Bridge and Beyond Donations Totals for 12 Years!

I' ve compiled the numbers for 12 years of donations.  Starting with the one month in 2008 through the end of last year, 2020.  

You can see totals for each item for each year and then a subtotal excluding what we've done so far this year.  Notice the yellow blocks, those are the best years for each item.

Thought you'd like to see this all laid out.  This will of course be updated to include our final numbers for this last year, 2021 and then grand totals.

Things not listed with stats are personal care items, poncho's and other misc. items.

This has been a labor of love for me, and I hope you all feel the same.  I'm happy with how much we've accomplished and that we kept Bridge and Beyond going for what will be 13 years when we close up shop next month, Dec 31st 2021.

For those local you can delivery your donations to Homeless Families Foundations at 33 North Grubb Street, Columbus, Ohio  43215.  I would suggest calling ahead 614-461-9247, as their hours may continue to change with regard to Covid.  Currently on their webpage they indicate drop offs can happen on Monday from 10 am to 1 pm.  This is what I've stuck with throughout this pandemic.

Additionally, donations can be delivered to Faith Mission, there mailing address is 245 N. Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio  43215, 614-224-6617.  However, deliveries should be made at the back loading dock 217 N. Grant.  Again, I would suggest calling before you plan to make a delivery. 

These are two shelters we've supplied throughout our 13 years.

I am checking into charities for Homeless that accept knitted and crocheted donations.  Currently have communication pending with one in Oklahoma and one in Michigan.

If you want to keep your donations local, please call your nearest shelter or church in your area.  A general google search appears to show listings of shelters in each state.

Please continue to check in, as I will continue to show what donations we're still getting; as well as supply you with possible charities you might like to become involved.

**The counts on our progress bars are current. 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.

Adding Woven Throws to our Afghan Donations for Homeless Families Foundations.

 I purchased these two throws some time back, and forgot I had them on hand.  Found them when doing some cleaning out of the closet.  Guess, that's something one should do from time to time.  No telling what you might find, lol.  These two throws are the same size as many of the aghans that have been donated, or those that I've made; so believe they will be happily received and keep someone warm.  They both have a very southwest feel and look to them, and are women blankets.

They, like all of our afghans will be donated to Homeless Families Foundation.

**The counts on our progress bars are current. Percentages are current, as of Feb 15th. 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.

Knitting Eclectic Afghan Goes Traveling

You might remember this start, as it was posted on Jan 19th, after raiding my stash and stopping at the local yarn shop to buy a few more skeins of fun colors.  I called this Eclectic, but having recently finished a crocheted Eclectic, guess I need to rename this Knitted Eclectic Afghan.  I say Eclectic, because there is no pattern, blocks and stripes of colors are not even, on purpose........it's just free flowing as I grab colors.  It's sorta like a log cabin style in that you go one direction, bind off and then pick up stitches to go another direct......but it's not traditional enough to really be called that.  So, perhaps it could be called contemporary log cabin?  But, whatever...I'm calling it Knitted Eclectic.

It was pretty small here and so I packed it to go with me in my recent travels for something to work on that didn't need to be layed out and pieced together like the squares and stripes that were to be crocheted together.

It's growing in size and has more color (though this picture is a bit dull and not quite true to color). 5 Additional sections thus far.  

Further progress as I knitted in the car on the way home from Hilton Head, a 2 day car ride.  Making progress, but now need to find different set of needles, as I need more cord.  You can see it's pretty bunched up on the current size.  Need to see if I have the same size needle with a longer cord in order to continue to pick up stitches, because as you go the number of stitches on the needles increases.

Today's letter is T, this is perhaps a bit of a cheat.........this afghan traveled with me.  In the first leg I was knitting on board the plane from Columbus to Charlotte and then to Hilton Head, and the 2nd leg was the 2 day car trip back.  Now, it's officially to big to tote in the car and it's traveling days are over..........except of course when it's finished and travels with me to Homeless Families Foundation.  I'm enjoying the color combination and will see if I have enough yarn, or need to add additional colors..........after all, it's truly free form...grab and knit.  Perhaps I swing by the yarn shop and see if anything is on sale.  Not because I need more yarn with my huge stash, but because I don't have this style yarn in my stash ...beyond what I'm already working with.

**The counts on our progress bars are current, the percentages not quite. I'll not be figure the percentages with each update of numbers, but will be updating again next at least by the 20th. I have in fact made a reminder not on my cell phone for the 20th of each month to do percentages. If we're at a milestone, or I just have extra time I may do it more often...but certainly at that scheduled time.

** 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 Eclectic Afghan for Homeless Families Foundation

This afghan is one I tried hard to finish to add to our numbers for 2017, and just didn't make it.  It wouldn't have made us hit our goal;  believe we would have been within 3.  So instead it will start us out on this years goal which is 36 afghans (the average of the last 5 years).  It's a bit eclectic in nature, different than those I've made more recently; but I actually like it's weirdness.  The yellow and white striped square was donated some time back by Ann M.  I laid it aside until I could work on it to make it large enough to be an afghan.

It's bright, cheery, and large enough for a family afghan.  It's sorta made in the log cabin style.  It's currently drying as it's being blocked and will get added to the deliveries that are currently packed in my trunk.  By the time you all read this scheduled post, it's already been delivered.  Team effort, thanks Ann for the start.

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.

Delivering Donations to the Homeless

A cute veggie tray I spotted on Facebook last year and saved a picture of on my computer.  In case you're looking for ideas for an up coming Christmas gathering.  We're all busy this time of the year, shopping, wrapping, cooking and baking for the special holidays.  It is truly a special time of the year, but not everyone get's to celebrate with loved ones.  Some are lonely, some are cold, some are hungry.  Please think of those less fortunate as you go about your busy day to day preparations for the up coming holidays.

A bit behind here posting, but wanted to share.  In the past 10 days we, Bridge and Beyond have made 3 deliveries of our handmade goodies to help those in need.  I delivered 4 or 5 bags of goodies to Rae.  Rae, as some of you know is our friend who prepares and delivers hot meals to our Homeless Friends on Saturday mornings.  The hats, scarves, socks,mittens, slippers and personal care items should be a big help to those living out in the elements.

A few days later, a delivery (2 bags) was made to Brandi, a new friend.  Brandi is very involved with missions through her Church, Groveport United Methodist Church that cares for seniors in need at several Nursing Homes.  You may remember we recently had a donation of very pretty pastel lacy scarves that I thought would be better suited for such a situation.  Brandi will delivery those for us.  Often people in nursing homes are forgotten, families don't visit or live too far away to visit frequently.  Being inactive which happens in nursing homes makes it hard to stay warm.  Shawls and scarves will be just the ticket.  While these folks may not be homeless in the traditional sense of the word, they are in fact...not in their homes, so I do hope you all are fine with my extending our help in this direction when appropriate.    I also passed on some darling hats for babies and young toddlers not well suited for our homeless mission and she will see that those get into hands of someone appropriate.  Brandi and I look forward to continuing to work together.

Several days ago I made yet another delivery.  My car was loaded to the gills and then some!  Hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, cotton washcloths and personal care items were delivered to Homeless Families Foundation.  My entire trunk was full.  It was quite cold the day I made the delivery and as I made multiple trips carrying in the items I saw many cold folks walking about in the area in need of warm items.  Even during non business hours, Homeless Families reaches out to those in need by leaving warm items in an entry way between 2 doors where they have easy access.

Thank you all for making these 3 recent deliveres, as well as all the others through the course of the year possible.

PLEASE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND KNOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE TRULY NEEDED AND APPRECIATED.

**For anyone new to the blog, the counting below maybe confusing.  When 2016 began, we started with the number of items donated the previous year and are counting down in hopes of hitting and surpasses the number of items donated last year.**


2016 DONATIONS:
Hats:   +11(Look we've past last years mark)
Scarves:  +171 (We've past last years mark)
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 42
Slippers:   16
Rain Poncho's:   +106 (We past last years mark)
Cotton Washcloths:  244
Afghans:  1 (wow folks, we're almost even with last year, so let's see how far beyond it we can go)
Socks:   82
Cowls/Hoody Combo's, headbands:  0  YIPPEE, we've hit last years mark!
Shawls and shrugs, ponchos, sweaters & vests etc +1 +1=+2
Misc: items like personal care, headbands etc and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

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.

Delivery to Homeless Families Foundation

Sharing a cute post with you all, knowing it will have you nodding your head, just as it did me when I first saw it on Facebook.

Folks, it's taken me a full week to catch up on opening, documenting, and photographing all your wonderful donations that came while I was away.  I focused on getting the boxes opened, items counted, and bagged in order to make a delivery today to Homeless Families Foundation.  My car was truly full.  The backseat and the trunk.  The good folks there helped me make multiple trips to and from the car and were most excited and appreciative of all your labors, your talent, and your big hearts.  To say our items were well received would be an understatement.  The nights have turned quite cool and so getting those warm hats, scarves,slippers, and mittens delivered was a top priority.   Even though the wonderful donations haven't yet been posted here to the blog they have been delivered and will soon be providing relief to those in need' as well as the personal care items, socks, cotton washcloths, and of course The Afghans!

Thank you all for making these important deliveries possible.

Stay tuned for blog post with donations from: Sandie P, Emily K, Damaris, Sandra R, Nikki S, Christina D, Susie J, and Mary H.

**We started our list of donations this year, with the numbers we ended with last calendar year and so are counting backwards.  So the numbers listed for example show we only need to knit and or crochet 74 more hats to reach the number we donated last year**

2016 DONATIONS:
Hats:     74
Scarves: 70-1=69
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers:  66
Slippers:   36
Rain Poncho's:   +106
Cotton Washcloths:  274
Afghans:  5-1=4
Socks:   108
Cowls/Hoody Combo's, headbands:   7
Shawls and shrugs, ponchos, sweaters & vests etc 0
Misc: items like personal care, headbands etc and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted.

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 Afghans for Homeless Families Foundation

Love these colors together.  This afghan made by our good friend Cheryl S is suitable for anyone and everyone.  It's large enough  for a family, it suitable colorwise for Man or Women, or Teen.  Lots of colors, looks fall-ish to me.  Remember folks you can always click on pictures to enlarge them here on the blog to see things better or in more detail.  I always encourage you to do that.

Another wonderful afghan crocheted by Cheryl which will be donated to Homeless Families Foundation.  Shells stitches on the diagonal here, very interesting.

Cheryl's been very busy, so please continue to checkin..............there's more, you don't want to miss seeing the rest.

As always Cheryl, we so appreciate your support and your generous skillful crochet hook!

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 223
Scarves 89
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 45
Slippers: 63
Rain Poncho's:  95
Cotton Washcloths: 195
Afghans: 11+2=13
Socks: 157
Cowls/Hoody Combo's/ 17
Shawls 1
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

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.

Shelter Living and the Homeless

A-Z challenge = S=Shelters, slippers, socks, scarves, shawls, Star House
No one should have to live like this.

Homeless shelters are temporary residences of desperation for homeless people which seek to protect vulnerable populations from the often devastating effects of homelessness while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact on the community. That's the definition we find in wiki.  

Shelters vary from city to city.  Some shelters are very generic, but in recent years shelters have become, or tried to become a bit more select in whom they give shelter too.  Some shelters are adult men only, some are single women only, some are family only, and some...though not many are for teens only.  There are drop in style shelters where people can pop in for the night and must leave by a certain time in the morning, there are shelters that require certain conditions before letting you in, such as attending a prayer service.  Some provide assistance with direction to appropriate social services.  Some are community based, others tied to churches, and some are government supported.  Regardless of the population and the city, they are not enough shelters to properly serve the growing numbers of those in need.

Some Homeless take their chances on the street due to restrictions, lack of space, unsafe or unclean environments at the shelters.  And sometimes the homeless person has no physical ability to get to the shelter before it's locked down for the night and is forced to spend the night in the elements.  During the cold winter months in the colder states, there simply is not enough space for the need.

There are emergency type shelters for runaways or abused women, separate from a bed for the night; but often those in need are unaware of where these emergency shelters are, or how to get to them.  And many of the drop in facilities aren't for overnights, just perhaps a place to get warm, use the bathroom, maybe get a shower and figure out where to go next.  Drop in facilities for teens are often near college campus areas.  Star House for example here in Columbus, Ohio serves kids age 14-24, but is always over crowded.  It's located at 1621 N. High Street and has affiliation with The Ohio State University.  An old plant on the south side of the city houses young teens with children, but currently only has a 21 bed dorm.  Thus you can see the ability to care for all those in need of shelter is huge.

We hear at Bridge and Beyond, supply Homeless Families Foundation (a family shelter), Faith Mission (an adult Male and Female Shelter area), Holy Family (a soup kitchen for all),  and a handful of school in the affected areas.  Additionally we supply 2 grass roots feed the homeless groups, one of the West side of the city and one on the Northeast side of the city.  These 2 grassroots areas are people living outside in the elements.  We refer to them as The Bridge People.

Can you help?  We donate hand knit and crocheted scarves, shawls, and slippers and store bought socks.  See tabs across the top of the blog for the specifics needed to ensure the donations meet the needs of those we serve.

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.

Afghans, Family Heirlooms

 Meet Great Aunt Viola and her husband Harry.  They were married back in 1932, 83 years ago.  Notice the afghan to Viola's right...the left side of my old picture.

 This is Great Aunt Viola's Mother, Mary Florence, my Great-Great Grandmother who was born 4 days before the start of The Civil War in 1861.  Mary Florence crocheted that afghan.  Likely 83 years ago as a wedding present for her daughter, Viola.  Though it's possible, she made it before or after that; that's a logical conclusion given family history.

That afghan was made by my Great-Great Grandmother, used by her daughter, my Great-Aunt, given to my Dad and used alot!  And now I have the honor of owning it.

Though it's in need of some repair, it's still around and is probably at least 83 years old!  Afghans, knitted or crocheted are family heirlooms and carry a-lot of sentiment and meaning.  We here on Bridge and Beyond knit and crochet afghans to bring meaning, and hope to those less fortunate.  We donate our Afghans to Homeless Families Foundation as a way to say congratulations and best of luck.  Congratulations because they have moved forward, they are transitioning from shelter living to their permanent living situation.  That's certainly something to celebrate and commemorate.  We also hope these afghans we make and donate give them hope for a brighter future, to know someone cares for them, and made something special for them.  We hope the afghans we donate carry a special meaning to those who receive them, must like this special afghan does for me and my family.

Today is the first day of the annual A-Z Challenge for the month of April A=Afghan.  Welcome to those in the challenge who may be seeing this blog for the first time.  The blog is dedicated to helping the homeless through knitting and crocheting.

**We call this project, "Welcome Home", you can use those words and or afghans in the search box to see some of the afghans that have been donated in the past.

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 179
Scarves 67
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 45
Slippers: 50
Rain Poncho's:  53
Cotton Washcloths: 109
Afghans: 6
Socks: 126
Cowls 12
Shawls 1
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

This is the starting portion of the 2nd square to "Learning Logs", my regular readers will remember the fits this ghan has given me, but.....I can say things are improving with the various changes I've made to the pattern.  Comparison to square #1 is HERE

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.

Remembering Grandma

This afghan was recently delivered to Homeless Families Foundation.  I wanted to share a sweet story with you all.  So many of you were involved in the making of this afghan.  While I may have knitted it (Feather and Fan),  the yarn comes from multiple caring hearts.  The light gray was in my stash, but all the other yarn (please click to see how many different colors there are), came from many of you.  Somehow it had gotten buried on my shelves or would have been delivered previously when it was completed vs the most recent delivery.

I received this message on my Facebook wall (this is a cut and paste folks)

Karie Gallegos

18 hrs ·

Sandy Mader Holladay - I wanted to share a story with you...Today one of our clients came in and he was picking out some scarves and hats from what you brought in for us. He started talking about how he use to have a blanket that his grandmother had crocheted for him and due to moving around a lot he had lost it. When I pulled out one of the wonderful blankets you had brought into us and told him that his grandmother didn't make it but hopefully he could think about her when he uses it he was so thankful. He darn near started to cry which gave me the goosebumps. So thank you once again for all that you do for us at The Homeless Families Foundation. It truly means a lot to our families!

Karie Gallegos is our contact person there at Homeless Families Foundation folks.  She is the one who always helps me unload the packed car of goodies.  I asked her which ghan she'd given him so I could share the story with you all and the picture.  If ever you doubt what you do matters, please remember this story and know that YOU make a difference each and everyday in the lives of others.  THANK YOU!

2015 Donations:
Hats: 55
Scarves:12
Mittens: 18
Slippers: 20
Rain Poncho's: 3
Cotton Washcloths:13
Afghans:1
Socks: 7
Fingerless gloves/wrist warmers:
Cowls/Infinity scarves: 11
Shawls: 1 (just realized it wasn't listed, don't think I missed any?)
Misc: personal care items and anything not listed above

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.

Working for the Homeless

As most of you know, I've been out of town.  Hubby and I managed to escape the last 2 snow storms by getting out of dodge...heading to a warmer part of the country, South Carolina.  While it's not bathing suit weather, and I came back just as un-tanned as before....it is a nice break from ice, freezing rain, and snow.  It's a nice break from having to scrape the car windows.  Our homeless friends don't get that break though, they are truly stuck.  As I sip hot coffee, wearing a fleece indoors and wait for the house to warm up from the night time setting of 55; I considered myself blessed and lucky.  I have a roof over my head, warm clothes, and I was able to take a breather...the weather is tiring...even with a roof over your head.  Imagine how both physically and mentally our homeless around the country feel.

Thank you for this welcome home present.  These boxes represent knitted and crocheted kindness from many pairs of helping hands.  You who spend your time, talent, money, and energy caring for others...people you will never meet face to face are truly a special kind of person.  I value you all so very much.  In the days to follow you'll see the beautiful and thoughtful donations from: RoseMarie from Tennessee, Barbara F from New York, SSeger from Michigan, Dorothy M from Virginia, Cheryl B from Ohio, Susan Alcover from Florida, and Sara G from Pennsylvania.

Please keep your hands and yarn busy folks, it's only 20 here today with colder temps in the horizon, and possibly more snow in the next 2-3 days.

Spent almost the entire day yesterday opening, photographing, and counting the donations.  Sent out email and Facebook thanks and notifications.  Today will be spent writing and scheduling blog posts, and making a delivery to Homeless Families Foundation.  Took me 4 or 5 trips to get all the bags in the car........it is really loaded.  The trunk is full and part of the backseat folks!  An awesome and much needed donation thanks to you all.

Keep up the good work.

I'm currently working on 2 afghans, one knitted and one crocheted.  What are you all working on for Bridge and Beyond?

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.

Sweet Smiles and Warm Heads

I wanted to share this precious picture with you all.  Hats and scarves bring smiles and warmth to Mom and toddler.  This precious pictures was taken at Homeless Families Foundation in front of a cute mural.  We don't often see the folks that wear our knitted or crocheted donations, as privacy is an issue; but knew you all would enjoy seeing this special smile.  While this may only be one person and one picture, please know it represents hundreds....thousands really if you think of the number of years we've been committed to helping those in need.

Thank you all for your big hearts, your dedication and your willingness to share your talents with others.  It's an awesome mission that you all participate in.  Please keep up the good work.

2013 Donations:

Hats: 850
Scarves: 454
Socks: 347
Afghans: 52
Slippers: 195
Rain Ponchos: 208
Mittens: 139
Cotton Wash Clothes: 701
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts etc. : 17
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand-warmers, cowls/gators/neckwarners and all meal prep related items, Dolls, associated items, stuffed/crocheted/knitted toys... etc aren't tabulated

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.

High School Seniors Help with Deliveries

Meet Emily and Anna (left to right).  These two Whetstone High School Seniors are involved in a senior project involving homeless.  They'll be presenting a written report, and a slide show/video/ and or power point presentation as part of their required service project.  Whetstone happens to be the high school I graduated from way back in the dark ages, 1969.  Their project is complex.  They're too discuss how the problem came to be, and what might be done to help the situation.  In addition to the research they've been doing they've been knitting.  Anna taught Emily so they can both knit and donate scarves to Bridge and Beyond.  

To gain a better understanding of the organization process, how families come to and are cared for through Homeless Families Foundation, and move onto permanent housing after being in the shelter system they accompanied me to see first hand how the process works.  As you can see, we had the car loaded to gills with wonderful hand knit and crocheted donations as well as personal care items.

Wave hello here to cute little Xavier.  You see, he was there "helping" as Homeless Families was packing up, preparing to move and cleaning house.  I think he was dusting the insides of the file cabinet.  lol  The girls got a first hand look at how and where things happen to assist families.  They  got lots of questions answered from Karie, the Community Liason.  

Karie also gave us an overview of the new facility which should be operational in about a month.  

Thank you Karie for your time, and thank you Emily and Anna for your assistance with delivery.  It's appreciated.  Looking forward to seeing you again and learn how your projects are coming along.

I love knowing young people are doing such worthwhile things.  Well done ladies!

2013 Donation Totals:

Hats:  319
Scarves: 247
Socks: 152
Afghans: 15
Slippers: 112
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 212
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators and all meal prep related items, etc aren't tabulated

***and this blog post is #997 just 3 post away from 1,000. I'm announcing a contest right now. Starting today and (March 23rd) running through the 1,000th post. Everyone who visits and the blog and leaves a comment on the blog will have their name entered into a hat....I will draw a name or names......depending on how many entries we have and the winners will receive...............goodies. I'll leave it at that, goodies. Now who doesn't like to win something? Help us celebrate our longevity and this milestone blog post.***

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.

Thank You from Homeless Families Foundation

I'm sharing a thank you letter here from Homeless Families Foundation.  We donate knitted and crocheted hats, scarves, mitttens, slippers and more to Homeless Families Foundation on a regular basis.  In addition the afghans you make, as well as the ones I assemble from your donated squares are donated to our Project Welcome Home, through Homeless Families Foundation.  They feed, cloth, and house people in need in a variety of ways.  Additionally, they tutor children in an after school program at The Dawd Center mentioned in the above letter.

They've been helping people in need for 25 years.  Thank you all for your thoughtful donations, please keep them coming so we can continue to help this family shelter.  They do so many wonderful things for those in need.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats: 87
Scarves: 78
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 13
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:47
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated


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.

Christmas Store at Homeless Families Foundation

 A few days ago, when I made a delivery to Homeless Families Foundation, I got to see The Christmas Store first hand.  It takes many volunteers to put this together, and many donations of toys, cloths and more.  The room is brightly decorated and items are divided by age.  Families get to pick a specific dollar amount.  So, in fact they get to shop for their children and make selections appropriate for their families.  Volunteers bag and wrap their items.  It's well organized and wonderful to see the involvement.

Well done Homeless Families Foundation.  They accept household items, and monetary donations all year long.  They accept volunteer help all year long.  If your local, get involved.

This organization is one of the family shelters we donate our hand knitted and crocheted items (hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, and cotton washcloths) as well as personal care items too.  Additionally, we donate afghans...both those you make yourselves and those I assemble from your donated squares.  These afghans go in their moving out kit.  It's a way to say, "Welcome Home"; once they move from shelter living into their permanent housing situation.  I'm sorry I didn't think to take a picture when there, but wanted to share the information with you. 



Donations: 2012 

Hats 985  (16 more hats then we donated last year)
Scarves: 631  (160 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 146 (18 over last year)
Sweaters, Ponchos, Shawls, vests:8+1=9
Afghans: 45  10 short of last years
Mittens: 299 (41 more then last year)
Squares: 950 (98 more then last year)
Socks: 196 (137 less then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 568 (277 more donated then last year)
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, hand and foot warmers Teddy Bears and footies etc)

**I will continue to add numbers to the years totals after Dec 31st, so all donations received by years end will be counted in the year they are received.  Since each donation is a day, they will be some over flow into January.  Thus year end numbers won't be finalized until then.*


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!

Thank You's

Another nice Thank You from Faith Mission for the last round of donations delivered.   Always such a pleasure to share with you all who make this possible.

And a few days ago Kari G from Homeless Families Foundation posted this lovely Thank You on Facebook which I wanted to share with you all.

There's a certain amount of love that goes into hand knitting and crocheting blankets, hats, mittens, scarves and dish towels for those in need and Sandy Holladay knows the value of these items. Through her blog Bridge and Beyond, http://homelessbridge.blogspot.com/, Sandy reaches out to others who make these items. She collects them, organizes them and then delivers them monthly

 to be delivered to children and families at The Homeless Families Foundation. We truly appreciate Sandy's dedication to helping homeless and at risk children and families feel cared for by providing these special handmade items. HFF thanks Sandy and all the wonderful crafters who contribute these beautiful items through Bridge and Beyond.

 Together, we all make a wonderful team.  I add my thanks to you all.

Donations: 2012
Hats 793
Scarves: 527
Slippers: 144
Shawls: 2
Sweaters& Ponchos: 4
Vest 1
Afghans: 40
Mittens: 297
Squares: 795
Socks: 193
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 464
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, hand and foot warmers Teddy Bears 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!

Feeling Royal!

WOW, this is post #594, only 6 left to reach 600!!

Another Afghan delivered to The Homeless Families Foundation for our Operation "Welcome Home." As always such a nice team effort for our friends here on Bridge and Beyond. These purple, gold, and blue crocheted granny squares were donated by our friend Cheryl, and the dark forest green yarn used to edge and join the afghan was donated by Laurie (lovs2sing on Rav). I crocheted 2 additional rows around all 30 squares and crocheted the ghan together in the join as you go method. I crocheted an additional 2 rows around the full ghan for the border. This afghan should make a nice family afghan measuring just over 50 x 64. It's warm, sturdy and color appropriate for a family headed by a male or a female.

You might have seen this ghan previously, as it was highlighted just after being completed and delivered for Finished Object Friday over on Sandy's Space (my personal blog). As you know, blogs are written and placed in que here on Bridge and Beyond; so if often takes awhile for things to surface. Currently, we've got about a 2 week backlog of blog posts. I consider that a good problem. That means donations are numerous, so please don't get discouraged if you don't see you donation posted for awhile. I do contact everyone via email (if I've missed you, please contact me....sometimes I don't have your current email ady).

2011 Donations:

Scarves 467
Hats 941
Mittens 253
Socks 333
Squares 849
Rain Ponchos 216
Cotton Washcloths 340
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 115
Afghans 50+1=51 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

**Please notice new tabs with information regarding our working calendar for the up coming year of 2012, scarves and more**

Few more days left in our December focus of Squares. Squares will then be put on hold. Once I catch up a bit with assembling....we'll start collecting again. But, please hold mailing squares after December....unless you check with me first...ie, you're mailing other items perhaps.

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 Scarves Donated for Ohio's Homeless

Thank you Karen A for these fabulous scarves. The men will love the brown camo and tan on the left. The women will enjoy the pretty turquoise and light green and probably the variegated blue since it's a bit more open /feminine stitch. I really love how wavy the stitches look in the brown camo and light green; but the camo...it really shows up. Did you do back loop double crochets?

These scarves are such a nice size, that folks will be able to really wrap up, which is awesome when you're trying to stay warm. Many thanks Karen A for your on going support, it's appreciated.

Yesterday I posted a bit of a reflection/reminder about Men. The Men in need and the men we've helped to date. Today's reflection will focus on Women, and tomorrow's children. Please check in often.

While the group began as a group to help Men, the largest group in need and the group most often forgotten we were quickly able to expand to include adult women in our donations. We knitted and crocheted for women living on the street (though fewer in number then the men), the women living in temporary housing at Nancy Place through Faith Mission, and the women being treated at 2 free clinics that care for Women and Children. Through more growth we were able to add the women who wait in line for a hot meal through Holy Family. We continued to grow more and we're able to add The Homeless Families Foundation where families have help getting back on their feet while living in temporary housing. Shortly there after we added a 2nd family shelter with the same mission..The YWCA that also houses families. We extended yet again and went beyond the borders of Franklin County with donations to help women in Vinton County through St. Vincents DePaul.

Please check in tomorrow and see what together we've accomplished with regard to children.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 412
Hats 903
Mittens 247
Socks 318
Squares 567
Rain Ponchos 208
Cotton Washcloths 338
Sweaters/Poncho's 10
Slippers 100
Afghans 44 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)
Misc Items I've not counted misc items like all the personal care items, the neck warmers, head bands, shawl, hot packs, or yarn etc.

Asking you all during this busy month to add some extra comments to help the blog, tell a friend, a neighbor a co-worker what you do with your donations. Help us grow more so we help warm more folks in need.

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!