2017 is close coming to an end. It's been a tough year in many ways, and a good year in others. I'm sure that's true for many of you reading this blog. Some of you come and read and post comments, others come and read, but are shy about posting comments. Some that come also donate, others share our blog and it's mission with friends and co-workers. It takes many things to be successful as a grass roots charity.
Some of you may know how long Bridge and Beyond has been in existence, others perhaps not. This blog, Bridge and Beyond and it's mission began in December of 2008. We started small with donations initially only for men, and due to great growth in a very short period of time added shelters that serve women as well as men. Not long after that we added children through several schools in the area, as well as working with Homeless Families Foundation. We physically deliver to fewer locations now, as we have more consolidation.
Charities go through peaks and valleys. Prior to my starting Bridge and Beyond, I witnessed this with other charities I supported around the country. Some came to a screeching halt in short periods of time. Grass roots longevity takes far more work, I think, than many folks realize. We are now 9 years old here on Bridge and Beyond. I consider that a remarkable accomplishment with so many people deserving of our thanks to make it happen.
Below you see our stats for the last 5 years, from 2013 forward. You can see, a steady down turn in donations since 2013. I've also taken the time to list the 5 year averages for each item, with the exception of rain poncho's which is a 4 year average; as it wasn't counted separately this past year. We've maintained pretty well with afghans being donated, this year in part to our friend Marsha M. who donated 22 afghans. Thank you!
I point all this out because I wonder if it's time for some reflection. Do we still help people?Yes we do, but certainly far fewer. Would we do better if we focused differently? I am open to discussion on this. Are we stretched too thin? What stands out to me is how much higher the average is on most items vs what we've donated in the last couple of years. If for example we stopped making and donating cotton washcloths, would we be more successful at collecting and donating hats and scarves?
I thank you all for your support via donations, blog visits, and blog comments; as well as those who share our links in their social media outlets. I am however, wondering if we've run our course? I have no immediate plans to delete Bridge and Beyond, I am just trying to think realistically what our future holds. If you have thoughts you would like to share, please leave comments. If you're shy about doing that, please use the contact form on the right hand side of the blog to reach me. If you have my email addy, feel free to make contact that way as well.
Again I think you all, and hope you have a happy and safe New Years.
2013
|
2014
|
2015
|
2016
|
2017
|
AVG
| |
HATS
|
1053
|
971
|
468
|
516
|
371
|
675.4
|
SCARVES
|
666
|
590
|
196
|
371
|
256
|
415.6
|
SOCKS
|
281
|
199
|
201
|
135
|
29
|
169
|
AFGHANS
|
55
|
32
|
24
|
36
|
32
|
35.8
|
SLIPPERS
|
153
|
121
|
105
|
91
|
53
|
104.6
|
COTTON CLOTHS
|
577
|
334
|
454
|
236
|
314
|
383
|
MITTENS
|
300
|
130
|
123
|
108
|
120
|
156.2
|
RAIN PONCHO
|
213
|
61
|
105
|
211
|
N/A
|
147.5
|
**Rain poncho’s weren’t counted this past year, they were mixed in with misc as there were so few.
All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.
Happy New Year! It is very interesting to read and compare the totals for the few years. I may not send as much as I have in the past, but I really like to support this group. I know I have told others about this group. I think that you are still helping a lot of people with the donations even if the totals are lower this year. 371 hats, that is a lot of warmer heads. Please keep up the good work! Thank you everyone who has made items for the homeless!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue, as a long time supporter, I value your opinion and your visits. Happy New Year to you.
DeleteWhen there is darkness in the world, there are those who hold a candle against it. When there is callous indifference, there are those who say I care. When a force exists that encourages turning a blind eye, there are those who stand up and shine the light so that others may see. We are those. We step up. The difference we make may seem small, but to the one person we help, it is mighty beyond words.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU for posting this. Very sweet and much appreciated.
DeleteSandy, all the time and hard work you do to keeping this charity going is appreciated on so many levels. Those who receive the items donated are warmer and I'm sure find comfort in receiving something handmade by another person. Also, those of us who donate appreciate having a place to send our items, knowing you'll make sure they are given to those who need them most. I know numbers have been down, but as long as people need help and we're there to help them, then what we do...what you do, is so important.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah, your words of encouragement and opinion after all the years you've supported us is greatly appreciated.
DeleteHAPPY NEW YEAR everyone. There will always be people in need, so if everyone would just make one more hat, scarf or pair of mittens we would have a great new year. Words alone can not express how much we appreciate all the hard work that
ReplyDeleteSandy does to get our donations to those in need.
So thanks again.
Lovely idea, and challenge. Let's put that into action. Wonderful to hear from you Sandra. Thanks for the visit and the comment, both are appreciated.
Delete