Thank You to All Who Donated in 2020!

Flowers from my back yard for you all!  Who doesn't like flowers!!  I wanted to take this time to once again Thank all who donated during this past year, 2020.

THANK YOU

Annemarie D

Anna W

Cynthia B

Christine D

Christine H (darling daughter)

Deanna S

Gail B

Joy D

Kara T

Karen S.

Kathy S

Lara M.

Laura E

Laura J

Lisa N.

Marsha M

Michelle N

Nikki S

Patricia W

Phyllis G

Sandie P

Sandra R

Sarah S

Sharon D

Sue S

Tara B

Each and everyone of you have helped make a big difference in the lives of those less fortunate.  You have helped to warm, both physically and mentally those in need.  Well done ladies.

I hope each of you have a good 2021, I know we're all in need of the year being better than 2020 was.

Please pop back in for our year end totals.

**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.

Thank You for 2019 Donations

Thank you!!  

These beautiful Lillie's were at The Botanical Gardens in St. Louis, Missouri.  I photographed them some years back on a fun tour with Darling Daughter and Hubby.  Wish I could give you all a beautiful flower arrangement with them as a way to say thank you for all your generous donations throughout the year of 2019. 

Thank you:
Anna W.
Annemarie
Barbara F.
Cheryl G.
Christina D.
Christine F.
Cynthia B.
Joy D.
Judy C.
Karen S.
Karla T.
Kathy S.
Laura E.
Lisa N.
Lisa
Melinda G.
Nikki S.
Phyllis G.
Sandie P.
Sandra R.
Sharon M.
Stephanie S.
Sue S.
Susan H.
Terri L.
Theresa A.

Please know you all have made an important difference in the lives of those you've knitted/crocheted/ and loomed for.  Our handcrafted items help them know someone does care about them and their circumstances.  They help to physical warm them and can make a difference on how they make it through the day and night.

Please keep your yarn, hook, and needles; as well as your looms ever handy.  

I'll be working with final numbers and goals for our current year, 2020.  Please stay tuned.


**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.

Thank You Knitters and Crocheters

Thank You, Thank you to each and every person who knitted, crocheted, or loomed and made a donation to Bridge and Beyond and Ohio's Homeless.  Thank you to all who sent personal care items, to all who told a friend, or neighbor or co-worker about Bridge and Beyond to help spread the word.  Thank you to all who take time to visit the blog and leave comments........to cheer us on, to support those who do knit, crochet or loom.

Yes...so many involved to keep Bridge and Beyond going, even if we didn't meet our goals for the year of 2018, Thank you!

Thank you:
Ann M
Anna W
AnnMarie D
Barbara F
The Barry Family
Christina D
Cynthia B
Damaris
Donna P
Emily K
Gail B
Gayle T
Jeanette T
Joy D
Juli B
Karen N
Karen S
Laura J
Lisa N
Marlene R
Mary H
Melinda G
Mimi T
Nikki S
Peggy F
Phyllis G
Robyn G
Sandie P
Sandra R
Sarah S
Sharon H
Sheelagh S
TammyM
Tammy S
Sue S

I mentioned all the people that help keep Bridge and Beyond going.  It occurs to me some of you may not know the history of Bridge and Beyond.  On Dec 2, 2008 I started this blog and made a post asking fellow bloggers to lend a hand.  Most of the people I had gotten to know through blogging were knitters or crocheters.  I had donations in a matter of a few days and so this past Dec 2, 2018, Bridge and Beyond had been in existence for 10 years!

When I started Bridge and Beyond, I had no idea we would still be operating 10 years later.  We began by supplying items to my friend Rae who prepares hot meals for those living out in the elements.  Initially we asked for items for those men.  Occasionally a woman was in need.  We grew from that to include shelters throughout the years.

I looked back through our first couple of blog posts and looked at the names of bloggers who made comments on that first blog post, Dec 2nd.  Our good friend Sandie P was among them!  Yes...she has been with us since the very beginning.  None of the other names on that first blog post have continued with us.  In fact most don't blog anymore.......I checked.  But, I'm going to list those names, as some of the bloggers who visit here may remember some of the names.
Margie the Ladybug
 Sunnie fairy (who I think is the person who made our logo for us...the toboggan and muffler and mittens.
Bunny
Kristin
Sissie
Rachele
Shamna
Crochetn Quilt...though they seem to be gone from blogland and Bridge and Beyond, I thank them for helping us get started.


**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.

Thank you !

Today is January 1, 2018.  Bridge and Beyond began in December of 2009, reflections and donation totals for the previous 5 years were posted as my last post of the year 2017, and can be found HERE.  Please do take time to read the post if you haven't already, and add your thoughts.

As we kick off the year 2018, I wanted to again thank everyone who donated during the year 2017 to help the homeless and those in need.  If you're new to the blog, we're always looking for new pairs of helping hands.

Thank you to:

AnneMarie
Ann M
Barbara F
Barbara H
Beth G
Beverly S
Bianca C
Bruce B
Carol W
Christina D
Christine H
Cindy K
Connor W
Cynthia B
Dad
DeeAnn H
Delores M
Donna 
Donna S
Ella S
Emily K
Emma P
Felicity
Gail B
Girl Scouts
Jane B
Jane C
Jason D
Joy D
Juli B
Julian G
Karla T
Karen S
Laurin A
Linda S
Lisa N
Lisa Z
Maggie P
Maria Z
Marsha M
Mary D
Melinda G
Melissa P
Nikki S
Patty C
Paulette J
Phyllis G
Ruth A
Sandie P
Sandra
Sandra R
Sarah S
Shelby M
Sue S
Susie J
Verlene

I hope I didn't miss anyone, as I went back through all the tags/labels on the posts to pick up names.  If I did, my apologizes.

As I type, I've been working on an afghan which I hope to have finished very soon.  Wanted to try and get one more done by the close of 2017, and it just didn't happen.  What are you all working on?

I leave you with a quote from a comment on the previous reflections post that seems very appropriate.

 "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."

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.

Helping Children in Need

Pretty yellow daffodils from the yard, it only it were that time of year again and we had the rest of spring and summer ahead of us, instead of cold, wet, fall upon us with winter looming it's dark ugly head so near.  With each passing year I dread more and more to see fall come and begin counting the days til Spring.  And of course it is during this time, we think more about those living in the elments, those without a roof over their heads, those less fortunate then we are.  

It becomes increasingly more important that we knit, crochet, loom and donate to those who need us.  Men, Women, and Children on the streets, in the shelters, some barely above the streets and shelters.  Our hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, socks and personal care items do make a difference.

For children, it helps them get through the day at school.  It helps them be able to go outside with the friends at recess, to not appear so different.

We distribute our hand made items to several schools in the area near the Bridge Folks and several shelters with the help of Lynn and her husband.  Highland Elementary School is one of those we've donated to.  This is a lovely response from the school for recent donation I wanted to share with you all.........and to add my thanks to hers for all you all do. (this is a copy and paste of her email)

Good Afternoon, Ms. Holladay,

I apologize for not sending this earlier.  I personally want to thank you and extend my appreciation for your wonderful gifts.  I'm sure that the children will love them.  Highland, children has such a great need and these items couldn't have come at a better time, being that the weather is changing so swiftly.  

Once. again, I thank you for your wonderfully, hand-crafted gifts, that was created with love, for our children.

Ms. Lynn Graves

Secretary, 

Highland Elementary School

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, 1500th Blog Post

1500

Blowing up our logo, sorry it makes it a bit blurry folks; but it seems appropriate to celebrate this ....the 1500 blog post from Bridge and Beyond, where we've talked about, shown pictures of, shared patterns of, and discussed the need of Hats, Scarves, and Mittens.......and more.  

Fairy Princess, Beth was one of our earliest pairs of helping hands here on Bridge and Beyond.  She's the one that made our logo.  She and I became acquainted through blogging many years ago and while she no longer participates here on Bridge and Beyond, I've never felt the need to select a new logo.  Thought this served us well these past 5-6 years.

Thank you Beth.

And this beautiful pink Lilly from my back yard is my way of saying thank you to you all, for knitting, for crocheting, for mailing, for delivering your donations to me through the years for Bridge and Beyond.  Loved this Lilly, but sadly so did the squirrels.  They kept digging it up and I kept replanting it.  

Below is a Thank You from Cindy Leonard, the Principal from West Broad Street Elementary School, one of the schools our friend, MaryLynn (LYnn) distributes our goodies too.  This school is very much in the area where our Bridge folk live in the elements, is also near Homeless Families Foundation whom we donate to, as well Holy Family Soup Kitchen .  Wanted to pass along her Thanks to you all whom make this possible.

Dear Ms. Holladay,

We would like to thank you and your organization for the donation of hats, gloves and scarves for our students.  We appreciate your generosity and dedication to helping the less fortunate.  Please continue to keep us in mind in the future.

Sincerely,

Cindy Leonard

West Broad Elem.

When communicating with Cindy I asked a couple of questions in order to tell you a bit more about this school we've donated to.  They have 520 students from Pre k-5th and about 95% of them are on The Free Lunch Program.  95% of one school (494 students), have need.  That's alot of need folks, alot of cold hungry kids.  This isn't the first time we've donated to this school, though the first for this year.  Just know, when you donate....YOU truly do fill a need.

Bless You All

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.

Ohio's Homeless Thank Denise F from Louisiana

And another cute cartoon for us crazy knitters and crocheters.  I know...I'm not the only one that relates to this.  Have seen this posted a time or two over on Facebook.  In fact a few folks posted it on my wall and or tagged me.  lol

Today I want to say Thank you Denise F from the state of Louisiana...our 4th winner of the recent contest.  Yippee, we've now heard back from everyone.  Winning packages have been mailed to Marjorie M. and Sue S.  Next post office trip will be mailing out winning packages to Sally B, and Denise F.

Denise is a crocheter, which makes it 50% 50%, not that it was planned that way.  Denise and Marjorie are our crocheters, and Sally and Sue the knitters.  Couldn't have planned that if I tried.

Denise started donating to us back in the fall in of 2011.  Correct me though if I'm wrong or memory failing me again Denise, but we knew each before that.  I believe you and I first became acquainted through Find A Grave?

Thrilled to have you with us, and please keep up the good work ladies.

Let me once again encourage EVERYONE to visit, to read, to stay current with the right size, color etc. of items needed.  Changes happen based on need.  Please stay current so you don't spend time making something that doesn't serve our needs.  AND, please don't be shy.  Post comments, take time and cheer each other on and admire each others work.  We all enjoy that.  It is easy, you do not need to be a blogger to leave a comment.

• Type comment
• Select name and url in the drop down box
• leave url empty
• click on or publish

2013 Donations:

Hats:  344
Scarves: 260
Socks: 152
Afghans: 17
Slippers: 112
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 215
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


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.

Ohio's Homeless Appreciate Sue in Michigan

Found another little bit of humor for us knitters and crocheters.  Thought you all would enjoy this.

Also wanted to say Sue S from Michigan one of 4 winners (3 of the 4 have checked in), deadline to check is midnight tonight.

Sue's been knitting and donating to our cause, homeless in Ohio for a couple of years.  She's gone through a move and continued to support us with her lovely creations.  In addition to her donations of knitted warmth, she participates frequently here on the blog by reading, commenting and cheering on our fellow helpers.  We really appreciate all your efforts Sue, and are so glad you found us.

2013 Donations:

Hats:  344
Scarves: 260
Socks: 152
Afghans: 17
Slippers: 112
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 215
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


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.

Ohio's Homeless Appreciate Sally from New Jersey

Though you might enjoy this cute cartoon about beloved stash.....I know it pertains to lots of us...yes, it certainly does me.

Sally B from New Jersey is one of our 4 winners from the recent contest (still waiting to hear from our 4th winner...will call it done soon).  Sally's been knitting and donating her beautiful craft to Bridge and Beyond since January of 2011.  We so appreciate your longevity and your special talent of knitting mittens.  I always clap for mittens.

Sally also support our cause by reading and comment with enthusiasm.  What a great cheerleader she is, always with kinds words for all our helping hands.  We're so thrilled to have you among us.

2013 Donation Totals:


Hats:  344
Scarves: 260
Socks: 152
Afghans: 17
Slippers: 112
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 215
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

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.

Ohio's Homeless Appreciate Marjorie M. from Minnesota.

Believe I've posted this cute cartoon before, but I know not everyone visits the blog daily, (though I'd love it if they did); so thought it was worth a 2nd posting.

We recently had a contest and Marjorie M. from Minnesota was one of the 4 winners.  To date, I've only heard back from 3 of the 4 winners.  Will give a few more days to hear back from the 4th winner.  I thought it might be nice to learn a little bit about each other, so wanted to share.  Marjorie is a crocheter...must look for a crochet cartoon sometime...she started donating to our cause, keeping Ohio's homeless warmer and safer back in the fall of 2012.  She's helped us in a variety of ways.  She crochets and donates, she's recruited additional pairs of helping hands by getting a Girl Scout Troop involved, and snagged her sister, Kari S from Wisconsin as well.  Additionally, she is extremely supportive with her visits to the blog, spending time reading and commenting and is a fabulous cheerleader always with something thoughtful to say about her fellow crocheters and knitters and others who support our cause.


Thank you Marjorie!  Please keep up the good work, and I hope you enjoy the little comic.


2013 Donation Totals:


Hats:  344
Scarves: 260
Socks: 152
Afghans: 17
Slippers: 112
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 215
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

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.

Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs

Our good friend Lynn has been out and about, again helping with delivery of our needed knitted and crocheted goodies.  As you know, if you've been here on the blog reading previously she delivers to schools in need (Avalon, Highland, West Broad and others), Holy Family, St. Vincents and wherever she knows and finds need.  I sure appreciate her ability to take care of some of these deliveries for me.  She's recently found out about a group called, J.O.I.N.  JOIN=Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs.  They're located in downtown Columbus and serve many in need; often in rather urgent/emergency situations.  They help with food, clothing, lodging, and getting them directed to a shelter and or other organizations that can provide more on going assistance.  If, I understand this situation properly, they can be the first line of operations.

I wanted to share this lovely hand written thank you from Ruth Beckman.  She indicates the donations went to multiple areas of need.  Some again, reaching "beyond" just our city, our county of Franklin; but on into Southern Ohio.  It is through your constant and continued support that we're able to reach so many people in need.

Please know what a difference you all make.

March will focus on afghans and rain poncho's.  In addition to the afghan I assemble (or get help assembling) from your donated squares you can knit and or crochet completed afghans.  You can also make a quilt.  Guideline for colors and size etc can be found in the

  

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  131
Scarves: 101
Socks: 70
Afghans: 3
Slippers: 55
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 15
Cotton Wash Clothes: 90
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.

Another Sweet Thank You Letter

We received a very nice thank you letter from Avondale Elementary School.  I know no one expects, or needs to be thanked......just knowing you're doing something important and something worthwhile is truly enough; but I do always enjoy sharing with you sweet and kind words.  What you all do with your yarn, your time, your talents is truly appreciated by many.

Keep up the good work!

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  111
Scarves: 78
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 14
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

**Working calendar will be forth coming folks, but for the remainder of February, our focus is feet.  Socks for adult males, and slippers for Men, Women, and Children.  See details in the slipper tab.  And the focus for March will be afghans and rain ponchos.  Please both slipper and afghan tabs above.  Remember with welcoming quilters into the fold, March is perfect time for them to shine by making and donating quilts.**


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.

West Broad Street Elementary Children in Need

I wanted to share this nice thank you note from West Broad Street Elementary school.  I hope you're able to read it when you click to enlarge, as it's a picture rather then a scan.  Not sure why, but had difficulties when I tried to scan it and get it posted for you.  West Broad Street has many children in need, some of whom are in fact homeless.  How nice the children can now go outside and play with their friends vs staying indoors because of not having warm items to wear.

They also included a nice newsletter indicating things the school is doing.  They discussed attendance and it's importance to the families, talk about parent teacher conferences, and other important school matters. 

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.

Woot Woot 2012 Awesome End of the Year

Sorry folks had this post in que, or so I thought and it got marked as a draft instead of scheduled to post.  Here are our awesome numbers.  Each and everyone of  you should give yourselves a pat on the back.

Some of you are new to our group and some of you have been with us from the beginning; no matter when you found us and joined in on the important Mission of Helping Homeless, YOU ARE AWESOME.  Together we make a fantastic team.  Some of us knit, some of us loom, some of us crochet, some of us do a bit of all...........what matters is the coming together to help those who are in need.  A single hat or scarf donated can make all the difference in the world to the one person who receives it.

Please keep up the good work, and let's hope we're able to continue to grow.  The more helping hands we have, the more people in need we can reach.  We've been able to reach people in need at free clinics (women and children), people living under bridges (men and women),  people with disabilities who are homeless (women at Nancy's place), families at 3 local family shelters (men, women, and children at Faith Mission, Homeless Families Foundation, and The YWCA), we've helped school age children (Broad Street Elementary, Stiles Elementary, Darby Dale Elm, Highland Elementary, and Teays Valley Middle School), we've donated to men who are receiving a hot meal (Holy Family Soup Kitchen), AND we've been able to extend beyond the boundaries of Franklin County here in Central Ohio.  We've donated items to family shelters through St. Vincent dePaul in Vinton County in Southern Ohio's Appalachia area.

Recently we used donated squares and assembled a comfort afghan (Box of Crayons) for one of the Firemen's Families in Rochester New York.

Yes, we are a team that has reached many and will continue to do so with our collective hearts.

Please stay tuned, I will be announcing some changes as we reach out to reach our goals for the year 2013.

AND Now....drum roll folks here are our final numbers for donations for the year 2012.

Donations: 2012 

Hats 1052  (83 more hats then we donated last year)
Scarves: 666  (195 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 153 (25 over last year)
Sweaters, Ponchos, Shawls, vests:10
Afghans: 55  (same as last year)
Mittens: 300 (42 more then last year)
Squares: 966 (114 more then last year)
Socks: 281 (52 less pairs then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 577 (288 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)

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

 Enjoy this pretty picture I took in Aruba as you read these sweet Thank You's for all your hard work!

Folks, first I'd like to start out by thanking our good friend, and long time supporter Annemarie from New York.  One night when she had insomnia she took the time to go back through my blog posts here and found some math discrepancies.  She's helped me before by catching posts where I missed adding things and I really appreciate it.  Sometimes I post early in the morning before work, or late at night after work.  Tired eyes sometimes have issues.  She found 5 posts (March 3rd and 11th, May 6th, Aug 21st, and Oct 26th), that needed corrections.  I've made changes on those dates; but rather then edit ever single post from March 3 forward I'll make the adjustments here to our numbers.

Using yesterdays totals I'm showing the adjustments here:

Donations: 2012 

Hats 955+(1 from 8-21)=956  (13 hats from the number we donated last year)
Scarves: 595-1(3-11) +1 (8-21)  (124 scarves over what we donated last year)
Slippers: 144-1=143 (15 over last year)
Sweaters& Ponchos, Shawls, vests:8
Afghans: 42+2=44 (+1 (8-21) +1 (10-26) 11 short of last years
Mittens: 299 (41 more then last year)
Squares: 862 +9 (3-3)= 871 (19 more then last year)
Socks: 196 (137 less then last year)
Rain Poncho's 213 (3 less then last year)
Cotton Washcloths 539 +10 (5-6) -2 (8-21)=547 (256 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)

AND I wanted to share some recent Thank You emails.  Lynn, a lady I meant several years ago at a sausage party (some of you will remember that story, but for those that don't here's the post), helps me by distributing to schools, and agencies in need.  She and her husband volunteer at Holy Family Soup Kitchen, and have made many deliveries there.  Here's a copy from their new director, Sharon Wing.

 **this note from Sharon Wing

Dear Sandy,

We here at Holy Family Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry are very grateful for your kind donations.

We are praying for you and ask that you keep us and the Parish of Holy Family in your prayers.

God Bless You

 -------------------------------------------
Lynn also delivered some of our knitted and crocheted donations to several schools in need.  Many schools have children that come without warm clothing to school.  Some of these children are in fact homeless, some are from the various shelters.  I'm happy we're able to reach out and in so many different ways.  Thank you Lynn for helping with these deliveries.  I know I'm not the only one who appreciates you.

 **this note from Dorothy J. Lowery at Highland Elementary School
Sandy~

On behalf of the staff, students and families of Highland Elementary I would like to thank you for your generosity!  We received your delivery of hats, gloves and; scarves. Our students were thrilled as many of them do not have these necessities. They were very excited as they got to choose something for themselves.

We appreciate you thinking of us!

Sincerely,
Dorothy Lowery
---------------------------------
Lynn also delivered some of our donations to her Daughter-in-law, Michelle Schroeck who is a teacher and knows the need first hand.  Here's a nice email from her.

I would like to express my deepest thanks to you. My mother in law gave me a bag of beautiful hats. I am donating them to our school (Teays Valley Middle School West) and our community free store. Your dedication to helping others is heart warming. We really appreciate all of the love and work you and your organization has poured into these gifts of love. 

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!

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!

Thank You from Faith Mission

Though I know most of us don't knit, or crochet or donate our hand made goodies to receive a thank you or a pat on the back; I wanted to share this hand written thank you from Faith Mission.  For those who may not know, we've been donating hand knit and hand crocheted items to Faith Mission for over 3 years.  They take care of so many in need.  They have a men's only shelter that gives nights here and there to those on the street, they have Nancy Place for women in need with disabilities, and they operate several family shelters.  They care for many, and I pleased we've been able to continue to support them and their worthy cause with our items made of love.  Each hat, scarf, pair of mittens or slippers truly is appreciated.

Keep up the good work folks.

**Reminder squares should now only be mailed during the month they are highlighted, at least until I catch up a bit.  I'll sing out to let you know if that changes.  November will be the next time squares can be mailed.**

Donations 2012:

 Hats: 632

Scarves: 347
Slippers: 138
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 32
Mittens: 274
Squares: 461
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).

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!

A Wonderful Thank You for YOUR Dedication

This thoughtful thank you from Faith Mission isn't the first from them; you've no doubt seen one previously; nor do we receive one for every donation we make. And there's certainly no need for one with every donation; but it is nice to know here and there they take time to reflect on the energy, the dedication, the hard work that so many of you do selfishly to help them help others.
Let me please add my thanks to theirs to all of you who help by knitting, by crocheting, by helping with postage, posting blog posts, adding our badge to your blog, posting on facebook or twitter, by donating yarn and by telling your friends-neighbors-family-coworkers about the need.

YOU ALL ROCK!! Please keep up the good work.
2012 Donations:
Hats: 380
Scarves: 242
Slippers: 68
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 348
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**Today is June and our highlighted item for June is HATS. We need hats, for men, women, and children. PLEASE see details for size, colors, and design in the tab across the top of the blog. There are also some suggested patterns.**

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!

Faith Mission Thanks You

Folks we've donated many times to Faith Mission through these last couple of years to the men's area, the family area, and to Nancy Place. Last year we directed our afghans to Nancy Place for the Mothers living there in temporary shelters. Often we receive verbal thanks you when deliveries are made; sometimes they take time out and write a thank you. I know none of us do what we do for the written thank you's, but I did want to share this with you all.

The time to care for homeless and those in need is great, and thank you's are nice; but it's certainly understandable why written thank you's don't come everyday. We would all, I know, rather precious time be spent to care for those in need.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 97
Scarves: 27
Slippers: 9
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 68
Squares: 78
Socks: 35
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, etc)

List of unidentified people donating continues to grow, please check the sidebar to see if your donation is one of the unidentified ones. Please check to see if you might know who any of these people are. PLEASE PLEASE, save me time searching and searching and include a note with your name, your email ady, blog url etc. so that I can notify you when your donation is received even if you wish to be anonymous on the blog, simply let me know that. I spend lots of time looking through emails, blog posts, members in various on line groups and forums to find matches.

**Are you participating in the contest? Details on Feb 14th blog post, or scroll back.**

One of the groups we help is Homeless Families Foundation, take 11 minutes and watch this video

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!