Helping Homeless When Time is Tight

Bare with me folks as I attempt to catch up after being out of town for several weeks on vacation.  Several donations came right as I was leaving, and some came while I was away.  Will be working my way through opening the boxes and getting things photographed between my work schedule this week; but in the meantime wanted to share this with you all; as it's something I photographed earlier.

Homelessness hits people of all races and religions, it hits adults, it hits children, it hits people in Ohio and every other state here in our country and beyond.

The above picture of socks is yet another way to help Homeless People.

• Homeless are employed to process orders from this company
• When you buy socks, it's a buy one give one opportunity.  The 3 pairs I purchased means the Company, Mitscoots donated 3 pairs of socks to local shelters. 
• I got a discount purchasing these socks by donating my steps.  

If you walk, or run you too can donate steps/points to help homeless around the country, not just those we help here on Bridge and Beyond.  Many of you don't knit and crochet in summer, so this is perhaps a way you can still be involved when time is tight because you're spending quality time with your loved ones.  Almost everyone is more active in summer months then cold winter months.  Turn it into a win win situation.  Buy socks and donate socks all at the same time.  The footies on the right are considered "atheletic socks while the blue are more day to day.

I have a Fitbit.  
I have my Fitbit linked to Earndit  Earndit turns ones steps/miles/walking/running etc...(ones activity) into points.  These points can be used for discounts on purchases.  Most of the options for the purchases are on health food related to activity/sports and or clothes for the same purpose; but they also have options to turn your steps/points into charity.  I've been able to support clean water for those in need in Haiti, Toys for Children Battling Cancer, and Socks for Homeless through my steps.

Keep in mind you don't need to have a fitbit and use points, the socks can be purchased outright, and they give discounts to most new customers.  Oddly enough, I noticed their ad here on my blog through adsense this morning as I sat down to type this up.

Some of you know I've been dealing with arthritis in my knee, thus my quest to be more active and reduce the pain and swelling.  I've lost weight, reduced the pressure on my knees, and am feeling much better...AND in the process I'm able to continue our mission of helping others.  I've linked Mitscoots so you can check out this marvelous company, my Fitbit and my Earndit profile pages.  If you'd like to connect there, please let me know.  If you have questions how it all works, sing out, I'll do my best to help you.

This is also a marvelous way for someone who doesn't knit or crochet to help.  Please help spread the word and let's do our best to help those less fortunate then us.

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.

Crocheted Donations to aid Those in Need

Thank you RoseMarie for your on going support of Bridge and Beyond.  RoseMarie has donated a matching hat and scarf set, some cotton washcloths, and personal care items.  She's also included pouches that hold deodorant or bar of soap etc.  Click to enlarge so you can see the details of her donation.

As always, keep up the good work RoseMarie.
2014 DONATIONS:
Hats: 493+1=494
Scarves: 278+1=279
Socks: 75
Afghans: 15
Slippers: 60
Rain Ponchos: 55
Mittens & Gloves: 57+1=58
Cotton Washcloths: 181+4=185
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts, and Shrugs etc. 11
Neck warmers, cowls, gators, wrists warmers/fingerless gloves and other misc items aren't tabulated; as well as personal care item

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.

Crocheted Love and Warmth for those in Need

 Can't you see this paired with blue jeans, or a pair of black tights?  How special with some teen or young female adult feel wearing this crocheted sweater!  Thank you Sheelagh S for this thoughtful and beautiful donation.

 But, wait folks, don't go away...there's more to share with you.  Sheelagh has been very busy with her trusty crochet hook and yarn.  Look at this gorgeous afghan!  I love the changes in stitches and colors, truly a work of art.  This drape across someone's sofa or favorite chair will add quite a focal point to anyone's room.  I can picture now how excited the family that receives this will be in their new home.  Remember folks, we donated afghans as folks transition from shelter living to their permanent homes.  What better way to say good luck for the future and congratulations than an afghan.

 And won't some young mother be proud to have these for her daughter's bed?  Who doesn't like the traditional crocheted ripple afghan.  This is sized so nicely for girls bed.

 And look at this fun sweater.........told you not to go away, there's more!  A teen or adult female will be warm  and proud to wear this sweater, another piece of wearable art.

 Holly cow Sheelagh, you've done it again.  This could possibly be a tunic top over tights or jeans for a teen; maybe even a dress for a younger teen.

This proves to me, Sheelagh must not sleep.  Another afghan.  A fun round one that will be great for a young child or a lapghan for an adult.  So many beautifully crafted donations to help so many folks in need.

Thank you Sheelagh, please please keep up the good work!

2014 DONATIONS:
Hats: 493
Scarves: 278
Socks: 75
Afghans: 12+3=15
Slippers: 60
Rain Ponchos: 55
Mittens & Gloves: 57
Cotton Washcloths: 181
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts, and Shrugs etc. 8+3=11
Neck warmers, cowls, gators, wrists warmers/fingerless gloves and other misc items aren't tabulated; as well as personal care item

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 Birthday America

(I borrowed this post from a couple of other 4th of July posts, as it's worth repeating)
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.   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!

**Reminder folks to please please check the tabs so the items you make meet the guidelines for size, colors and fibers.  Information is available for every item we collect and donate.  If you have questions about something you'd like to make, but don't see information on, please send an email, or leave a comment, or use the contact form.  We want to be sure our items meet the need of those we're helping.  Colors, and fibers DO matter.**

2014 DONATIONS:
Hats: 493
Scarves: 278
Socks: 75
Afghans: 12
Slippers: 60
Rain Ponchos: 55
Mittens & Gloves: 57
Cotton Washcloths: 181
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts, and Shrugs etc. 8
Neck warmers, cowls, gators, wrists warmers/fingerless gloves and other misc items aren't tabulated; as well as personal care items

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.

Knitted and Crocheted Donation Help the Homeless

Thank you Kathy U for this thoughtful donation.  I'm loving all the red, it's a color that makes me smile.  Kathy's donation for the homeless is both knitted and crocheted.  Her slippers are knitted and sized to feet several different sized feet...........awesome, and many thanks for labeling them.  She's also included some personal care items which are need summer, winter, spring, and fall by the folks living out in the elements, as well those at the various shelters.

Thank you Kathy, please keep up the good work.

**Reminder folks to please please check the tabs so the items you make meet the guidelines for size, colors and fibers.  Information is available for every item we collect and donate.  If you have questions about something you'd like to make, but don't see information on, please send an email, or leave a comment, or use the contact form.  We want to be sure our items meet the need of those we're helping.  Colors, and fibers DO matter.**

2014 DONATIONS:
Hats: 489+4=493
Scarves: 275+3=278
Socks: 75
Afghans: 12
Slippers: 57+3=60
Rain Ponchos: 55
Mittens & Gloves: 57
Cotton Washcloths: 181
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts, and Shrugs etc. 8
Neck warmers, cowls, gators, wrists warmers/fingerless gloves and other misc items aren't tabulated; as well as personal care items

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.