Pay It Forward: Crocheting for a cause

A local woman is crocheting for a cause. Amanda French uses her creative talents with yarn to bring smiles to those that need it most, at a time when they need it most. It all began on bed rest in 2011.

"I was bored out of my mind and so I sent my husband to the store and he got me some supplies and I taught myself through YouTube," said Amanda French.

Self-taught, and it didn't take long to become her passion.

"It's crazy to see all the stuff that I created back then and what I do now, because it's awful, the stuff I did back then," said French.

Now it looks like this, booties, outfits, even blankets, but mostly hats.

"It's just kind of skyrocketed. And I decided, OK, I need to do more, and I need to do more, and I need to do more," said French.

And it has led to bigger and bigger goals.

"My next goal for next year is to donate to the Primary Children's Hospital down in Utah. My goal is to do between 300 and 500 hats next year for them," said French.

From fundraisers to community charity races, and even donated gift certificates, it's enjoyable and relaxing for her. But she says her biggest payoff is seeing other people happy and smiling because they received something.

"My husband and I are in the process of adopting and I really felt, because we've gotten so much support from friends and family and people that we've never met, that I wanted to pay that forward also and I wanted to bring some happiness to kids or happiness to families," said French.

Time for us to 'Pay It Forward.'

"I enjoy it. It's very relaxing and I get to be creative and I don't know. It's just fun," said French, as we moved our interview outside.

"Amanda, how are you?" said Kory Carling of Mountain American Credit Union, as he walked up on our interview.

"I'm good. How are you?" replied French.

"My name is Kory with Mountain America Credit Union."

"Oh, hi," said French.

"We've heard a lot about your kind heart and the amazing clothes you've been able to create and distribute to our community. And I am here today to help 'Pay It Forward.'" said Carling.

"What?" said French.

"So I've brought today with me $500 in cash that I hope will help you continue to make a difference in the lives in of our community," said Carling.

"Oh my gosh!" said French.

"Thank you for all that you do," said Carling.

"Thank you," replied French.

"Great job," said Carling.

"Thanks. Oh my goodness. Thank you! You've going to make me cry," said French.

Click here for a link to Amanda French's Facebook page or here for her Etsy page.

"Pay It Forward" will air the second Wednesday of every month. If you know of a nonprofit organization or someone who deserves to be recognized for their contributions to the area, click on "Pay It Forward" off to the right side of our website and fill out the form or send an email to Eyewitness News anchor Todd Kunz at tkunz@kidk.com