Saratoga Peace Pod Celebrates 6 Years

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga Peace Pod, a group of crafters who create and deliver warm handmade items to those in need, is celebrating its six-year anniversary.

 The Peace Pod was established by Rachel Baum during the pandemic, when meetings were held virtually, and handcrafted items were collected from Pod members in the parking lot of the Saratoga Automobile Museum. 

Currently, the Saratoga Peace Pod creates warm items for local organizations, including To Life!, The MoonCatcher Project, Wellspring, WAIT House, and the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition. Donations are also sent to the umbrella organization Knitting4Peace, to be distributed wherever there is a need.

The Saratoga Peace Pod is an offshoot of Knitting4Peace, whose mission is to harness the power of love through compassionate creative action that invites, involves, and serves all women, children, and families in communities and countries around the world. It is comprised of thousands of knitters, crocheters, quilters, and supporters in the United States and Canada. Items created include hats, scarves, mittens, booties, baby blankets, baby bibs, afghans, quilted sleeping mats, Peace Pal dolls, shawls, and washcloths.

Members of the Saratoga Peace Pod meet one Sunday per month at Corina Contemporary Jewelry at 10 Washington Street in Ballston Spa. Saratoga Peace Pod Coordinators Amy Thomas and Laurie Bouchard collect donations at this time and welcome interested crafters to join them there for tea and conversation. Crafters may also drop off donations at the shop anytime it is open.

Those interested in joining the Pod and receiving a monthly email notifying members of their next gathering can contact Amy and Laurie at saratogapeacepod@gmail.com.