SE Valley Times

Tempe, AZ - The Tempe Needlewielders, a nonprofit organization based at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center, gathers twice weekly to create items for donation to local hospitals and charities. Recently, Tempe Councilmember Arlene Chin visited one of their meetings to understand more about the group's activities and even attempted some stitching herself.

The Needlewielders are an active group of 80-100 members aged 50 and above. They welcome sewing, crocheting, and knitting enthusiasts. Meetings take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center located at 655 E. Southern Ave.

Community donations are appreciated by the group, including baby yarn, acrylic yarn, 100% cotton yarn, elastic, polyester stuffing and batting, crochet hooks, and scissors.

In 2023 alone, the Needlewielders volunteered over 47,000 hours and were honored with the City of Tempe's World of Difference Award. The group has been meeting at Pyle since 1979. More information can be found at tempe.gov/pyle.