Students at NMSU are using their creativity to make a meaningful impact. On Nov. 12th, the Crochet Cuties Club (CRCU) gathered for an event where creativity met community service in the form of cozy winter hats for chemotherapy patients at the Las Cruces Memorial Cancer Center.
The event is part of CRCU’s mission to make an impact both on campus and in the wider community. All beanies made by the members will be delivered to patients at the Memorial Cancer Center to uplift their spirits and provide warmth during recovery.
“The main goal of this event was to use crochet for a different reason than is commonly seen. Typically, crochet is used for cute decor, plushes, clothes, or personal projects, but it can be incredibly sustainable and charitable,” club president Zoey Montoya said. “We wanted to use our skills to provide comfort and warmth to cancer patients during the cold weather, who need a little comfort and happiness during their recovery.”
As an incentive, members who contributed a beanie were entered into a raffle, with one beanie equaling one entry. CRCU officers will collect all completed items for delivery to the Memorial Cancer Center on Friday, Nov. 21, where they will personally bring the donations to the hospital.
Crochet Cuties Club is designed as a welcoming and inclusive space where students of all experience levels can learn, grow, and be inspired. Officers emphasized that they are happy to teach beginners the basics of crochet.
Crochet involves creating projects with yarn and a hook, and it allows members to use their creativity as they wish. From hats and scarves to blankets and decorative items, crochet is an interactive hobby for students.
“I got really into knitting only a couple months ago and then saw that this group was here at NMSU, and I wanted to learn to crochet,” member Mark Andersen said. “It’s now one of my favorite hobbies, and it’s for a good cause.”
The Crochet Cuties Club not only encourages creativity and expression but also fosters a sense of connection among students. By working together on projects that directly help others, members can not only develop their crochet skills but also contribute to meaningful causes. CRCU is open to all NMSU students and will continue its regular meetings throughout the spring.
“We currently have 30 beanies made by our members,” Montoya said. “This is Crochet Cuties’ first event expanding into the Las Cruces community. Forming this club and seeing our members learn, create, and incorporate crafting into their daily lives makes me very proud. Members often tell me they look forward to making new friends and being more involved in student organizations at NMSU. I’m excited to see where Crochet Cuties will grow, even after I graduate.”
Through events like this, the Crochet Cuties Club demonstrates that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of others. CRCU is eager to continue to provide easy access to hobbies for students at NMSU.
“It’s amazing to see everyone working together. Making beanies for people who really need them makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself,” first-time attendee Gabi Guillermo said.
