Extreme Condtions hard on the Homeless

Homeless have it hard regardless of the season, winter months they deal with ice, sleet, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. Summer can present the opposite problems. We've been kniting, crocheting and donating hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, and other warm items to help the homeless and those without or very little heat during 3 seasons, Spring (which can still have freezing temperatures in this state), fall (which be frosty), and the brutal winter. Our dear friend and long time supporter, Bunny got to thinking about how hot it's been and how much we all rely on our air conditioners with these extreme heat indexes and came up with the above item. These are cool ties. These need to be soaked in water and will last up to several days to provide some cooling when warm around the neck. These are used by our military in extreme conditions.

Our other good friend Sandie in Louisiana has a link with directions where people who sew can make these cool ties. I'm hopeful obtaining the water to activate these is doable and have put forth that question to our friend, Rae who deliveries our goods to The Bridge Folks when she takes them meals. Stay tuned for more information regarding this idea. Many thanks Bunny for your creative thinking.
All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Hitting the jackpot with donations for Ohio's Homeless

Look at this wonderful donation from Kim in Washington. It's fabulous. Beautifully made hats, and scarves...soft and warm, and a wonderful selection of colors too. Kim is our newest pair of helping hands and is our first person to represent the state of Washington. Or at least our first since I started documenting where people were from on our map. I don't want to overlook if you donated previously and are from the state....please sing out. Love to get everyone properly documented on our map below. If you've not checked out it, please do.

Many thanks Kim for your wonderful donation, we're thrilled to have your helping hands helping us with this sad problem of homeless people, and others in need.

Only 2 days more days folks for squares, our July focus...then onto August were we'll be focused on hats for men. Remember, while we do highlight an item monthly all items are collected all year long...except squares. Squares need to be specific to the month they are highlighted. We have a working calendar above if you'd like to see what's up and coming.

2011 Donations
Scarves 231+ 15=246
hats 468+ 39=507
mittens 117
socks 90
ghans 29 (2 donated previously to Pine Street)
Squares 331
Sweaters 5
Poncho's 58

Adding the state of Washington to our map gives us a percentage of 60% with 30 states being representated. Pretty awesome over half the country is helping the cause.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Fun, Funky, and Fabulous with some Frills

Fun....check
Funky.....double check, see those stripes hats with the curly decorations?
Fabulous, see the bright colored warmly knitted hat with ties?
Frills, see the lacy hats with scalloped edges decorated with flowers?

These 12 hats were both knitted (striped hats and hat with tie), and crocheted (all lacy ones) and donated by Bridget in Michigan for Ohio's homeless. The lacy hats are small and I think will work for some of the girls to wear indoors and look stylish. Everyone feels good, or at least better when they look stylish and these kids can surely use a lift.

Thank you Bridget for your thoughtful donation. I particularly loved the knitted curly ques for hat decorations...........kids love fun hats.

**3 more days for squares, then onto Hats for Men, warm hats, dark colors best for men is our August focus**

2011 Donations:

Scarves 231
Hats 456+12=468
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 90
Slippers 68
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 331
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 270


**Please find your name on the lists in the right hand sidebar. Is a state listed by your name? Still many unknowns. Please leave a comment with your name and state so records can be updated....and we can update our map at the bottom of the page. We've not had an update in quite some time to it. Currently records indicate donations have come from 29 different states for a percentage of 58. I'm willing to bet some of the good folks who've donated come from some of the other states. Please take a look.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Scrumptious Slippers and Squares Donated

4 pairs of warm, soft knitted slippers and 38 mostly crocheted squares from Nelda in Michigan being donated for Ohio's homeless..........SCRUMPTIOUS!! Lots of fun colors in the squares too.

Nelda, if you're out there reading this please email me sandycrochet@gmail.com When I tried to email you to let you know your wonderful and thoughtful donation arrived the email was returned as mail demon...Apparently you have a different email? If anyone is in a group with Nelda would you sing out so I can contact her?
**edited to add...we've made contact, thanks!

Just a handful of days left in our July focus of 7-10 inch squares before we move onto our August focus of hats for men. Please think warm, large, and colors appropriate for men. Men live outdoors when their homeless, and often only get a night here and there in a shelter so please nothing with an open weave.

*Actually, nothing with an open weave is our rule of thumb for all hats, scarves, and mittens and we need items to be warm*

**Squares will be collected again in the year 2012.

***Would love to get an email from all local knitters and crocheters interested in doing a work day. If you're in and around Columbus and would be available to collect up for a work day, please zap me an email. ***


2011 Donations:

Scarves 231
Hats 456
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 90
Slippers 64+4=68
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 293+38=331
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 270

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Helping Hands for the Homeless in the Neighborhood

Woot Woot! New helping hands for the homeless. That always makes me excited. These 6 knitted hats come from a new pair of helping hands, from Becky, (sleepy on Rav), right here in the state of Ohio. In fact, Becky and I are practically neighbors. Through the beauty of the internet we're now connected. Funny to have someone practically be neighbor, but the way we meet/get connected is through the internet. Many thanks Becky for these fabulous knitted hats for the homeless. Look at the lower left corner, that pink hat with the details...........isn't it wonderful!

With our work schedules we didn't get to meet face to face, yet. Am hopeful we'll be able to do that soon. Appreciate your help Becky and loo forward to more donations and visits from from you for Bridge and Beyond.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 231
Hats 450+6=456
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 90
Slippers 64
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 293
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 270

**Did you read about our new google page rank? If not, please please do HERE.
****Just 6 more days for squares, then we'll be onto our August Focus...Men's Hats****
******Notice our Alexa ranking? Read about it HERE******


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Hats, Scarves and more for the Homeless

Our good friend RoseMarie's done it again folks. By now I'm willing to bet some of you could look at the donation and know it's from her. Her hats are often edge in a different color which she coordinates with her signature button flower decoration. RoseMarie donated 4 crocheted matching hat and scarves sets, a headband, and more wonderful soap and shampoo for our personal care packs. There are also 2 pairs of slippers and 5 squares.

If you click to enlarge the picture (remember you can always do that to see details), you'll notice a little purse on the left just above the soaps. I'm going to use that as one of the personal care packages. We'll put some soap, shampoo and of course a handmade (knit or crocheted) washcloth.

Thank you RoseMarie for your ongoing support of caring for Ohio Homeless with your thoughtful donations. We appreciate it, and we appreciate you.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227+4=231
Hats 446+4=450
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 90
Slippers 62+2=64
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 287+5=293
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 270

**Just 7 more days for squares to be knitting, crocheted, and donated for our July focus, then we'll move on to our August focus. Please keep checking the working calendar on the tab across the top of the blog.**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Thank You Google Page Rank

**Here's a beautiful flower to help me say THANK YOU**

Thank You all. While numbers might not mean alot to some folks, in some situations...I want to express my thanks for helping our numbers to each and everyone of you who visit the blog, who take time to read the blog post, and most certainly those who leave comments. This is very helpful, may seem un-important...but. I'm happy to report that sometime in last week or so, we've jumped from a Google Page Rank of 2 to a 3!!! That's pretty exciting to me and it's important. The higher we rank, the more easily we are found from people looking for a place to donate knitted or crocheted items too. The higher we rank, the more people who find us when looking for charity's in need...the higher we rank, the more notice we get. The more notice we get, the more people we attract, the more help we attract, the more people we can help. Sooooooooo please keep your visit coming, spend time on the page, look around that also helps. Please leave comments. I know many people do visit, they tell me so in their emails, but their timid about leaving comments. Please don't be. Leaving comments is easy, and it helps. Plus, everyone who takes time to donate hand knitted or hand crocheted items for homeless and charities in need love the encouragement your comments bring to them.

You do not need to be a blogger to leave comments. Please don't leave comments as anonymous...we don't know who you are then. Type your comment, click the drop down box and select name and url, type your name and leave url empty if you don't have a blog...though you could link to your Facebook, or Ravelry Profile page, if you like and don't have a blog. Then click ok or publish and you're good to go.

Thank you for helping us reach this milestone, please help keep us there but continuing to support each other with visits and comments. Better yet...let's strive to reach a 4. Is that possible?

I also added Alexa ranking to this blog which when this post was scheduled was 6,123,422. That's high, and that number will go down with increased blog visitors. The Google Rank and The Alexa rank are both in the side bar on the right, just scroll down a bit if you'd like to see them. How can you help improve the Alexa rank? Visit, read, comment, AND LINK to this blog. If you blog, please write a blog post about this blog, and link back to us. If you tweet, please tweet about the blog with a link, likewise on Facebook.

Let's see if we can grow the page/blog. Could you send a mass email out to those in your address book with a link to this blog and ask them to visit, to look around. Would love them to leave a comment or 12. Remember, they may be interested in the fact that you donate to this cause, even if they themselves aren't knitters or crocheters.

Are you a follower of this blog? If you are, thank you! If you're not, please consider clicking the follow/join. The words follow and join seem to change back and forth, but are really the same thing. As of the writing of this blog we have 160 followers...would love to see that number grow.

Goals...Grow the page, with higher follower numbers
Higher Google Page rank number
Higher Alexa Rank (means lowering that number)

This truly help us, help more people in need. Men, women, and children need our help. Thank you

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 446
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 90
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 287
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 270

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Fun and Unique Cotton Knit Washcloths for Homeless

Washcloths, wonderful soft, colorful, knitted and crocheted cotton washcloths made by our newest pair of helping hands Sue V.K. in Wisconsin, and donated to help Ohio's homeless and others in need. WOW. The one in the middle is super fun. Click to enlarge this, and all photo's so you can see details. I think this might involve a skipped stitch? Looks like dashes running across the cloth...very cool. I've not seen this pattern before.
Color, color, color....even after going shopping specifically for cool cotton colors, here's some I've not yet seen. The larger cloths are crocheted and such nice sizing for the men. Ripples, stripes, variegated and more.
This orange one also looks very different and is I think made with slip stitches somehow from previous rows? Knitted. We're happy to have you join us Sue and appreciate your helping hands.
Sue donated 30 washcloths, squares for our current months focus, and a nice heavy hat.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 445+1=446
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 90
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 285+2=287
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 240+3=270

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Cloths, Squares and Socks Oh My

Woot Woot, look at this nice donation from Suzz right here in my hometown, 5 squares, 10 pair of socks, and 7 cotton washcloths. I love people who care for people. People who give of themselves ROCK!

Thank you Suzz, appreciate your thoughtful donation. Glad to see some more cloths for the men folks too.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 445
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80+10=90
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 280+5=285
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 233+7=240

Stay turned for information regarding a family shelter we'll be adding to our mission. Had hoped to have more details for you by now, but times been a bit tight. Just know, with all your donations we're reaching out to more in need. YOU...yes YOU make a difference. An important difference.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

You don't have to have Yarn to Donate and Help

This is a wonderful donation, a non yarn donation proving once again everyone can help! You do not need to knit, you do not need to crochet, you do not need to be able to loom to donate, to make a difference in the life of someone less fortunate. While the primary mission of this blog, Bridge and Beyond is hand made donations (hats, scarves, mittens, slippers etc.), personal care items are always needed.

Thank you RoseMarie for this thoughtful donation, it's greatly needed and appreciated. RoseMarie does in fact donate with her skilled hands. These soaps (60 bars), and shampoo's (8), will be heading to Faith Mission with additional cotton washcloths I received since my delivery.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 445
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 280
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 233

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Donating Personal Care Items

Thank you Liz (minnisoda in the ville), for this wonderful donation of 18 knitted and crocheted cotton washcloths and 16 soaps. She got her hubby involved by asking him to collect in his business travels...see how they add up. Awesome colorful cotton cloths, some knitted corner to corner, others side to side. Likewise with those crocheted. Lots of fun and interesting colors. Beautifully made, and so much appreciated Liz. Many thanks.

With summer here and people out and about traveling both for business and or family vacations, please do save your soaps shampoo's etc from the hotels and send them along with your next donation. They often don't get used in your travels because they're not your brand, but do pack them and bring them home with you. They are perfect for adding to our personal care packages for the homeless and those in need. Can you imagine spending the night in a shelter and wanting a shower but not having soap to take one? We can help with this very simple item and make people feel better.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 445
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 280
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 215+18=233

Just a couple of weeks left for Give a Square and we'll move onto our August focus of Mens Hats, knitted and crocheted, or loomed hats for Men.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Crocheted Cotton Cloth

A crocheted cotton cloth from our good friend, and long time supporter, Sandie in Louisiana (also the winner of our JoAnne gift card for the comment contest). Cotton washcloths are such an awesome thing, for several reasons. They are a necessary item, everyone needs a washcloth...plus they're handmade which shows someone you didn't know cared enough to take time to make something special...special, JUST FOR YOU, plus hand made cotton wash cloths are so very soft and feel so nice on our skin and that gives wonderful comfort to all.

We supply personal items too and our last donation to Faith Mission was fabulous folks. Hand made cotton wash cloths, both knitted and crocheted, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo and rinse, lotion and razors. I was so pleased with our donations both for our men living under the bridges and for the folks at Faith Mission (both sides men and women). Thank you to all who participated. I say this often, but it bears repeating again. Every item is appreciated. Maybe you think I only have one of this or that....put with others it grows and grows and gives us the ability to help many in need. Please don't be timid and believe me when I say YOU DO MAKE a difference. One item, one stitch at a time.

July's focus is squares 7-10 inches, more details can be found in the side bar and or tab on the top of the blog.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 445
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 280
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 214+1=215

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Help comes in all Sizes

A bakers dozen, yep 13 cotton washcloths in all different sizes knitted and donated by Kathy G, a fellow Ohioan. Kathy and I became acquainted through the beauty of Facebook. What's fun, she's lives in the town where I grew up. I lived there until 4th grade and then the family moved. We've been able to get together and have lunch which was fun...a face to face meet up. We've tried to plan another get together. Haven't made it yet; but we will.

Thank you Kathy for your thoughtful donation. Appreciate your on going support! Hope to see you soon.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 445
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 280
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 201+13=214


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Cotton Cloths from Tennessee, YIPPEE

It's sounds musical or sorta like a cheer...say it out loud...Cotton Cloths from Tennessee, YIPPEE! Suzann W our newest pair of helping hands comes from TN and makes pretty cotton washcloths...see. Nice color selection too. Many thanks Suzann, thrilled to have you join us, and very much appreciate your thoughtful donation. Hope to see you often here at The Bridge.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 445
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 280
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 194+7=201

So very happy to see our numbers, knowing that means we can help more people in need. Folks stay tuned for information on a family shelter. In the process of obtaining more information, but looks like there's a family shelter in need of assistance, so keep making hats, scarves, mittens, slippers suitable for men, women, and children. I think we can reach out to another group. Details soon.

We're almost half way through the month of July, who's focus is squares. For those that like to know what's up next...August focus will be Mens Hats. Remember to check the working calendar in the tab across the top of the blog for regular updates. Hats for men need to be large and warm, as many of them live outdoors in the elements and only get a bed at a shelter here and there.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Great Colors for the Boys

Wonderful warm knitted hats here, and it's awesome these are boy colors, seems we've gotten more colors appropriate for girls of late so this is great. Thank you Dolores W from Michigan for your thoughtful donation. I especially appreciate you're taking the time to make and donate these with all the household repairs you've been dealing. Kudos to you for your big heart. Dolores is our newest pair of helping hands and we're thrilled to have you join us. Hope to see you often.

WOW...where does time go, we're almost half way through the month of July, our square focused month. If you've not had a chance yet to make squares, please check the details either in the side bar on the badge or through clicking on the tab across the top of the blog. Squares will be collected through the end of the month of July.

For those that like to plan and think ahead...be sure and check the working calendar, also available by clicking the tab on the top of the blog.

Many thanks to all who help with knitting and crocheting.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 433+12=445
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 280
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 194


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

GOLD at the end of The Rainbow

I'm betting you can't list all the colors in the rainbow of colors above! I'm pretty sure I can't, but ohhhhhhhhhhhh look. Like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, this beautiful display of colorful cotton washcloths (30) donated by Theresa S in California is like gold....or will be to those who receive them. Round ones, square one, and truly every color possible. LOVELY. Please be sure and click on the photo to enlarge it so you can really see all these awesome colors. Beautiful work and so thoughtful Theresa. Many thanks for your thoughtful donation. Some of you may know her from Rav as Poohmama. Keep up the good work, it's truly appreciated.

By the time you read this scheduled post (remember they're always written and waiting in que), people will already be using all the wonderful cotton cloths and other personal care items you all donated. Let me again say how pleased I am with the wonderful response we got for our June focus. Well done, one and all!

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 433
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 280
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 164+30=194

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Colorful Help from Springfield

First let me say, I'm sorry the quality of this picture isn't good. I must have moved when I snapped this. I would retack, but by the time this is in que the washcloths have already been delivered. These wonderful 19 crocheted cotton wash cloths were graciously donated by Jennifer S, a fellow Ohioan. Many thanks Jennifer. I love the fun shapes and colors.

Thank you for your thoughtful donation, it is greatly appreciated.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 433
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 280
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 145+19=164

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

A for an Excellent Donation

Thank you Alexis in Florida. A for an excellent donation of goodies. Alexis was feeling patriotic and made Red, White, and Blue Squares knowing squares were our July focus. NICE! She crocheted her first ever washcloth too, awesome. Ponchos (8) for the rainy times, that we seem to have an abundance of, razors (20) and deodorants (6) to add to the person care packages. She also sent along some regular (4) washcloths.

Thank you for thoughtful donation, Alexis, it's very much appreciated.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 429+4=433
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274+6=280
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 50+8=58
Cotton Washcloths 140+5=145


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Some of this and some of that! Great Donation

Thank you Theresa M. from Michigan. What a nice donation this is. 4 Darling pair of warm mittens that kids are going to love, 4 hats of varying sizes, 2 pair of cute slippers, and 9 cotton washcloths. The washcloth's are such fun colors! I keep saying this as these wonderful cloths come in the mail, but I've not seen such nice cotton or so many interesting color combinations. I really am in need of searching this out.

Many thanks Theresa for your on going support and friendship. Both are so much appreciated.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 429+4=433
Mittens (gloves) 113+4=117
Socks 80
Slippers 60+2=62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 50
Cotton Washcloths 131+9=140

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Fresh and Pretty

Don't these colors make you think and feel fresh! They sure do me. And in practical purposes that's just what they'll do. Whomever receives these pretty crocheted cotton washcloths donated by Gail B will feel fresh, pretty and "special". How can you beat that? You know yourself when hot, tired, feeling low how good a shower or bath feels. Those in need in the shelters have those same feelings, only more so. They'll be given hand made (knitted and crocheted) cotton washcloths made special for them, so naturally, that will make them feel "special".

Thank you Gail for your on going support and beautifully crafted items, they are always so appreciated. Keep up the good work one and all. You all make a difference in someones life, even if you don't them, and don't get to see them.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 429
Mittens (gloves) 113
Socks 80
Slippers 60
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 50
Cotton Washcloths 117+14=131

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Helping Ohio's Homeless in so many ways

Thank you Yvonne S for your continued support and thoughtful donation. It's through continued hard work and caring hearts like yours we're able to help so many people in need. Wonderful donations like this make me feel like it's Christmas everyday of the year. People take time and make something with yarn with their knitting needles or crochet hooks, they often add extra goodies like above. These personal care items will be greatly appreciated by our folks under the bridges, by the men, women, and children at the various shelters connected to Faith Mission.

Thank you for your donation of 6 cotton cloths, 14 bars of soap, 12 razors, 5 deodorants, 5 shampoos, 5 toothpaste's, and 8 toothbrushes.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 429
Mittens (gloves) 113
Socks 80
Slippers 60
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 50
Cotton Washcloths 111+6=117

I've not specifically listed all the personal care items in our tallies of items collected, anyone have strong feelings as to whether or not I should?

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Better than Cotton Candy

Special 4th of July post Here, if you missed it.

YUMMY!! These knitted cotton washcloths are far more yummy then cotton candy. They truly are. Look at these wonderful designs from our friend Pat E. WOW. Lots of fun designs, different sizes and different shapes. A bakers dozen. Many thanks Pat for your thoughtful donation and on going support. Both are truly appreciated.
Here's a close up so you can see a few in better detail. Remember all pictures here on Bridge and Beyond are clickable and will be bigger and easier to see.

Folks the response for cotton cloths has been truly fabulous, both from our long time supporters and from new first time donors. Many thanks for all the hard work.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 429
Mittens (gloves) 113
Socks 80
Slippers 60
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 50
Cotton Washcloths 98+13=111

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Pretty is as Pretty Does

Special 4th of July Post HERE, if you missed it.

Pretty Pretty Pretty! Pretty is as pretty does. Remember that saying? When I was a kid, you heard it all the time. I didn't always understand what adults were talking about then when they said it. I thought pretty only meant if one was attractive, or something was attractive. Wrong! Pretty it is indeed to do for others. Look at all these pretty examples of that, so therefore Susan H from Ohio is pretty in my book. She makes pretty things, she donates them which is pretty and that makes her pretty.

Would you like to be pretty too? Grab some yarn and knit or crochet and then give it to someone you don't know, someone in need. That's all it takes.

Thank you Sue H from Ohio for your thoughtful donation. 5 pair of cute slippers, and 9 cotton cloths.

Had to get a close up of this one for you, love love love the ripples, the waves? Not sure even how to describe them, but aren't they cool? Would love to know what pattern you used.
And look at the cute little pink slippers. Isn't it amazing how adding a button really makes them pop. Rather a button flower. Very nice.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 429
Mittens (gloves) 113
Socks 80
Slippers 55+5=60
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 50
Cotton Washcloths 89+9=98

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Serving your Country and being Homeless

This isn't a current flag, it's hoisted and proudly flown at Fort McHenry in Maryland. I took this photo a few years ago, while hubby and I were touring. Look at the size of this flag. I wanted to share it with you today, July 4th as we celebrate our Nations Birthday. It's a day to be proud, a day to remember how we got here, who's sacrificed for us.

Sadly, many of those who did serve and protect us, who fought for our freedoms probably aren't celebrating today, not with a family picnic and fireworks. Why? Because they are homeless! They live hand to mouth, out in the elements, in unsafe conditions, wondering in some cases if they'll make it through the night. Wondering if they'll ever be dry and warm again. Yes, it's summer across the country and they currently are going to freeze at night; but the warmer months pass all too quickly. Soon, they'll be huddled against the wind, the rain, the snow and sleet.

Accordingly to The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 1/3 of all adult homeless people are Veterans. Half those homeless Veterans served during the difficult Vietnam Years. While the bulk of homeless Veterans are male, about 5% are female, and that number is rising with more females in the service of our country. Most homeless Veterans are single, and live in an urban area. Many have health issues, be they mental illnesses, alcoholism and or drugs; or a combination thereof.

As you celebrate with a good meal and fun times with your loved ones today, make a commitment. A commitment to make something for the homeless. Making one thing can be HUGE. Knit or crochet and make a difference. Make a hat, a scarf, a pair of slippers, a pair of mittens, a cotton washcloth, or a square. They've given so much, let's say Thank You and serve others through our yarn.


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Paula Provided Personal Care Plus Positively Perfect

Ok, sometimes my brain does weird things like the title to this blog post. lol It popped into my pea picking brain so I posted it. Thank you Paula K from Missouri for your personal care items. They really are positively perfect. 8 toothbrushed, 10 bars of soap, 6 tubes of toothpaste, and 12 wonderfully made cotton (crocheted) cloths.

These items are all needed and very much appreciated. Keep up the good work. I'll be getting packages made very soon, as we're almost to the end of the month of June (remember post are written and in que), and out cotton cloth focus. The response has been wonderful and I thank each and everyone of you for helping out.

Scarves 227
Hats 429
Mittens (gloves) 113
Socks 80
Slippers 55
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 50
Cotton Washcloths 77+12=89

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Help for Ohio's Homeless from GERMANY

This donation comes all the way from Germany, from a military base (Schweinfurt Army Base) no less. That is soooooo awesome to me. Thank you Thank you Katie B, you are awesome! 9 scarves (though a few missed getting in the picture), found them afterwards. 11 hats, wonderful thick and warm hats too, and 15 cotton washcloths. Everything is fabulous and I truly was speechless when I opened this package.

Scarves 218+9=227
Hats 418+11=429
Mittens (gloves) 113
Socks 80
Slippers 55
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 50
Cotton Washcloths 62+15=77

I hope everyone thinks of Katie and all other military personnel tomorrow especially since it's our Nations Birthday. Thank you Katie for your thoughtful donation, and thank you for your service!

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Scrumptious Stuff from Sarah

Look at this scrumptious stuff from our friend, Sarah S. (had to do a S title for fun)! Some wonderful personal care items here; soap, floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, AND deodorant! All good, and needed stuff. Sarah also sent socks, more ponchos, and 20 wonderful cotton washcloths...all different colors and sizes. Fabulous!

Sarah, your stuff is scrumptious! Thanks so much for your on going support and wonderful donation.

2011
Scarves 218
Hats 418
Mittens (gloves) 113
Socks 75+5=80
Slippers 55
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43+7=50
Cotton Washcloths 42+20=62

I've received many emails and know we have more cotton cloths in route or soon to be mailed. Thanks so much for everyone's support of June's focus, very much appreciated.

WOW, it's July already. Where does time go? Sure seems to speed by these days. July, as you may know has been deemed the month for squares. Like wash cloths they're smaller, perhaps easier to make in the warm months when you don't want something heavy on your lap. Squares need to be 7-10 inches, and can be knitted or crocheted. Please refrain from using lots of white. Additionally information can be obtained by clicking on the working calendar tab (top of the blog), and or the Give a Square badge

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!