Ann's Choice Knitters Acknowledged by Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick for Supporting Wounded Soldiers

WARMINSTER, PA - U.S. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick visited with a group of Ann's Choice residents to praise them for their efforts in making a difference in the lives of U.S. soldiers wounded in combat.

Ann's Choice resident Betty McQue (left) illustrates how stockings are created to Pennsylvania United States Representative Mike Fitzpatrick[/caption]

The group of approximately 50 residents in total, call themselves the "Knit Wits" and through their knitting prowess, they create stockings for servicemen and women who have lost limbs due to war and are being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

Congressman Fitzpatrick was given a demonstration on how the stockings are made by the Knit Wits group and he saw some of the approximate 400 stockings that they have created since this endeavor began in January.
During the time spent with the knitters, Representative Fitzpatrick presented Ann's Choice resident and knitting group leader Betty McQue with an official document containing language that he will soon enter into the Congressional Record on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.
The Knit Wits group was founded by Mrs. McQue following a meet and greet event with young veterans held at Ann's Choice. She said she listened to some of the needs of wounded soldiers and the idea of knitting stockings came to fruition.

"Because volunteers are essential to our community and institutions as they go about helping people in need, congratulations to the Knit Wits from Ann's Choice for donating their skills and time to the cause of our wounded veterans," Representative Fitzpatrick said. "Together, the volunteers have made the stocking  gifts in all patterns and sizes and generously donated them to the hospitalized soldiers. Thanks to all involved in this worthy cause for recognizing the contribution and sacrifice of our veterans in this way."
Mrs. McQue said, "Our group creates these stockings because we are so proud of our troops. The men and women who defend our country are so committed toward protecting this great country of ours and we are more than happy to be able to support them in whatever way we can."

"There is so much generosity and kindness here at our community and this latest example by Mrs. McQue and the other members of this group truly defines service," said Ann's Choice Executive Director Chris Donati. "These energetic residents have taken a passion of theirs in knitting and transformed it into a patriotic act of recognition for our troops who have sacrificed so much."
Ann's Choice Director of Philanthropy Susan Abtouche said, "There are so many veterans who live at Ann's Choice, including at least 250 who are members of the community's Veterans Group, and so it is more than fitting that some of the residents would want to recognize and support the service by our current troops who have sacrificed so much. The whole community enthusiastically thanks knitters and of course the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces."

Mrs. McQue is no stranger to the military. Her husband Bob spent a career in the military as part of the 103rd Engineer Battalion, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, known as the "Dandy First." The McQues also have a son who is active in the Virginia National Guard.
In addition to galvanizing support for the Knit Wits cause, Mrs. McQue has also knitted countless hats and scarves for homeless veterans.
 

About Ann's Choice:  Ann's Choice is one of 17 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living. The scenic 103 acre campus is located in Warminster, Pennsylvania and is home to more than 2,000 residents. Ann's Choice is a greater Bucks County retirement destination offering an exciting alternative to typical retirement, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.

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