Local knitters and crocheters attending the Naper Boulevard Library’s “Stitching in the Stacks” program are making small hearts, as part of the Peyton Heart Project.

Founded in 2015, and named for teenager Peyton James who committed suicide after being bullied, the project aims to bring awareness about suicide and bullying and help end the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

To accomplish this, the project encourages groups from around the world to craft yarn hearts, and then hide them out in their community.

“They’re placed in public areas for people to find, just to inspire hope and kindness,” sand Adult Services Associate at the Naper Boulevard Library, Cela Zofkie. “And our hope is that if people find these and they feel like they need support, they have a little bit of hope during their day.”

Once found, people are encouraged to share them on social media using #PeytonHeartProject.

Stitching in the Stacks attendees regularly work on different service projects, including chemo caps and donated blankets.

Naperville News 17’s Evan Summers reports.