WILBRAHAM – Looking to knit for a good cause? The Wilbraham Public Library will be accepting pink scarf donations for the annual Rays of Hope walk for breast cancer research on Oct. 30 in Springfield.

Adult Services Librarian Mary Bell told Reminder Publications this is the third year the library has participated in the fundraiser. The first year the library received about 20 scarves and during its second year more than 100 were donated.

She added the scarf donations are given to breast cancer survivors who are participating in the walk, which is organized by Bay State Health annually.

“I think raising awareness is extremely important and showing support for survivors and this donation does both,” Bell said. “And for folks who are working on projects or looking for a knitting project to do, it’s a great way to start some volunteerism.”

The library hosts a drop in knitting group during the first Saturday of every month at 10 a.m., Bell said.

“We’ve had fairly low attendance, so you don’t have to be part of the group to donate, and in fact most of the people aren’t,” she added.

She added donations are accepted until Oct. 15. Any pattern could be used for the scarves, but they must be pink.

The Wilbraham Public Library has a box for donations on the first floor located near its newer shelves and magazines to the right of the main entrance, she noted. Scarves could also be dropped off at the front desk.

According to Rays of Hope’s website, the event was started by Lucy Giuggio Carvalho, who was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 1993 at the age of 38. She made a recovery due to the care of Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and decided to give back by forming Rays of Hope.

Since it’s creation in 1994, Rays of Hope has grown from 500 participants to 24,000 and has raised more than $12.4 million, all of which have been awarded throughout the local area.

For more information about Rays of Hope visit bayhf.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1070&pg=entry. Any individuals interested in donating can call the library at 596-6141.