Before you read on, please note that this project is for those teens who can knit or crochet.
*trigger warning: suicide, mental health*
Hello!
I'm Sara Huff, the Head of Young Adult Services at Abington Free Library.
Thank you for your interest in making hearts for The Peyton Heart Project.
If you're not familiar, The Peyton Heart Project was created in June 2015 in remembrance of Peyton James, a 13-year-old boy who died by suicide. His family created the organization to provide resources and help to those suffering from mental health issues. One way that The Peyton Heart Project does this is by distributing handmade hearts. To learn more about The Peyton Heart Project, click here: About - The Peyton Heart Project.
After the hearts are made, quotes and information about the suicide prevention hotline is attached to them. The hearts are placed in public places around the world for people to find during their everyday lives. The Peyton Heart Project hopes the hearts cause people to stop for a moment and reflect on a life lost to suicide, on bullying and on the fact that everyone’s life matters. Hearts will be left here at the Library and our Roslyn Branch Library for guests of all ages to find.
Instructions about making the hearts:
- Hearts can be knitted or crocheted
- Hearts are around 1.5 - 2 inches long
- Hearts have two "tails" of 4-5 inches long. This is usually the starting tail and finishing tail of your work. Leave the tails free and untied. We're going to add the tags at the Library and tie the tails together to make a loop.
- Hearts can be any color BUT black. (Mixed colors with black is okay, but no solid black.)
What you need to know:
- This is open to any "teen" in grades 6-12 who can knit or crochet.
- Yarn can be provided for you; if you have yarn at home you want to use feel free to use that instead.
- Sign up via the form below, and Sara will email you when she has yarn ready for you to pick up. Come to the Information Desk (desk near the computers) to pick up your yarn after she has emailed you.
- You do not need to be an advanced crocheter or knitter. Beginners are welcome!
- You can make as many hearts as you'd like. There is no limit. Keep track of hour(s) spent making the hearts.
- Remember to leave the 4-5" long tails free and untied so we can add the tags.
- When you return the hearts bring them to the Information Desk and Library Staff will take them and sign off on any paperwork you may have. You can also request more yarn and the Staff will get more for you.
- There is no set deadline for this project - Sara is going to accept hearts all throughout the year.
If you are interested in participating fill out the form below and Sara will get in contact with you via email (so check your email!). Please don't come to the Library before she has reached out to you with further instructions.
