People Pulling Together Truly Can Accomplish GREAT Things!

We've hit the end of another month here on at Bridge and Beyond. I thought it appropriate to show you all what you've accomplished. Hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen. Anyone and Everyone who things they can't help, who thinks doing something of value is up to someone else needs to see this. PLEASE encourage others to read this.

Today is April 30th, the last day of our April Showers Project. Tomorrow is May 1, the beginning of our Comment Contest.

This blog started on December 1st, 2008 and over time what we've collected has changed a bit which plays into the numbers. Have a look.

HATS, 368 +592+274=1,234 crocheted, knitted, and loomed hats have been donated by big hearted people like yourselves. These hats have been lots of different colors, lots of different sizes, and lots of different designs. Each of these hats has been given to someone in need. Some to men and women living outside in the cold elements of Central Ohio; truly homeless people who otherwise might not have stayed alive through the long bitter months. Some have been given to mothers and children being treated at 2 free clinics. These folks may have a roof over their heads; but many don't have heat and are barely a step above being homeless. Some have been given to mothers and children living in temporary housing who were abused and or homeless. Some to families obtaining a hot meal from Holy Family as they wait in line out in the cold. Some have been given to school children who come to school despite not being properly clothed against the elements. 1,234 hats made by your loving hands from Dec 1st, 2008 til today, April 30th, 2011.

SCARVES, 147, 340, 171=658. These scarves like the above hats have been knitted and crocheted and distributed to the same groups so desperately in need. Scarves can be wrapped around necks, across faces and mouths, put on top of hats for added protection. Scarves can help supplement a light weight jacket.

MITTENS, 66+151 +66=283 pairs of warmer hands.

SOCKS, 79+101+ 74= 254. Socks serve many purposes. Sometimes people need to change to a clean dry pair because their feet are wet and cold. Sometimes they need to add a 2nd pair to try to get a little additional warmth. Socks are needed 12 months a year, even during the warmer months for those folks who are homeless.

SLIPPERS: 34+37=71. Slippers like socks can help warm cold feet and are so very much appreciated by men spending a night in the shelter when perhaps their socks can be laid out to dry. They're needed by women and children living in temporary housing and provide comfort for all with little heat in the homes.

Afghans (ghans) 10+29=39. Afghans made from squares you've donated, as well as full afghans have been provided to Faith Mission for Mothers and Children who often have very little. Afghans can be used for comfort, and hope as well as needed warmth in temporary housing whether used on beds at night or to ward off drafts when thermostats are so low they're not keeping warm. Afghans have also been donated to Pine Street Inn, another group that serves to protect the homeless and abused so desperately in need.

SQUARES, 238+214=452 knitted and crocheted squares have been donated in order to make afghans for the those folks listed above.

PONCHOS 43. Ponchos don't replace a roof over someone's head, but they do help protect one against the cold wet rain. If people are able to stay dry, they will be more comfortable, more warm; and that's very important in trying to stay well.

You may be ONE person, but you can and do make a difference, the proof surely is listed above.

And since we're celebrating because of a number, the milestone of reaching 400 posts (this is now post #405), I'll through out some other numbers you might find fun to know. We have 45 people who've donated, and or helped who blog, or have a membership on Ravelry or Crochetville, or The Hive. Additionally we have 91 people who've donated who've found us on the net who're are not part of those above groups. Thus far we have identified that donations have come from 29 states which is 58% of the country...see map at the bottom of the blog.

This blog's received several awards which make me happy, hope you all realize you're a part of these. The top 100 crochet and knitting blogs, Humanitarian Award, Honest Scrap and Humane Award. You can click on any of these in the side bars.

Since we've started highlighting a specific item each month we've had The Rainbow Project, Give a Square, Toasty Tootsies, Sock it to Me, and April Showers. Stay tuned as I'll be announcing the May highlighted item next.

If you notice the tabs across the top of the blog you can click to get lots of questions answers with The Things you should know before you donate section, a flyer you can print to distribute, and patterns you can use.

AND starting tomorrow you can start commenting away to win a fun $40.00 shopping spree at JoAnn's thanks to a special secret donator. Click HERE for all the details.

Yes, people pulling together can truly accomplish great things. Thank 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!