Over the years, Frances Schmiedt has knitted thousands of caps.

The long-time Manteca resident has been kept busy as of late with her needle-point skills, making – at last count, as of Monday – 124 caps to send to U.S. military personnel serving in the Middle East and Korea.

“Her caps will be included in the 150 boxes for ‘Treats for Our Troops,’” said Susie Beeler on behalf of the Soroptimist International program.

She’s been involved in the ‘Treats for Our Troops’ for the past six years.

Schmiedt, who is a resident of the local independent and assisted care living facility Merrill Gardens, is hoping to produce more caps before the end of the month. The care packages are scheduled to be sent overseas in early December.
Schmiedt, who has been knitting caps for the cause for the past four years, is in need of more yarn.

She has enough to finish a few more but is turning to the public for donations in the form of leftover or new packages of yarn.

“They can drop it off at the front office,” she said.
Merrill Gardens is located at 430 N. Union St.

Beeler praised Schmiedt for her efforts over the years.

“Her needles move quickly and she produces over 100 each season just for the troops not to mention caps in smaller sizes for children in care homes,” she said.

Beeler added that Schmiedt has sold her knitted caps at craft fairs, donating all proceeds to local charities.

“She’s quiet, reserved and a classy lady, (but) speaks to all with her goodwill and charitable acts,” Beeler said.
Why the knit caps?

“Afghanistan can be so hot in the summer months with temperatures over 130 degrees and cold at six to eight degrees and even below zero in the winter months,” Beeler said.

She, too, is encouraging people to donate four-ply worsted yard leftover and / or a bag from an unfinished project at the Merrill Gardens front desk.

“Don’t forget to write your name on the bag,” Beeler said. “Any and all donations will be sincerely appreciated.”