Pauline Souza, Marilyn MacDougall, Nancy Pereira, and Agnes Mello.

Also, Sarah Weed, Betty Hedley, Nancy McMahon, Jane Harrison, Paulette Coray, Elsa Lopes, Phyllis Carter, Jackie Kelly, Colleen Craveiro, Gail Woodward, Betty Hoague, Kyra Little, and Marge Swift.

The list of places where donations were made include Hugh Cole School, Bristol Elks, Bristol Veterans Home, Bristol Nursing Homes, Christ Church, Clothes to Kids in Johnston, No Buy Day at the R.I. State House, Crestwood Nursing Home, Grace Barker Nursing Home, Head Start, McCauley Village, New Hampshire Residential Care Facility, Newport Hospital, Pawtucket Head Start, Pocasset Elementary, State House Giveaway, St. Mary of the Bay Church, St. Michael’s in Providence, and Bradley Hospital.

Said Warren Senior Center Executive Director Kyra Little, “This is a great group of people who have worked hard to make life a little better for those less fortunate, especially during the holiday season. I’m happy to have them here at the Senior Center.”