Teddy Bear Hugs to Comfort The Wee Ones

 Imagine your son, your daughter, niece, nephew, or grandchild cold, afraid and hungry.  They've been tossed out of the house/apt/condo because of financial troubles and or medical troubles of a parent or guardian.  Imagine they don't know where they're going to sleep tonight, whether they'll be warm or cold.  No doubt they too wonder if they're going to sleep hungry.  A terrible situation for anyone, adult or child.  But, so scarey for a child who may be too young to understand what's happening to him and his family.

Remember the love and comfort holding a special Teddy Bear or stuffed animal can bring?  Rachel B from England has knitted and donated 15 Teddy Bear Hugs for those children.  Please click to enlarge so you can see how truly adorable these bears are.  Look at the colors and the details, right down to a knitted scarf around their neck.  Some of cute little Teddy Bears certainly will find their warm into the heart of little girls, while others are geared for little boys who need comfort and a hug.  They are all soft and so cuddly. 

I'm holding one here to give you more of close up picture.  Aren't they all precious!  While collecting dolls/toys/ etc is not part of our mission, I was thrilled when Rachel contacted me after reading about our mission to ask if I thought these could be put to good use.  Oh my YES, was my answer.  These will go to Homeless Families Foundation to be used to aid wee ones make the adjustment of their frightening situation.  Thank you Rachel for your thoughtfulness and your skill helping hands!  Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.  Rachel's listed on the blog log, do hop over and visit with her, I know you'll enjoy looking at all her creations.



2012 Donations:
Hats: 619
Scarves: 326
Slippers: 136
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 32
Mittens: 269
Squares: 453
Socks: 169
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 404
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, Teddy Bears and footies etc).

**Reminder to all to please check tabs across the top of the blog for suggested sizes, colors, and yarn type.  Don't miss the working calendar**

 ***If you're from Rock Springs Wyoming and sent a donation, please make contact by leaving a comment below and or email me please at sandycrochet@gmail.com***

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 is a Year Long Quest

Above you see a wonderful crocheted donation from our friend, Nikki S.  Lots of scarves (11), couple of hats and a warm cowl.  Nice color variety too.  Many thanks Nikki for your thoughtful donation.  It's both appreciated, and very much needed.  I've begun wearing a sweatshirt/fleece etc here in the house; it's no longer comfortable without bundling up.  Temps have been dipping into the 40's at night with some frost.  I fear the good weather is now past.  Presumably we'll have a few nice days here and there, but anyone without heat, or without a roof over their heads now will be in need.

The cold, damp Ohio fall and winters are upon us.  Even on a sunny day, when that sun goes down, it's uncomfortable.  Let's gear up with our yarn, knitting needles, and crochet hooks and do what we can to aid those in need.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 617+2=619
Scarves: 315+11=326
Slippers: 136
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 32
Mittens: 269
Squares: 453
Socks: 169
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 404Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, and footies etc).

**Reminder to all to please check tabs across the top of the blog for suggested sizes, colors, and yarn type.  Don't miss the working calendar**

***If you're from Rock Springs Wyoming and sent a donation, please make contact by leaving a comment below and or email me please at sandycrochet@gmail.com***

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 Donation of Knitted Hats

Thank you Marie P. for this wonderful and very thoughtful donation of fabulous hats and socks.  The hats are awesome, so nice and warm.  Love the colors, the variances of size, and what a plus....you've labeled them.  Many thanks for that.  It saves much time both here and when things arrive at the various shelters.

Keep up the good work, hope to see you here often.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 611+6=617
Scarves: 315
Slippers: 136
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 32
Mittens: 269
Squares: 453
Socks: 167+2=169
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 404Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, and footies 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!

Hats and Scarves Perfect for those in Need.

Our good friend and fabulous supporter, AnneMarie's done it again.  Look at this wonderful donation.  These hats and scarves are awesome.  They are super soft, nice and warm and extremely well made.  I really like the grey's in the variegated...very nice.  I've not seen that particular variegated yarn before.  I would think that variegated mix would work well for both men and women.  This set is geared female with the shells in the scarf; but I can also see this yarn in a solid knit stitch or straight double crochets looking masculine as well.

Folks, please remember to identify your donations with a note that includes your email so I can make contact when your donation arrives.


2012 Donations:
Hats: 606+5=611
Scarves: 307+8=315
Slippers: 136
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 32
Mittens: 269
Squares: 453
Socks: 167
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 404
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, and footies 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!

Hats, and Scarves and More for the Homeless

3 wonderful hats, and nice warm scarf and 4 cotton washcloths donated by Linda J from Texas. This is Linda's 2nd donation, though I still do not have an email addy for you Linda. PLEASE make contact by leaving a comment here, or emailing me at sandycrochet@gmail.com. I've looked high and low for you here on line and really need to have you make contact. Her donation included both knitted and crocheted items.

She's included some squares, these are wool. Linda I do have a few wool squares (plus yours from before) that will probably make 1 afghan. I really need to remind everyone that while I appreciate the donation, I really need squares to ONLY be washable acrylic or washable wool. The folks we donate to don't have means for drycleaning.

Various knitted squares, some sampler style and some corner to corner. Again I want to thank you for the donations, but would like to remind everyone that squares should only be mailed at the scheduled times. Please read details in the square tab above before knitting, crocheting, and mailing squares. Please and thanks!

2012 Donations:
Hats: 603+3=606
Scarves: 306+1=307
Slippers: 136
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 32
Mittens: 269
Squares: 430+23=453
Socks: 167
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 400+4=404Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, and footies 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!

Help for Ohio's Homeless is Needed

Folks the weather has already started changing, colder damp nights, getting darker and cooler earlier with each passing day. Busy your hooks and needles please so we're able to meet the needs of the hundreds that are without. The hundreds that sleep out in cold in the elements, and the hundreds that spend a night here and there in a shelter, as well as those families in the family shelters...working their way to permanent housing. They all need our help. Men, Women, and Children need warm solid, non white, non wool items. PLEASE see information regarding colors and sizes in the tabs across the top of the blog BEFORE you mail a donation.

Who knows who the above thoughtful donation is from? EVERYONE! I'm smiling and know you all are too. It's from our good friend, and long time supporter, RoseMarie. You can always tell by the colors she crochets with as well as her signature flower decorations. Many thanks RoseMarie for your support, we so appreciate you and your hook. Look at the cute soap sacks folks. The soap sacks as well as the washcloths are made from cotton. Perfectly done and so useable. She's included a bar of soap in the little bag as well.
2012 Donations:
Hats: 602+1=603
Scarves: 305+1=306
Slippers: 135+1=136
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 32
Mittens: 269
Squares: 430
Socks: 167
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 397+3=400
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, and footies etc).

**PLEASE, scroll back to the previous post, all donations must include a note with your email addy**

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 for Ohio's Homeless

Our long time supporter Sally B, has done it again. Such beautiful craftmanship in all her hand knits. I always get exciting when I see a box come from Sally. Marvelous mittens thick and warm in a variety of sizes, and hats to boot. Sally, what type of yarn do you typically use for your creations? Lovely and so very much appreciated, as always. Please keep up the good work.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 597+5=602
Scarves: 305
Slippers: 135
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 32
Mittens: 266+3=269
Squares: 430
Socks: 167
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 397
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, and footies etc).

**Folks I'm asking yet again to please please please include a note with all your donations. The note should contain your name and your email addy. It's become not only difficult and very time consuming; but next to impossible for me to identify whom you are to let you know your donations have arrived. I've stated this more times then I can count, even if you wish to be anonymous you MUST include a note with your name and email addy. If you wish to be anonymous that's not an issue, but I need to know whom you are. I spend more time then I have, looking through hundreds of emails, on line groups, facebook etc. in order to make contact. So many folks on line do not use their real names, or use their husbands email addy that I'm unable to preform good searches to find you. As the group continues to grow, there isn't a way for me to remember everyone who's made contact. Currently looking for a Linda J in San Antonio, whom I'll be adding to the growing list of unidentified donations. PLEASE for my bookkeeping it is important that ALL donations be identified.**

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!

Tipping my Hat

Wave hello to our newest pairs of helping hands from Florida. Barbie T and Gesher H and many others in a local chapter gather together and knit and crochet for the benefit of others. It's not necessarily the same group of ladies each time or the same number; but many pairs of helping hands have joined together to make this donation of 56 happen. Many sizes, colors, and styles. Some are knit and some are crocheted. 2 Full boxes of hats to warm the heads of those in need here in Central Ohio.
We're thrilled to have you ladies join us and appreciate the extra helping hands. Hope to see you all here often on Bridge and Beyond. The weather here in Central Ohio has already begun to get uncomfortable. We're soon to have frost, as it got down to 46 degrees last night. That can be pretty cold when you're living out in the elements or in a temporary shelter that may not have good heat etc. Hats are always a huge help and are needed by Men, Women, and Children.

Thank you Ladies in Boyton Beach Florida!

2012 Donations:
Hats: 541+56=597
Scarves: 305
Slippers: 135
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 32
Mittens: 266
Squares: 430
Socks: 167
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 397
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, and footies 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!

New Help for Ohio's Homeless from The Sunshine State

Not much need for warm muffler/scarves and hats in sunny always warm Florida. So our new friend, Sandra R. has put her helping hands to helping us here in Ohio care for our cold in need. Thank you Sandra R, we appreciate your efforts. Click to see the picture larger folks so you can see the cute hats with ear muffs and matching mitts!

Most of her donation is knitted, though there are a few pieces crocheted. Thank you and keep up the good work, Sandra R. We have quite a few Sandy's, Sandie's, and Sandra's here in our group....so ladies if you would always use your last initial and or tell me what state you're from. That would be helpful.

As the weather has already dipped below 60 so you can tell we'll be needing these warm items in very short order. Hope everyone who gave their hooks and needles a bit of rest during the summer months put them back to work, SOON!

With the increase in new members, I need to ask everyone to please read the tabs regarding size, colors, yarn types etc. Thank you.


2012 Donations:
Hats: 522+19=541
Scarves: 301+4=305
Slippers: 135
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 32
Mittens: 262+4=266
Squares: 430
Socks: 167
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 397
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, and footies 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!

Homeless Must have Hats

Having a warm hat on your head is probably the single most important thing for a homeless person. A hat can keep the head dryer in rain and sleet, as well as warmer during the cold snowing months. A hat can keep someone alive when they live out in the elements.

Even our folks lucky enough to have a roof over their heads in temporary shelters benefit from hats, and thus they are needed in a variety of sizes and colors for adults, and children. Thank you Marie P for this thoughtful donation of 2 pairs of socks which are always needed and 6 hats.

Keep up the good work.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 516+6=522
Scarves: 301
Slippers: 135
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 32
Mittens: 262
Squares: 430
Socks: 165+2=167
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 397
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, and footies 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!

Donating Socks and Slippers

AnneMarie's done it again! She's such a generous person and she's given so much of herself here on Bridge and Beyond. Thank you once again AnneMarie for all you do. 8 crocheted slippers of various sizes and colors and 18 pairs of always needed and much appreciated socks!

Special kudos for labeling the slippers, love it. It's important folks to do that, label them with the size you made. When things are distributed at the various shelters, it's hard for them to look at something and know whom it will fit. Please always attach and label slippers, and mittens.

Sizing on hats also makes life easier for them, but perhaps a little less of an issue.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 516
Scarves: 301
Slippers: 127+8=135
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 32
Mittens: 262
Squares: 430
Socks: 129+36=165
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 397
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, and footies 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!

Knitting and Stitching for the Cause

Thank you James. James has been a long time supporter of our cause here on Bridge and Beyond. Look at the fun cowls he's knit. Cute designs, think the kids will get a kick out of those. Nice heavy doubly warm scarf, and a very nice quilt. The quilt will go to our project Welcome Home and be suitable for an adult female lapsize plus, or a young gal full size afghan. Awesome work James, and many thanks! Keep up the good work.

Sure hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.
2012 Donations:
Hats: 516
Scarves: 300+1=301
Slippers: 127
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 31+1=32
Mittens: 262
Squares: 430
Socks: 129
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 397
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, and footies 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!

Project Welcome Home

Another completed afghan for project "Welcome Home." The Homeless Families Foundation cares for many people. Putting a roof over the heads of families in need. They get counseling, job training and more while they maintain in temporary housing/shelter style living. It's not easy, but Homeless Families does so much good. They get the kids to and from school, get them additional tuitoring and have safe after school activities while Mom or Dad, or Mom and Dad work at getting back on their feet.

Then the big day comes when they move as a family into their new home. We mark that special occasion by giving them an afghan that's been knitted or crocheted or both. Our way to say best of luck to you in the future and congrats for reaching it to this milestone, let us celebrate your hard work with you.

I had some help naming this afghan, End of Summer, which since it's now September seems to be timely.

Afghans and squares donation details available in the tab across the top of the blog.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 516
Scarves: 300
Slippers: 127
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 30+1=31
Mittens: 262
Squares: 430
Socks: 129
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 375+22=397
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, and footies etc).

**I added 4 new tabs to this blog, cotton washcloths, those, Donators without Blogs, Blog Awards and Honors, and Personal Care Items. Moving some of these items away from the front page seems to make it less crowded, hopefully easier for you all to read. I'm hopeful it will load quicker as well.**


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 Perfectly Packaged

Look how busy our good friend Diana K's been! She crocheted 22 fabulous cotton washcloths. Then got the help of The Sylvania Jr. Womens Club to supply soap. She folded and tied everything to make darling little packages. See how the soap is tucked in, such a cleaver and attractive idea. I took one soap out to try and show you....wait
here you go, now you can see. That's where I took the soap out. So simple and yet so cleaver. Many thanks Diana for your on going support. Hope to see you here often, please keep up the good work.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 516
Scarves: 300
Slippers: 127
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 30
Mittens: 262
Squares: 430
Socks: 129
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 375+22=397
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, face-masks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, and footies 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!