You may have heard of the BellSouth Telephone Pioneers previously.

They’re the people who design those lovable Hug-A-Bears distributed to children through The Regional Medical Center, local EMS agencies and fire departments.

They’re also the hard-working folks that help Zig the Pig raise money for families of children with pediatric cancer.

This Edisto chapter of dedicated Pioneers is also noted for activities such as Robotics Competitions and numerous educational programs.

A new Pioneers project designed for nursing home residents is being spearheaded by retired Southern Bell electronic testing technician Marie S. McMichael and retired BellSouth directory assistant Annette Garrick.

“We are crocheting afghans that will be distributed to nursing home residents in the Orangeburg community,” Garrick said. “Our goal is to complete 150 afghans by September 1 so they can be delivered this fall. Anyone who enjoys crocheting is invited to participate.”

The BellSouth Telephone Pioneers organization allows current and former employees to keep in touch while working together on volunteer service projects. The more than 6,000 members of the South Carolina chapter combine their skills and free time to accomplish community service goals, says McMichael.

The dimensions of a completed afghan is 40-by-40 inches. A new afghan of any pattern and color will be accepted.

“We are also seeking donations of skeins of yarn for this project,” Garrick added. “We have members who will do the crocheting if materials are made available. I really believe we can exceed our goal and make a positive difference in the Orangeburg community.”

Since the project began in January, the Two Mile Family Community Leaders club has joined the Pioneer’s effort, and others have expressed a desire to be a part of the project.

“Because the afghan project is gaining momentum, we are inviting people of all ages to contribute to this worthy cause,” Garrick said.

McMichael also made an appeal to other Bell system retirees who have relocated to the Orangeburg area to use their hands and free time to assist the Edisto Pioneers with the endeavor.

If you are interested in the Edisto Pioneers Afghan Project, call Marie at 536-2054 or Annette at 534-8059. To learn more about other projects sponsored by the Edisto Pioneers, call Cindy Rickards, Member-At-Large Community Services leader, at 536-9980.

“I know we can do other things with our time, but is so easy to pick up a crochet needle and skeins of yarn to fashion an item that is greatly needed by people right here in our own community,” Garrick said. “A warm afghan is a wonderful way to wrap a senior citizen in Christian love.”

-- T&D Staff Writer Sonja Gleaton can be reached by e-mail at sgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com and by telephone at 533-5523.

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