Members of the Youth Crochet Program proudly display a U.S. flag they made for a wounded U.S. serviceman in Iraq. In all, 60 hats, 60 scarves and 15 blankets for Iraqi children in orphanages/hospitals and other U.S. soldiers were crocheted.

• Members of Ansonia Garden Club get dirty hands while creating beauty

• Shelton Grandmother teaches crochet to young girls for benefit of Iraqi children and U.S. soldiers

• Both receive Valley neighborhood small grants from Gates Fund