Looking For A Black Friday Alternative? Crochet For Charity

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) Black Friday is coming earlier than it ever has this year, with shoppers expected to throng to Target and Walmart by 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

Not into it?

Then kick back on Black Friday and do a little something for charity. Vista Maria, a shelter for battered women and group home for troubled young girls, is holding a "crochet in." Participants can teach shelter residents to crochet and knit hats, washcloths and scarves to be donated to the homeless in Detroit.

This first annual Crochet-In will happen 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, November 23.

It's meant to help the homeless, and Vista Maria residents, many of whom could use some mentoring time, appreciation, and a reason to be creative.

"Residents who learn to crochet enjoy making things for others which naturally increases their self-esteem, another area in which many girls are deficient," a staffer said.

And the fruits of everyone's labor will go to H.U.G.S. of Detroit, a homeless shelter in the Cass Corridor. H.U.G.S. stands for Help, Understanding, Guidance and Support.

"This event gives our residents a chance to give back," says Debra Slavin-Glazer, M.Ed., recreational therapy supervisor at Vista Maria.

Before coming to Vista Maria, many of the girls, ages 11 to 18, experienced periods where they did not have their basic needs met and some were even homeless.

"Partnering the girls with volunteers will offer an opportunity for mentorship and modeling and to practice their interpersonal interactions during a social event," Slavin-Glazer added.

Learn more at www.vistamaria.org and "Like" and Follow VistaMariaOrg on Facebook.