It's OK. Call them "Knit Wits." They really don't mind!

Since last fall, the Knit Wits, a West Wareham knitting group, has been knitting up a storm. The group started with four members, who meet weekly at Great Hill Estates. The Knit Wits currently has 25 members and seems to get larger by the week.

The group works with donated materials and creates hats, scarves, and other cold-weather gear for Wareham's citizens in-need. Many of the items are donated to local nonprofits Turning Point and Baby Point.

All of the knitting began one pattern - a 40-stitch hat. "And from there, we've expanded to a lot of other patterns," said Knit Wits founder Sheila Monaghan.

In April, the Knit Wits learned how to make wool helmet liners, neck gaiters, and scarves for members of the armed forces. Helmet liners protect soldiers' heads from the pressure of their helmets, while neck gaiters help keep the sand away from their faces and out of their uniforms.

On September 22, the group donated 83 items to Operation Helmet Liner, which distributes the items to the troops. Linda Snow, a volunteer for Cape Cod Cares for the Troops whose son serves in the Army National Guard, graciously accepted the donation. She will distribute the items to soldiers stationed in Afghanistan.

"We wanted to make sure [soldiers] knew we really appreciate them," said Monaghan.

Monaghan picked up one of the soft neck gaiters and explained how they help the soldiers.

"In the heat of the day, [soldiers] wet these and it keeps them cool," she pointed out. "And at night, when the temperature drops, it keeps them warm.

The Knit Wits worked all summer in the Great Hill Estates clubhouse (it's air-conditioned!) to complete the donations. Monaghan said she is "amazed" at how large the group has gotten and how much it has been able to do in such a short time.

"The whole idea was to get people out of the house in the winter," she said. "It just grew and grew."

Most of the yarn used is donated. The group's rule is that any items made with the donated yarn are then given to whomever may need them. To donate to help with the Knit Wits' efforts, contact Shelia Monaghan at 508-273-7308 or e-mail shmonaghan@comcast.net.