Santa's Elves thank DeLand woman for 20 years of needlework

By Sarahrose Ministeri
BEACON STAFF WRITER

posted Dec 10, 2008 - 8:48:35am

DeLand resident Tula Forbes has been crocheting for longer than she can remember.

"My sister passed away from cancer many years ago and she gave me a closet full of yarn, so I learned to crochet. I've been doing all this in memory of her," Forbes said.

Forbes donates her creations to local charities that help families in need. Santa's Elves Inc. has been delivering her handmade slippers, quilts, baby sweaters, hats, booties and blankets to Volusia County families for 20 years.

"We will bring Christmas dinner and gifts to 600 children and their families in Volusia this year," Barbara Hill of Santa's Elves said. "Santa's Elves want to thank Mrs. Forbes for 20 years of hard work."

Forbes enjoys stitching gifts for others. She spends most of the year crocheting the items Santa's Elves pick up in early December, and also donates baby booties to Grace House Pregnancy Resource Center in Downtown DeLand.

"When I get tired, I sit down and crochet," she said.

Forbes purchases most of the yarn and materials herself, but she welcomes donations. She says the hardest part is finding baby yarn. Those interested in donating can call her at (386) 734-2807.

"Thousands of babies and children have warm blankets and sweaters, thanks to Mrs. Forbes," Hill said.

Anyone interested in donating toys or other gifts for Santa's Elves can bring items to The Beacon's office at 110 W. New York Ave. in DeLand.

— info@beacononlinenews.com

Comment on this article

Commenting is closed for this article.

If you would like to contribute a letter to the editor, please click here.

Did you find this story interesting or informative? Subscribe to The DeLand-Deltona Beacon to read more stories by Sarahrose Ministeri, along with others from our award-winning writers. Subscribe now!