Fans take part in the first-ever Sticks 'n Stitches event during the Feb. 17 game vs. Columbus (Photo by Kari Takmajian).

Raising money for local charities and causes during games is nothing new for the Blues, but Sunday’s game vs. Columbus went above and beyond the usual.

The game marked the first-ever Sticks ‘n Stitches night at Scottrade Center and provided a great opportunity for all knitters and crocheters in St. Louis to get together and cheer on their favorite hockey team.

More than 55 people participated by sitting in Section 122, knitting 7x9 inch afghan squares during the game that will be donated to Warm Up America, an organization that makes blankets for Americans in need. Warm Up America donates these blankets to children’s hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, flood and hurricane victims and more.

Knitting participants also received a discount on tickets and a hot dog and medium soda courtesy of the Blues.

The knitters completed 35 afghan squares and one baby blanket by the end of Sunday’s game, but the Blues are expecting to receive more this week before they send them off to Warm Up America. The Blues are still accepting afghan squares donations at the Blues offices. For more information, or to find out about next year’s Sticks ‘n Stitches event, please contact Kari Takmajian at 314-589-5925 or ktakmajian@stlblues.com. To learn more about Warm Up America, visit www.warmupamerica.com.

Photo Gallery   Sticks 'n Stitches/Locks of Love

In addition, fans looking for a haircut were able to donate their hair to Lock of Love. Great Clips provided the stylists for the event, including Amy Massey, Katie Poinsett, Geri DePauli and Corry Kaiser. The four of them worked tirelessly cutting hair throughout the game.

More than 20 ponytails were donated. Some fans brought them to the game while others donated them during the game. More than 15 people donated hair to the charity.

Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that uses hair to create wigs for children suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any treatment or diagnosis.

For more information on Locks of Love, please visit www.locksoflove.org. If you'd like more information on next year's Locks of Love night, please call Jennifer Nevins at 314.622.5452 or email her at jnevins@stlblues.com.

Sunday’s game also was Autism Awareness Night at Scottrade Center. Fans using a special order form to purchase their tickets were able to receive significant discounts while also donating a portion of the proceeds to Athletes Against Autism, Autism Speaks and the American Special Hockey Assocation.

The Blues also held a silent auction on the concourse to benefit these organizations.