My Pink Scarf, Inc. featured in North Dakota Living Magazine

In honor of cancer awareness month, Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative Inc. featured Tara Lacher, a co-op member and cancer survivor, in the October 2009 issue of North Dakota Living magazine.

Carmen, the writer of the story, shared an experience that Tara had with one of her volunteers. She writes Lacher doesn’t knit alone. She’s recruited various clubs and groups, high school students – and even prison inmates – to help make scarves.

“That’s the beauty of My Pink Scarf, Inc. Not only do we share something with those who have been touched by cancer, but we teach others about contributing to a cause,” she enthuses.

“I worked with a gentleman at a correctional facility who had been incarcerated for years. He had nothing but time, so I supplied the yarn and he did the work. He crocheted some of the most exquisite scarves I’ve ever seen, and taught several other inmates to crochet as well,” she shares.

Before his parole, the man requested a meeting with Lacher. After careful consideration, she agreed. During their brief encounter, he told her he came to prison thinking he was the worst person in the world, but his contributions helped him recognize he was a good person.

“A lot of those people don’t have high self-esteem when they walk in. But for a few, this project will change them. And if that is where I leave my mark, I’m fine with it,” Lacher nods. “Several inmates still produce.”

Carmen, thank you for writing the story “Spreading hope – one scarf at a time.” You did an excellent job!