What do mariners, the homeless, and foster children have in common? One organization is helping them all by knitting.

Through the Dartmouth Grange’s new community knitting project, a team of 12 to 15 volunteer knitters have created about 130 scarves, hats, and mittens for both local and national charities. That includes 43 items for the group’s most recent cause: Diapers and Things, a New Bedford-based charity that donates items to needy South Coast families.

The Grange’s Elizabeth Newton leads the effort, along with other community service initiatives. Newton was looking for a way to combine charity with her love of knitting.

“I’m always looking for things to do in community service,” Newton said. “I’m a knitter and thought this was a good thing to work on.”

The community knitting project held its inaugural meeting in September, and now holds monthly meetings on the last Tuesday of each month.

Newton picked several charities to target this year, covering both local and regional needs. The group has donated to several homeless shelters in New Bedford, and to a charity called The Seamen’s Church Institute, which distributes donated caps, scarves, slippers, and vests to mariners working on the water during the holidays.

“There’s always a huge need,” Newton said. “There’s hundreds of charity organizations always accepting items.”

With the holiday season winding down, Newton is already looking forward to next year.

“We are going to keep going year-round,” she said. “By next winter we’ll have a big supply of items to give.”

Interested in joining the group, or have yarn to spare? Contact Newton by phone at (508) 636-4920 for more information.