Please Do, and Please do not Do

Been awhile since I've posted reminders of what to do, and what not to do. And while all is listed on the specific tabs on the top of the blog, I feel the need to post again here. I know not everyone is a blogger, but I do hope those who aren't still read things here to help us along the way.

Please DO include your name, your email address, your blog url, your profile page url from Facebook, Ravelry, Crochetville and the like so that I might make contact. I am sorry but truly do not have the ability to notify everyone via snail mail that their donations have arrived. Please DO include this, even if you wish to be anonymous here on the blog. I can honor your request to be anonymous here on the blog, but...when you don't include a note, or when the name on the box is your husbands, or when I know you by a nickname different then your real name or screen name etc. I spend lots of time trying to figure out who you are. I really like to let you know your items have arrived safely so you're not wondering.

Please DO attach things that are suppose to be pairs, like mittens and slippers. Sometimes you send multiple items in the same color and I have to measure, and or try on to determine what goes with what. Please save me time, it's so precious.

Please DO label items like hats, mittens, slippers....things where size is an issue. I don't know what size you made, or what size the pattern said they were suppose to be. The little paper tags attached with string work super well. Not only does it save me time measuring, trying on, guessing, and or comparing to others.............it saves time when they reach the shelters. Save precious time so we can get these items in the hands of those who need them quickly.

Please DO use ONLY washable fibers (wool and acrylic).

PLEASE, Please DO remove pet hair/fur and laundered if item has odor of animal and or smoke.

***********
Please, Please DO NOT use suede with your knitting and crocheting. It does not hold it's shape, wear well, or hold up when laundered.

Please DO NOT use open airy lacey stitches with your knitting and crocheting. If you can see your hand through the item, or easily poke your fingers through; it is too lacey and therefore not warm enough.

Please DO NOT spray donated items with perfume, if you're trying to cover pets odors, please launder instead.

Please DO NOT tie a knot and cut. This will never hold up. ALWAYS (no exceptions) leave tails when you join a new piece of yarn/or change color. AND ALWAYS work your tails in (except the last round of square). Please leave that tail. Sincere apologies folks, I know this takes your time when you make your items, but if you don't do them; I lay them aside until I have time. It truly takes more of my time then yours when you consider the number of folks donating.

Please DO NOT use white, ivory, or off white. It's also best to avoid pastels. The Darker colors are more versatile for both adults and children...be they male or female AND they don't show the dirt.

Please and thanks!

**Details of Contest/Give Away Tomorrow, July 1st........Don't miss it**

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!

How to Best Help Ohio's Homeless

There are so many ways to help homeless, both here in Ohio and in your state. You can donate money, you can volunteer hours, you can clean out your wardrobe and pass along gently used items you no longer need to various shelters. You can knit, you can crochet and or loom and donate here to Bridge and Beyond. We here at Bridge and Beyond, provide for Men, Women, and Children in Central Ohio. We donate hand knit and hand crocheted hats, scarves, mittens, slipper, cotton washcloths to those in need.

We donate to 3 family shelters: Homeless Families Foundation, Faith Mission, and The Family Shelter portion of The YWCA. We donate to Holy Family (a large food bank that feeds thousands), we donate to St. Vincent DePaul (in Vinton County, Ohio), we donate to The Bridge People (those truly living outside in the elements), we donate to The Mens Shelter through Faith Mission. We donate all year long, all 12 months of the year.

One of the ways we help is our project Welcome Home, where we provide homemade Afghans to those families that transition from Shelter living to their own home/apt. We provide Afghans to say Congratulations on your new home, we provide Afghans to say Good Luck in your new life. We currently provide these Afghans to those making that transition from The Homeless Families Foundation.

The above Afghan (still in need of a name) is being knit from yarn I had here in my stash, as well as yarn that's been donated by good people like yourselves. This feather and fan stitch afghan is a bit different then the heavier, more solid afghans we've been donating. I'm uncertain about donating this when done, or trying to explore a way to use this afghan to collect funds to donate to Homeless Families Foundation. I don't how realistic this idea is. Have any of you held a raffle to collect funds? If so, was it successful? How did you do it? How much money were you able to collect?

Silent Auction? How would that process work? Ideas? Anxious to hear them.

The afghan is approaching it's half way mark.

Also....love to have suggestions for a name. You know I love to name afghans, but am completely blank thus far on this one.

Sing out.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 451
Scarves: 252
Slippers: 82
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 23
Mittens: 252
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 198
Cotton Washcloths 369Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc).

As the month of June is closing in on us, July's focus has been added to the working calendar. July's focus will be afghans. PLEASE read the requirements in the calendar section, and or the afghan section, and if you have questions, leave a note here or send me an email. I've also added August's focus which will be slippers for those folks who like to work ahead. I should also add you can see all the afghans made from your squares in the afghan section.

**Working Calendar now complete through Dec. 31st 2012**

****Contest, Give Away Announcement and Details on July 1st****

Thanks to Bunny below in the comments, this ghan now has a name. Love the name Sea and Sand.

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!

Unknown Donation from St. Louis

Thank you ????? unknown crocheter from St. Louis. Received these 2 awesome hats and scarves and the mailing label tell me it came from St. Louis, but......there was no note to indicate who are thoughtful person is.

Love having new helping hands, and hope to see you again here; but wish I knew who you were. I've looked through some recent emails but didn't find what I thought was a match for this donation. If you're out there reading this, please make contact either here on the blog or through email at sandycrochet@gmail.com. Anonymous donations are ok...certainly; but please for my bookkeeping let me know who you are.

These hats and scarves are so nice and warm and soft. Looks like they're made with double yarn for added warmth, awesome!

2012 Donations:
Hats: 449+2=451
Scarves: 250+2=252
Slippers: 82
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 23
Mittens: 252
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 198
Cotton Washcloths 369
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc).

As the month of June is closing in on us, July's focus has been added to the working calendar. July's focus will be afghans. PLEASE read the requirements in the calendar section, and or the afghan section, and if you have questions, leave a note here or send me an email. I've also added August's focus which will be slippers for those folks who like to work ahead. I should also add you can see all the afghans made from your squares in the afghan section.

**Working Calendar now through years end Dec 31, 2012**

****Contest, Give Away Announcement and Details to be posted on July 1st****

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!

Awesome Cotton WashCloths

Look how pretty these corner to corner knitted washcloths are. Love the colors, particularly the orange. I don't really need more cotton....but, I really like that orange. Thank you Sue W (SSeger on Rav) for your thoughtful donation. We greatly appreciated it.All 3 family shelters receive these cotton washcloths we knit and crochet. Often their used in their move in packs. You're finally able to get a roof over your head and you want a shower, how bout one with your very own specially made for you washcloth!

And, The Homeless Families Foundation often adds some of our knitted and crocheted cotton washcloths to their Welcome Home Package. You've lived in a common space, a shelter and finally you get a place of your own. How nice to have nice new washcloths!

So you see, they really are a nice item. Keep up the good work Sue.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 449
Scarves: 250
Slippers: 82
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 23
Mittens: 252
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 198
Cotton Washcloths 363+6=369
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc).

**Looking for unknown crocheter from St. Louis to match up with a recent donation, please make contact.**

As the month of June is closing in on us, July's focus has been added to the working calendar. July's focus will be afghans. PLEASE read the requirements in the calendar section, and or the afghan section, and if you have questions, leave a note here or send me an email. I've also added August's focus which will be slippers for those folks who like to work ahead. I should also add you can see all the afghans made from your squares in the afghan section.

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!

Fabulous Giving from the State of Georgia

Cotton Washcloths, hats, mittens, and scarves. All from the skillful and thoughtful hands of our good friend, Wendy H, from The Peach Tree State, Georgia. Look how sweet the mittens and hat set are...that makes you think of peaches, doesn't it! Many thanks Wendy for your hard work, your thoughtful donation, and your on going support.
AND...look at this full sized patriotic, red, white and blue afghan! Awesome. How appropriate with The 4th of July just around the corner. Nicely done, Wendy H. Due do some internet issues, this post is a bit late. This afghan along with several good sized bags have already been donated to The Homeless Families Foundation. This will make such a wonderful Welcome Home Gift.

Keep up the good work Wendy H. Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 444+5=449
Scarves: 249+1=250
Slippers: 82
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22+1=23
Mittens: 151+1=252
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 198
Cotton Washcloths 354+9=363
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc).

As the month of June is closing in on us, July's focus has been added to the working calendar. July's focus will afghans. PLEASE read the requirements in the calendar section, and or the afghan section, and if you have questions, leave a note here or send me an email. I've also added August's focus which will be slippers for those folks who like to work ahead. I should also add you can see all the afghans made from your squares in the afghan section.

**Looking for unknown crocheter from St. Louis to match up with a recent donation, please make contact.**

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!

Donations from Virginia for Ohio's Homeless

Lovely and thoughtful crocheting from the state of Virginia donated by our newest pair of helping hands, Dorothy M. Thrilled to have you join us Dorothy. Thank you for this thoughtful donations of hats, mittens, slippers, scarves, and rain poncho's. A special thanks for tagging everything and joining your mittens and slippers. That saves me tremendous amounts of time. I do ask everyone to pair their items and label with size. Not only does that help me, but it's helps at the other end as well when things are distributed at the various shelters.

Great color selection here too. Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.

Dorothy included a note with her donation that indicated she retired in 2011 and has more to knit and crochet then she did before. She contributes to other charities as well.
2012 Donations:
Hats: 439+5=444
Scarves: 248+1=249
Slippers: 81+1=82
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147+4=151
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 196+2=198
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

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!

From Michigan to Tennessee and Back Again

We've been sharing stories of why some of us knit or crochet for charity. I find all the stories heart warming and inspiring and hope you do too.

If you've missed reading them, here they are. Please do take time to read them, and as always leave us a comment so we know you were here. Remember you do not need to be a blogger to do so. Simply type your comment, then click name and url in the drop down box and leave the url space blank. We like knowing who visits and reads our posts, we like having support for each other's crafts/donations and stories, and spending time on the blog leaving comments etc. helps the blog which in turn helps us help more people in need. So please, those of you who are shy (and I know there's a good number of you out there), please leave messages when you visit us.

We've been sharing stories...about why we donate. If you've not read them, please do. And when you read them, please leave a comment so we know you were there/here. Remember you do not need to be a blogger to leave comments. And leaving comments, spending time on the blog reading does help the blog.

**Sharing stories about why we donate:
My story Here
Wendy H tells here story HERE
Sandie P's story HERE
Diana K's story HERE
Sue F tells her story HERE
Sherry K tells her story HERE
Katie's story is HERE

And now, you can read why Sue W from Michigan donates. You might know Sue from Ravelry as SSeger. She's moved from Michigan to Tennessee and now is back in Michigan.

The reasons I knit for charity are: I just can not sit and watch TV and not have knitting in my hands. There are so many people out there who have less than I do, so I want to help them. I don't have much money, but I have yarn.
I started knitting for charity about 25 yrs ago when I lived in Muskegon, MI. The mall put up a mitten Christmas tree for the poor, well I did not knit mittens, but I made scarves for the tree for several years. Then I moved to TN. Stopped knitting for a while, then I found a group in Nashville that I knitted for. Got a computer, and signed up with Revelry. There I was able to find even more charities to knit for and that is how I found Bridge and Beyond.

*Thank you Sue for sharing your story with us. We're happy to have you join us from whatever state you're from. Hope your move went well.*

**Anyone notice this is post #763? WOW, can you believe it? I'm thinking about another contest...by way of celebrating....please stay tuned for an announcement**

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 Donations from Tennessee

Thank you RoseMarie for your thoughtful donation of 13 rain poncho's, crocheted slippers, scarf and hat. RoseMarie also included personal care items in her donation of soap and shampoo, which the shelters are always happy to receive. RoseMarie has been such a faithful supporter now for some time, always adding "her special touches" to her crocheted goodies.

RoseMarie hails from the state of Tennessee which if you read my last post when she donated you know to be The Volunteer State.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 438+1=439
Scarves: 247+1=248
Slippers: 79+2=81
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183+13=196
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

We've been sharing stories...about why we donate. If you've not read them, please do. And when you read them, please leave a comment so we know you were there/here. Remember you do not need to be a blogger to leave comments. And leaving comments, spending time on the blog reading does help the blog.

**Sharing stories about why we donate:
My story Here
Wendy H tells here story HERE
Sandie P's story HERE
Diana K's story HERE
Sue F tells her story HERE
Sherry K tells her story HERE
Katie's story is 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!

My Hats off to you, Katie in Germany

Katie B has knitted and crochet and donated 40 hats. Hats in a variety of sizes and colors. All fabulously made to warm the cold in need people here in Ohio all the way from Germany! Katie we love having your skilled hands help us with the cause of giving to those who need help.

A hat is such an important item to have. A hat can make a huge difference in how warm and or dry you are. We loose lots of heat through our head. There is some controversy about how much heat we loose when our heads not covered. Scientist originally thought one lost about 45% of the body's heat when not wearing a hat; some no longer believe the percentage is quite that high; but all do agree it is ESSENTIAL for survival outdoors. Add that it can keep you dryer, add that it can keep you from ear aches....and you can see how important a hat is to someone living outdoors, under a bridge...asleep in an alley. Many people in need also wear hats in doors, even if they're lucky enough to have a roof over their heads.....because often they live without proper heat.

Thank you Katie for your thoughtful donation, we surely appreciate all you do.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 398+40=438
Scarves: 247
Slippers: 79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

We've been sharing stories...about why we donate. If you've not read them, please do. And when you read them, please leave a comment so we know you were there/here. Remember you do not need to be a blogger to leave comments. And leaving comments, spending time on the blog reading does help the blog.

**Sharing stories about why we donate:
My story Here
Wendy H tells here story HERE
Sandie P's story HERE
Diana K's story HERE
Sue F tells her story HERE
Sherry K tells her story HERE
Katie's story is 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!

Why Katie B. Donates, all the way from Germany!

About a week ago I posted about why I donate and asked you to share with us why you do. What motivates you. Though clearly we all have the common denominator of wanting to help others, we do have some different internal reason that keep us all going. If you missed reading these inspiring stories, please take a minute and click to catch up. If you've not shared with us your inspiration, please send me an email and let me know.

**Sharing stories about why we donate:
My story Here
Wendy H tells here story HERE
Sandie P's story HERE
Diana K's story HERE
Sue F tells her story HERE
Sherry K tells her story HERE

And now you can read why Katie B, who's on a military base in Germany crochets and donates by sending her items here to Ohio to help the homeless.

I first learned to crochet about 4 years ago when my boyfriend (now husband) joined the Army and was sent to Basic Training. I started with just simple granny squares and after I made enough to complete an afghan I realized that I couldn't keep making items for myself or family members all the time. So I went on the Internet and looked for charities that accepted crochet items. I loved the concept of HAP which provides afghans to wounded soldiers. People send in rectangles and they use 49 in each blanket so each blanket could potentially have rectangles from 49 different people. Working on rectangles kept me occupied when Andrew was away.

Once we were married and sent to our duty station in Germany I had to adjust to military life. It was and still is hard to deal with your life revolving around the military all the time. Sometimes I just need an escape from it so I decided to focus instead on another charity and somehow I found Bridge and Beyond. I think I read about it on Crochetville. I like how so many different items are accepted so that way I don't get bored making the same thing all the time.

Crocheting is such a good stress reliever for me. Helping out others while doing something I love is a win win situation.

**Thank you for finding us Katie, and thank you to you and your husband for your service to our country.**

The Pink Lilly is my favorite of all my Lillies, because it's heavenly scent. I look forward to this one blooming every year. This picture is from last year. The rabbits I can't seem to get rid of have totally eaten this one to the nub...so, it's not going to bloom this year. Anyone want to come hunting in my backyard....Rabbit Stew Perhaps?

****I'd also like to mention here that HAP is a closed group, and is in fact soon to shut down for a variety of reasons. Thought I should mention that in case anyone was thinking of searching them out.****

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!

Why Sherry K. donates

About a week ago I posted about why I donate and asked you to share with us why you do. What motivates you. Though clearly we all the common denominator of wanting to help others, we do have some different internal reason that keep us all going. If you missed reading these inspiring stories, please take a minute and click to catch up. If you've not shared with us your inspiration, please send me an email and let me know.

**Sharing stories about why we donate:
My story Here
Wendy H tells here story HERE
Sandie P's story HERE
Diana K's story HERE
Sue F tells her story HERE

And now, you can read why our friend Sherry K. donates and gives of herself. Thank you Sherry. Glad to count you among us and glad to call you friend (and all the other good people here).

When I was about 7 years old my mother had a friend who lived across the street from us. She had 12 children and still had time to crochet. She was always making baby blankets and I loved to sit and watch her. So I believe it was her that gave me the desire to crochet and I have crocheted many blankets over the years. I even belonged to a group that made blankets for the elderly in nursing homes for a while. But at that point I didn't really think of that as giving to charity.

In 2007, I became very ill and could not work. Up to that point I was very busy raising my family and working 70 hours a week. I had let the crocheting go by the wayside even though I had boxes of yarn put away. Once I became ill my husband lost his job shortly thereafter. For a period of 8 months we didn't know how were were going to pay the rent or have food on the table. Every month we had a leave on 3 days notice on our door. Also, many times we stood in lines at the food pantries. It made me realize just how many people that were in the world with the basic needs for living. My husband got called back to work a year ago and shortly before that I was approved for disability so we are much better off.

This started a desire for me to help those less fortunate and the homeless are close to my heart. I know there are needy everywhere but I have a firm belief that you should help your own first. I checked online for charities and found Bridge and Beyond. I,ve sent in a couple of boxes but intend on sending much more. I met a friend through this charity who has led me to other charities as well, but Bridge and Beyond will always be my first choice to give to since it will help the homeless.

I am very limited in what I can do but crocheting and a little knitting I can do so I decided to use my skills and yarn to warm those in need.

**We so glad you were so inspired Sherry. I'm blown away thinking of the women with 12 children having time to do anything. She was obviously a very special woman. Sorry you were so ill, how wonderful to have you here with us.**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 398
Scarves: 247
Slippers: 79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

The above picture isn't current, in that I've gotten further along on that afghan since I had time to get a photograph. It has a couple more stripes currently. It's knitted, feather and fan stitch. Currently, I have 2 thoughts regarding this afghan I'm working on. Initially, thought it would be donated; as all the others have been (from your squares etc) to The Homeless Families Foundation for the Welcome Home Project. Then thought/wondered if I might do more good by having a raffle for it and use the money from the raffle as a donation. I've changed the design of this ghan now several times....probably about to change it again. Am using up grey, I had in my stash (have less then I originally thought I had), using the tan (donated), and the multi-colored skeins (6 also donated). Seems it may be smaller then I anticipated based on the yarn amounts I have so....re-thinking again the design. It's sorta changes on the fly as I knit.

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 Hats Donated

Our good friend, AnneMarie has done it again! Look at these beautifully made hats. She's crocheted a variety of sizes, colors, and styles with her magic crochet hook. As you know, AnneMarie has been a faithful supporter of our cause and donates regularly from her state of New York. If you missed my previous post show casing her donations from The Empire State, you can read about here.

Many thanks for all you do AnneMarie, we're thrilled to call you our friend. Please keep up the good work.


2012 Donations:
Hats: 382+16=398
Scarves: 247
Slippers: 79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**Sharing stories about why we donate:
My story Here
Wendy H tells here story HERE
Sandie P's story HERE
Diana K's story HERE
Sue F tells her story HERE
next up Sherry K tells her story, please keep checking back.

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!

Why Sue F., donates

A few days ago I posted some of what drives me to donate, and asked you to share why you all do? I've been posting some beautiful stories. I hope you all have been reading them. It's inspiring to see what keeps us all doing this, and it's nice to learn things about each other. My original post is HERE, if you missed it. Wendy H's story is HERE, Sandie P told her story HERE, and Diana K's story is HERE. Please do take time to read, let them inspire you, leave a comment or two. And if you'd like to share your story...please email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com. Thank you to all who've participated.

Here's what Sue F shared.

As with most knitters/crocheters, I had made all the afghans/scarves/hats my family could use (and some of them were sick of getting stuff) so I made some scarves to donate. I had a friend who taught at an elementary school so I gave them to her. When she took them into the teacher's lounge and explained the donation, several teachers were confused. "Why is she doing this?" sort of thing. Apparently being kind to strangers was a mystery to them. Anyway, the school principal took the scarves and wrapped them around the necks of a few of the kids. According to my friend, the kids just lit up. "For me? Someone made this for me?" Many wore them all day.

I made mittens for a friend who teaches special needs kids. The mittens were to stay in the classroom and only be used for going out to recess by those who didn't have any. One day a little boy wanted to wear some of the donated mittens but my friend told him he couldn't because he'd worn his own mittens. The next day the little boy came in, showed my friend his cold red hands and said "Look Teacher, I don't have any mittens. Now I can use the ones in the box, right?"

I know a teenage girl who has spent many years in Foster care. When I told her about how I knit and donate different things she told me that even though she had been adopted she still slept with two small afghans on her bed that were donated to kids in foster care. She said that when she moved from foster home to foster home, the afghans were just about the only thing that were hers and hers alone, to take with her.

For those of us who have so much, it's hard to imagine, but yes, one scarf, one pair of mittens, one afghan can make a difference in the life of someone else.

And that's why I donate.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 382
Scarves: 247
Slippers: 79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

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!

Why Diana K. Donates

A few days ago I posted about why I donate, and asked that some of you share your reasons. Not only does it help us get to know each other, I find it very inspiring to see what drive so many goodhearted people. In short order I heard from Sandie P by way of a comment, which I posted yesterday. I've gotten emails from our friend Wendy H, who's post is here.

Here then is Diana K's (from Georgia) incredible story. You might need a hanky for this folks. It's truly heartwarming, inspiring, and sad, all at the same time. Thank you Diana K. for sharing.Why I donate.

As I look back on my 76 years of life I realize I have been so very blessed by our God.

I could have been born in Hungary where my father was born except my widowed grandmother took her three children to America just before WWII. In January 1945, 32,000 ethnic Germans from within Hungary were arrested and transported to the Soviet Union as forced laborers. In some villages, the entire adult population were taken to labor camps in the Donets Basin. Many died there as a result of hardships and ill-treatment. Overall, between 100,000 and 170,000 Hungarian ethnic Germans were transported to the Soviet Union. I was ten in 1945 and could have been there.

I had a stable family. My parents loved each other and through thick and thin stayed together until death in their later years. So many children come from broken homes, unwanted, mistreated.

Although I was born during the Great Depression I never was homeless, never hungry, always had a place to get in out of the cold. I lacked nothing.

I’ve have a long happy marriage of 58 years with two children, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Through inevitable trials and testing I have always been surrounded by those I love and who love me - never alone.

As I and look around me and see the hardships and misery of others not so well blessed my heart breaks for them.

Physically I cannot do a great deal any more but I can take up some yarn and create something to make life a little easier for others who have not been as blessed as I have been.

I pray that if disaster happens to me there will be someone out there who cares enough to relieve my suffering.

**This is a marvelous story of the human spirit. The Pink Lilly is the first of it's group to bloom in my backyard.**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 382
Scarves: 247
Slippers: 79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

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!

Why Sandie from Louisiana Donates

A few days ago I talked about why I donate, or at least some of the reasons. I also asked if others would share their stories, their reasons. Yesterday I posted a beautiful post from Wendy H. Today, I'm pasting the comment our good friend Sandie from Louisiana made on that first post. She sells herself short. Any of you who know Sandie, have seen her work; certainly know that to be true. Sandie's lists of charities is huge, changed perhaps over time; but she's touched a good many people. She says all she knows how to do is crochet....that's HUGE Sandie. It's a skill, a talent, a gift given to you that you've passed onto others. Your hands are skillful, and I know your heart to be wide open with caring.

Some of you may know how Sandie P from Louisiana and I got to know each other, some may not know. Because of Katrina, she'd been involved in a group that made squares and joined them together to make afghans for those who were so horrible effect. Squares 4 Survivors was the name of the group. I found her through a thread on Crochetville. I helped both with squares and with joining afghans and from there, we've each continued our love of helping others. We've stayed connected through blogging, more recently through Facebook and are also connected on Pinterest....though I've only just joined and am clueless about what I'm doing there.

Here then is Sandie's comment.

Truthfully I cannot remember when I began donating to charity efforts. It's been quite a while. When I first learned to crochet, I made afghan after afghan for my family. That was all I knew how to make. Then they had enough afghans. I did a few things for my home when I got married.

I had two preemie babies so that was my first charity focus, then I had so many family members who suffered with cancer so another focus added, then Katrina and the needs there, then my son went into Army and I focused on the military, and my Dad and two aunts had Alzheimer so.... you see how it goes. There is always a cause to aide and the only thing I know how to do is crochet! LOL

2012 Donations:
Hats: 382
Scarves: 247
Slippers: 79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**I'd like to post at least 5 stories, so please share yours with me via email at sandycrochet@gmail.com. Let's inspire each other, and perhaps convert a few others.**

***above Yucca is one of 16 blooming in my backyard, just thought I'd share some pretty flowers with you***

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!

Please Pay it Forward with your Donations

A few days ago I shared a bit about Why I donate. I asked for others to share their stories too. I think we all encourage each other when we share like this. All of us want to help others, that's the common denominator; but some have a few other reasons about how they got started, or why they got started...some even have stories about how it's changed their lives, or how their donations have changed over the years.

The first person I got an email from was our friend, Wendy H., our good friend from the state of Georgia. You might remember she was one of our winners from the last contest. You can read about her winning HERE. Wendy H. is one of donators who doesn't happen to be a blogger, but her facebook link is listed in the list of non bloggers with Facebook, Crochetville, and or Ravelry pages.

Thank you Wendy H. for your support here with your skillful hands, and thank you for sharing a peace of your heart with your story below about why YOU donate.

I have been crocheting since I was about 8 years old. I was taught to crochet by my para-professional (teacher’s aide) in grade school who had muscular dystrophy. She is the one who originally sparked my interest.

My mother, when I was in my early thirties, told me she was making bereavement gowns for the premature babies that have passed away at our local hospital and I asked her if they had a need for crocheted items. My mother is the one who sparked my interest in making donations. She would and continues to purchase yarn for me that she finds on sale to further our cause. I have a closet that is practically full thanks to her.

After I started donating to my local hospital, I figured “Hey, I could take this one step further!” So I contacted St. Jude’s Hospital. That is where I started making chemo caps for the cancer patients.

Then, before I knew it, donating my goods became a healthy addiction. I love making people feel better in one form or another.

After making monthly donations to my local hospital and St. Jude’s, I decided to see just how many people I could donate to and searched it on Google. BOY WAS I SURPRIZED AT HOW MANY PLACES TAKE CROCHETED DONATIONS. That is when I decided to sign up with Handmade Especially for You, an organization that makes scarves for battered women’s shelters in California. A few weeks later, I searched Google again and found your charity, Bridge and Beyond. I read the mission statement and I was very pleased with what I read. Now, I have yet another way I can make a difference in someone’s life simply by doing what I love to do!

Here are a few reasons why I donate: I have loads of yarn in my closet that I MUST do something with thanks to my mom. Crocheting/Knitting is said to relieve stress, and goodness knows, I have my share of stress, who doesn’t, right? I do not have much money. I do not have much free time to actually go anywhere to volunteer my time, nor the gas to get there. What I do have is the ability to make something with my hands that will either comfort, warm, or simply put a smile on someone’s face who most assuredly is having a worse day than I am. I am fortunate to have a roof over my head, a full time job, and food on my table. Most people do not know where their next meal is coming from. One simple way I can help is by doing something that I love, crocheting/knitting, to spread the love, and let someone in pain (whichever form it takes) know that there is always someone out there that cares for them. They may not know them personally, but we are all God’s children and we are all to look after one another. Please, Pay It Forward!

2012 Donations:
Hats: 382
Scarves: 247
Slippers: 79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**I'd like to post at least 5 stories, so please share yours with me via email at sandycrochet@gmail.com. Let's inspire each other, and perhaps convert a few others.**

***above daisies have been blooming for several days in my backyard, just thought I'd share with you***

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!

Why do You Donate?

Earlier today I received a very sweet email from one of our good friends here on Bridge and Beyond, Sherry K. She asked if I was ok, as there hadn't been a blog post since last Monday. How sweet of her to check on me. That's quite unusual--in that there are always a week or two (and sometimes more), of blog posts waiting in que. Each post waiting in que represents one of you, one of your thoughtful donations. Donations this time of year slow down; but this is probably the first time in over a year that there's been nothing to show you; nothing to post about.

That got me thinking about why I donate, and why YOU donate. I would love to share at least 5 stories (or more) from you. Those of you who knit, who crochet, who loom, who visit and support the blog with thoughtful comments. Why do you donate?

To get things started, I'll tell you my story. I love to knit and crochet. It's rare to watch tv without yarn my hands. It's even more rare to be in the car for any length of time without yarn in my hands, or go to work without yarn to work on something during my lunch or dinner break.

I ran out of things to make my family, who really didn't need anything; and so I got started through some yahoo groups knitting/crocheting and donating to varies groups. Many of the groups went by the wayside. So as I thought about something I might do, or whom I should donate to; it occurred to me; that my area had a very large population of homeless people. Through a friend of my older brother, Chuck and his wife Jan the idea was born. To knit and crochet and donate hats and scarves for the homeless men Rae took food to. A small beginning; but it made me feel good to do something worthwhile with my time, to help a group often forgotten. To help a group people often don't like to look at, or talk about.

The problem is huge and I sought help from my fellow bloggers and craft friends and things took off. Through blogging and word of mouth the need for help spread. As more help came, I was able to broaden the mission and help a shelter....then 2, then 3, and more. We've extended our helping hands even beyond this county.

Why? Why do I donate? Because I can. That sounds very simple, but it's true. It's something I can do. I am very grateful to not be in that situation myself, of being homeless, or being cold and hungry. I can't perhaps help those that help me attain a level of comfort; but I can give back. Some call it paying forward. I believe we all have something we can do, and if we can; I believe we should

Can I make homelessness go away? No, but I can make those that suffer; suffer less. I can give someone a warm hat that may be just the difference they need to keep from freezing at night when they sleep. I can through the act of human kindness let a homeless man, woman, or child know that I care; and that they shouldn't give up.

I can, but not alone. I need your help, each and everyone of you. I can help, YOU can help and together we make an impact. An important one.

I donate because I believe I was given the talent to do so, the gift of knitting and crocheting.

Why do you donate? Please email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com if you're willing to share your story, your purpose, your thoughts.

And please don't stop knitting and crocheting because it's currently warm weather. Keep those donations coming, give me something to share here. Having regular blog posts, blog visitors, and blog commentors is necessary to maintain a good search engine placement. Having a good search engine placement is essential in people being able to locate the blog to offer their helping hands.

PLEASE, even if you're not a blogger, take time to visit, comment, and share your story with us.

**above afghan is in the works, but soon I'll be switching back to assembling afghans from the squares you've sent in**

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!

Donations from The Empire State

Our good friend Annemarie has done it again! Her skill full hands have crocheted and donated 2 hats, 2 scarves, and 11 pairs of slippers. Annemarie, special thanks for matching and tagging your slipper pairs with the size. That is such a HUGE help not only to me; but to the shelters when they receive them. When I get items like mittens and slippers I can pair them, if they're not...but have to quess what size they are...not knowing what size someone's pattern was. Thanks for your thoughtful donation, your continued support. Please keep up the good work.

Annemarie, you may remember hails from The State of New York, The Empire State. Though there seems to be disagreement on how it got it's nickname; there is a belief it goes way back to George Washington. In the winter of 1784, George Washington was in the state and felt it was the "seat of the empire". Empire in those days meant that it was financially important. Given both The National and The Global importance of New York, seems he was right on the mark.

Hard to believe folks, but this is post #751, which means we're only 149 posts away from hitting 1,000!! I can't believe we'll be hitting the mark so soon and am thrilled about it. Hope you all are too. The higher the number of posts means we've had wonderful donations. Each donation gets it's own post. Often, I have 2 plus weeks of posts in que/scheduled ahead to post. Though not at the moment. This does tend to be the time of year when donations slow down. Perhaps though, you can all gear up to change routine...wink wink, nudge nudge.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 380+2=382
Scarves: 245+2=247
Slippers: 68+11=79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**Did you read about our map in yesterdays post? If not, please do. Scroll back one post and read about it. It's also pretty exciting news.**

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!

Donation from The Lone Star State

Woot Woot, so much to get excited about today. I always get excited when we get new helping hands. Linda J. is in fact our newest pair of helping hands with this thoughtful donation of cotton washcloths and scarves. Nice big colorful cotton washcloths too. Some items are knitted, some are crocheted. Welcome Linda, we're thrilled to have you join us, and hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.

Linda hails from The Lone Star State, Texas. Another reason for my excitement this morning. We get to add another state to our map. PLEASE scroll down the blog and check our map out. We now have participation from 36 states, 72%!! Linda J. is our first pair of helping hands from the big state of Texas. Texas got it's nickname in a historic manner, and unlike many other states it's not really changed since 1836. There was 1 star on Republic of Texas Flag, thus the name. It's also unique in that it is represented in their state gem, flag, state seal, and quarter. Texas became the 28th state to join The United States in 1845.

My hero in my childhood was Davey Crockett and who can think of The Lone Star State without thinking about Davey Crockett and the Alamo? The Alamo in San Antonio was called Mission San Antonio de Valero.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 380
Scarves: 242+3=245
Slippers: 68
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 348+7=354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**June's highlighted item is Hats, please see the Hat Tab for information regarding size, color and check out some of the patterns posted**

****Comments are starting to dwindle again, so let me once again ask for you all (even non bloggers), to please visit, read, and comment. It helps the blogs placement with search engines, which in turns helps us be more visible to other pairs of helping hands. It's also nice to support each other with comments regarding each others hard work. Please don't be shy. There are many of you who've never left a comment. It's easy, simply type your comment, click the drop down box and select name and url. If you don't have a blog, leave the url space empty. Click publish.****
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 Wonderful Thank You for YOUR Dedication

This thoughtful thank you from Faith Mission isn't the first from them; you've no doubt seen one previously; nor do we receive one for every donation we make. And there's certainly no need for one with every donation; but it is nice to know here and there they take time to reflect on the energy, the dedication, the hard work that so many of you do selfishly to help them help others.
Let me please add my thanks to theirs to all of you who help by knitting, by crocheting, by helping with postage, posting blog posts, adding our badge to your blog, posting on facebook or twitter, by donating yarn and by telling your friends-neighbors-family-coworkers about the need.

YOU ALL ROCK!! Please keep up the good work.
2012 Donations:
Hats: 380
Scarves: 242
Slippers: 68
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 348
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**Today is June and our highlighted item for June is HATS. We need hats, for men, women, and children. PLEASE see details for size, colors, and design in the tab across the top of the blog. There are also some suggested patterns.**

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!