On a very cold winter’s morning, Amanda Lindsey and Megan Snider spread a little warmth throughout downtown Clarksburg. Not only did they distribute 300 handmade scarves and hats, but also some face-to-face cheer.

 

“We interacted with a lot of people this morning – a lot more than last year. We made a point to make eye contact and say good morning to everyone we saw,” Lindsey said about this morning’s second annual “Chase the Chill” operation. “Last year when we started hanging items, people were a little hesitant and didn’t approach us or take the items, but this morning we had people come up and ask us for things even before we had a chance to hang them up. They made contact first and came up and helped themselves. They went through our wagon and got what they wanted.”

 

The local women arrived in Clarksburg at about 8 a.m. It was 3 degrees F. when they made their first stop – in Glen Elk, just outside the Clarksburg Mission. They hung the crocheted and knitted accessories on light poles and fences. Some they personally gave to both residents and employees of the Mission.

 

“A lot of people we talked to were coming out of the Mission. I don’t really know their situation, but I assume they were staying there,” Lindsey said. “We also talked to a lot of people who worked at the Mission and they didn’t want to take a hat or scarf. They said they worked there, but we told them they were for everybody – that everyone needs a hat and scarf when it is so cold.”

 

The women then distributed items at the Pike Street bus stop, just outside Clarksburg Public Library. Again, they offered the items to everyone they saw.

 

“We had one gentleman bring us coffee. It was so sweet,” Lindsey said. “He came out of one of the buildings when we were in front of the library, then went across the street and got us a cup of coffee. He said we were doing something good.”

 

The coffee warmed the women up, but so did the excitement about this year’s Chase the Chill operation.

 

“We were both really excited so it didn’t seem as cold because our blood was pumping and we were ready to go,” Lindsey said.

 

The women started making items for this year’s distribution right after last year’s first-time event when they distributed about 150 items.

 

“We started making things last year, but the bulk of the stuff that Megan and I made we’ve made probably in the last few months. That’s when we hit it hard,” Lindsey said. “Between the two of us, we made about 40 items, but with the items we had donated, we had close to 300 items.”

 

On top of those hand-knitted and crocheted scarves, hats and some mittens and gloves, there were probably close to 400 items left for the taking in downtown Clarksburg this morning.

 

Early this evening, they will go back and pick up what is left. They hope there aren’t many.

 

“Last year, when we went back, there were only three items left,” Lindsey said.

 

She said in addition to donated handmade and store-purchased accessories, many donated skeins of yarn so those who did know how to knit and/or crochet could make additional items. They even hosted a knit/crochet workshop and taught some others how. They hope to do that more often in the coming year.

 

Both Lindsey and Snider have quite a passion for the project.

 

“I just feel it’s important to do something nice and not expect anything in return. It makes us feel good that we’re warming people up a little,” Lindsey said. “I feel like doing this might inspire other people – even just one person - to do something nice.”