Alice Pickett is spreading the warmth.
A senior at Shortridge High School, Pickett has found a way to bring her 4-H skills with her in school, in a new activity club, and in her community.
As a Hamilton County 4-H’er, Pickett exhibits Arts & Crafts projects like crochet and other hands-on heritage skills that are not commonly practiced. She knew she had found a niche for herself in these “lost arts,” but she didn’t know just how far 4-H might take her.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pickett noticed that many of her school peers were really missing social interaction.
“It was a lot to cope with, being isolated all the time. I wanted to come up with something fun to do with my friends and fellow students that would be good for our mental health,” said Pickett.
The Lost Arts Club was born.
At their inception, the group of friends worked on projects at home, holding virtual meetings to learn together as they worked. One of their projects was learning calligraphy. They practiced by writing letters of appreciation to soldiers, teachers, and anyone else they thought could benefit from some kind words.
When Pickett and her friends returned to school their junior year, rather than disbanding their club they expanded it, growing in membership and community outreach. Their lost arts found a home in community service projects.
Pickett applied for an Indiana 4-H Foundation YES grant to purchase yarn, crochet needles, and other materials to make scarves. She taught her growing Lost Arts group how to crochet, and they quickly produced scarves for the Homeless Veterans and Families center in downtown Indianapolis.
“Being homeless can be very dehumanizing. We want to show these individuals that people are thinking about them, caring for them, and wanting them to succeed,” said Pickett.
The Lost Arts Club is now in it’s third year and members meet every other week. Pickett applied for another YES Grant, and this year the group is crocheting hats and making tie blankets and creating care packages with toiletries and other personal care items. They hope to help more than 100 veterans this year.
“We are lifelong learners. I love to learn. I’ve learned that through 4-H,” said Pickett.
The Homeless Veterans and Families serves more than 300 veterans each month and they have in-building housing that shelters 186 veterans. Thirty-five percent of homeless are veterans, so this organization makes a big impact. To learn more visit https://www.hvafofindiana.org/our-mission/housing/