By Derrick Forsythe, Record Features EditorErin Greco found a way to fuel her passion for crocheting through her church.A member of Immanuel Church of Christ in Wright City, Greco learned of a drive to create scarves for Boston Marathon runners.It was a way to welcome back those stricken by the tragic bombing that marred last year’s marathon.“I just recently learned how to crochet,” acknowledged Greco. “I thought this would be something I’d enjoy, while also benefiting others. It paid tribute to those affected by the horrible tragedy.”The idea for the scarf drive came from the Old South Church, which is located near the finish line in Boston. Its mission statement read, “In this year of remembrance and hope, we will wrap you in love and prayer by presenting you with a handmade blue and gold scarf.”So Greco sent out a request to fellow crocheters through Facebook. She said she didn’t expect a big response.“I figured we’d get maybe five at the most,” said Greco.When the deadline came to mail the scarves, she had collected 28 with donations from several different individuals. Another friend who does not crochet offered to cover the shipping costs.“I was thrilled,” said Greco. “I had no expectations of it going that well. It makes you feel good to realize that many people wanted to help out.”Each scarf had to be blue and gold, representing the official colors of the Boston Marathon, which was held on Monday, April 21.A total of 7,300 carves were submitted from around the country, each accompanying a personalized tag indicating from what church it was donated.“It was a great way to pay tribute to those affected by the horrible tragedy,” said Greco.She received a message from one of the recipients, thanking her for the generosity. Lisa Crompton of Boston wore a locally made scarf in the days leading up to and on the morning of the race.“Your thoughtfulness touched my heart, and I have not taken the scarf off,” wrote Crompton. “The scarf has brought me much comfort and courage to run again (during the race).”Greco says the project was so successful and rewarding, she is planning to donate more of her crocheted creations to charitable causes. She is currently making caps to donate to cancer victims.

The Immanuel United Church of Christ in Wright City recently donated 28 scarves it collected through a drive to runners of the Boston Marathon. Pictured, a scarf drapes around the singlet of Lisa Crompton, one of the recipients of the locally created scarves. Submitted photos.

A box overflows with crocheted scarves donated though a drive held by Immanuel United Church of Christ in Wright City. The scarves were given to runners of last week's Boston Marathon. Submitted photo.