83-Year-Old Uses Knitting To 'Make A Difference'

By Amelia Santaniello, WCCO-TV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- An 83-year-old great-grandma is using knitting to spreading her love to babies all over Minnesota.

"Probably (knitting) most of the evenings for about three hours and a couple hours in the day if I'm not busy," said Betty Paulus.

Paulus is a knitter with cause, which is why she takes her knitting bag everywhere -- even the doctor's office.

"You know because it's a good conversation starter, plus then you can start talking about Bundles of Love and then you can hand them a little brochure that tells them about and hopefully you've recruited somebody," she said.

In fact, Paulus has recruited more than 30 people to knit for Bundles of Love, which donates bundles of handmade baby goodies to new mothers in need.

Paulus knits hats, booties and sweaters for the babies, and does quality checks on all the rest.

At 83, she has more energy and responsibilities than many people half of her age. She's in the ladies fellowship committee, she buys children's book bags and supplies for the church.

Her nomination form for 'Making A Difference' -- a way that WCCO honors those making their community a better place -- went on and on about all the activities she does, but clearly so much of her heart is with the Bundles of Love organization.

"There are so many people that deserve this award more than I do, but I'm happy for it, because it brings people to know about Bundles of Love," she said.

Paulus can use the $500 prize money she won from 'Making A Difference' anyway she wants, but you won't be surprised to hear she's planning to donate almost all of it to Bundles of Love.

If you'd like donate money or volunteer your time to the organization, click here.

And if you want to nominate someone who's making a difference in your community, fill out this form to nominate someone.