DANVILLE -- More than 375 hand-knitted and crocheted pieces have been donated to the Danville Chapter of the American Red Cross for soldiers serving overseas.

"I'm amazed and thrilled at the response," said Susan Kessler-Simpson, health and safety services coordinator for the chapter. "I think it's wonderful the people of the community come out and knit their little hearts out."

More than 50 area residents helped create and donate 381 articles: 142 scarves; 78 hats; 23 helmet liners; three "dickies," knit inserts intended to be worn at the neckline; 27 mitts; 98 dolls; and 10 kids' mittens.

Kessler-Simpson said some knitters brought single items while others donated bags of creations.

One scarf, she said, was the first finished product of a 12-year-old girl from Arizona, Catherine Payne. Catherine's grandmother brought the scarf in to be donated and sent overseas.

"Mistakes and all, we will take it," she said. "There is love in it."

Another local woman brought in a bag of children's mittens, which soldiers will be able to keep in their pockets and give to children they meet. Knitters also made dolls that soldiers can hand out as goodwill gestures.

"We're thrilled for how many people of the community showed how much they care and give to the people overseas," said chapter Executive Director Betsy Petersen.

The group plans to hold the project each year and expand it to those who are "needle-y challenged."

"A number really enjoyed it and want to continue," Petersen said.

Volunteer Abby Revenis agreed, saying many of the women involved are older and find it gratifying to contribute to the effort.

Kessler-Simpson said: "They are in their 70s and 80s, and they feel like they are helping someone. Even if next year (the result) is a fourth of the size, if it gives a goodwill feeling to the community, we're going to keep doing it."

She said the office still has patterns, yarn and needles for anyone interested in helping with the project.

Kessler-Simpson said the chapter hopes to have the items packed and shipped by Nov. 1 so the soldiers receive them by Christmas.

Donations still are being accepted and will be held for the next shipment.