Crocheting to help Others

Thank you WEndy H for this thoughtful donation of crocheted goodies.  Wendy has been a long time supporter of Bridge and Beyond and has helped many homeless here in Ohio.  She's included scarves sized for the kiddos and some cotton washcloths.  Blue and green has always been a favorite combination of mine and so the cute scarf on the right with the bright green and blue calls out to me.  Some little girl is going to be thrilled to sport this!

Many thanks Wendy and please keep up the good work.

**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:      4 -1 =3  (Look how close we are to hitting last years mark)
Scarves:  +153 +8= +161
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers:  52-10=42
Slippers:   16
Rain Poncho's:   +106
Cotton Washcloths:  260 - 8 =252
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:    1 -1 = 0  YIPPEE, we've hit last years mark!
Shawls and shrugs, ponchos, sweaters & vests etc 0 +1
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 Donations for Ohio's Homeless

WOW and WOW...our good friend Wendy H has been super busy.  Look at this awesome donation.  There were multiple boxes of crocheted goodies to donate to our homeless friends.  Wendy has crocheted hats in many different colors and sizes, some cute small scarves for younger set, and cotton washclothes.  She also included a child sized afghan.

Many thanks Wendy, as always keep up the good work!

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 365+24=389
Scarves & Infinity Scarves: 167+4=171+10=181
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 113
Slippers: 91
Rain Poncho's:  105
Cotton Washcloths: 364+12=376
Afghans: 22+1=23
Socks: 201
Cowls/Hoody Combo's/ 18
Shawls 2
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.

Hats and Scarves of Many Colors

 Look at this wonderful  donation by our dynamic duo...the sisters again, Catherine and Wendy H.  Hats and scarves in every imaginable color and then some.  Both the hats and scarves come in a variety of sizes so some will work for the kiddo's,some for the ladies and a possibly the men folk as well.  I'm partial to the blackhat with orange stripes, looks like team colors that I think folks will go  for.  AND maybe that nice solid blue scarf, after all who doesn't like blue. One of the colors always good for either gender.

Keep up the good work ladies.  Dynamic Duo and Caring Sisters...very cool.

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 284+10=294
Scarves 125+8=133
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 46
Slippers: 67
Rain Poncho's:  105
Cotton Washcloths: 269
Afghans: 18
Socks: 173
Cowls/Hoody Combo's/ 17
Shawls 2
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.

Crocheted Donations from a Dynamic Duo

A wonderful donation from our dynamic duo.......the sisters Wendy H and Catherine W.  Hats and scarves of varying sizes and  colors.  Some of the hats look large enough for the men folk, some small enough for the kiddos, and the others should work for the ladies as I begin to sort them.

I'm particularly drawn to the orange with blue stripes.  Doesn't it look like someone's team colors?

Keep up the good work ladies!  I love that you're able to donate as sisters, pretty special that way.

*Do pop back in folks, this is just part I of their thoughtful donation.  Sisters Rock!

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 279+5=284
Scarves 118+7=125
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 46
Slippers: 67
Rain Poncho's:  105
Cotton Washcloths: 269
Afghans: 18
Socks: 157
Cowls/Hoody Combo's/ 17
Shawls 2
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.

Dynamic Sister Duo Donates Crocheted Warmth

 Thank you, thank you Wendy H and Catherine W (the dynamic sister duo), for this generous donation of crocheted scarves and hats.  If you missed part one folks, scroll back a few days.

 Special thanks ladies for tagging your hats with size.  That saves enormous amounts of time both here at my house and again at the various shelters we donate to.  It saves us all from guessing what size in order to know what shelf etc it should go on, or what donation bag.

As you can, the sisters have donated a variety of colors and sizes in their hats and scarves and so lots of different people will be warmed.  And look at the cute blue-green sweater.  Remember folks you can always click the pictures on the blog to enlarge to see more details.  In addition, I'm including fewer items in each picture in order for you all to see things more clearly.  

I'm wanting you all to encourage each other by commenting on each others work, thus the need to see things better.  However, in recent weeks......we're running into a technical problem.  I have NEVER enabled those awful captcha's.  I personally hate them, find them hard to see and so have always chosen not to use them on ALL my blogs.  For some reason I've not been able to determine, even though it is NOT enabled on any of my 5 blogs, people are all of sudden having trouble making comments.  It seems from those I've asked to test it, that people who blog do not have trouble, they do not get the captcha's, but those that are not bloggers are and some aren't able to see or hear them properly........therefore our comments are much lower...in fact, they've almost come to a dead halt which is very disturbing and hurtful to the blog.  I am continuing to investigate, but if anyone out there has a clue..........please speak up.  In the past people could use name and url, leave url empty if they didn't have a blog etc....now some are needing to sign as anonymous and add their names in the text of the comments.  I check my spam folder constantly for fear some of those anonymous comments will be directed to the spam folder.  But, in the meantime folks, PLEASE continue to try to leave comments on each others work.

Please stay tuned folks for totals.  All items received prior to the end of 2014 will be tallied in that year, even though the posts will appear in the year 2015.  

If you're traveling for the holiday, please be safe folks.

2014 DONATIONS:
Hats: 872+8=880
Scarves: 452+13=465
Socks: 193
Afghans: 29
Slippers: 108
Rain Ponchos: 61
Mittens & Gloves:120
Wrist Warmers/Fingerless gloves: 4
Cotton Washcloths: 329
Misc. (Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts, cowls/mobius,  and Shrugs etc.) aren't tabulated.
Personal Care Items: Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, cream, hand warmers, lipbalm, floss, soap, shaving cream, razors 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.

Donating Crocheted Scarves

 Thank you Wendy H and sister Catherine for this thoughtful and very generous donation of crocheted love for Ohio's Homeless.  As I type this, my hands are cold and I'm indoors, not out in the elements, not living in a shelter where things can often be not all that comfortable.  Wendy has been a long time and active supporter of Bridge and Beyond.  As you look at the variety in colors and sizes of her scarves you know how many people she's keeping warm.

 Obviously, Wendy and her sister Catherine have been extremely busy with her crochet hook.  I do hope you got some sleep, during all this.  Holly cow....she's a regular crochet machine!

Please keep up the good work, Wendy and Catherine.  Stay tuned for additional donations from Wendy folks.  Remember, larger donations are divided to minimize the number of photo's per post so you're all able to better see the work of caring volunteers, and to help us with more regular blog posts.

As we're nearing the end of yet another year here on Bridge and Beyond, please stay tuned for totals.  All items received prior to the end of 2014 will be tallied in that year, even though the posts will appear in the year 2015.  

2014 DONATIONS:
Hats: 871
Scarves: 419+21=440
Socks: 193
Afghans: 29
Slippers: 108
Rain Ponchos: 61
Mittens & Gloves:120
Wrist Warmers/Fingerless gloves: 4
Cotton Washcloths: 329
Misc. (Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts, cowls/mobius,  and Shrugs etc.) aren't tabulated.
Personal Care Items: Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, cream, hand warmers, lipbalm, floss, soap, shaving cream, razors 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.

Dynamic Duo, Donating to Homeless

Thank you Wendy and Catherine.  Another sweet donation of colorful crochet from the Dynamic Duo (sisters).  These scarves are nicely sized for the kiddo's.  AND you know how excited I get when we get a donation of mittens!  I especially like that there's a couple of colors that work for the boys (the camo and blue scarves).  We appreciate how the two of you have joined forces to make donations for others.  

Keep up the good work girls....I know you will.

2014 Donations:
Hats: 142
Scarves:62+12=74
Socks: 6
Afghans: 9
Slippers: 20
Rain Ponchos: 
Mitten: 7+2=9
Cotton Washcloths: 56
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts etc. : 

Yesterday was March 1st, our focus for the month of March and April will be on Men and their needs.  Men need dark, solid, sturdy hats, scarves, mittens, and slippers; as well as store bought socks and personal care items.  Please check the tabs across the top of the blog with regard to sizes and fibers etc.  When in doubt, please ask.  We want the donations to fit the need.

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.

Dynamic Duo Sisters Donate

Here's a donation of crocheted hats and scarves from our dynamic duo...sisters, Wendy H from George and Catherine W from Florida!  Nice soft scarves and hats and some personal care items (soap).  There's a cute little ruffled edge to a couple of the scarves...click to see better folks.

As I typed this scheduled post folks it's 26 but with wind chill feels like 14 degrees.  We got snow AGAIN last night (about 7 inches), followed by more ice.  This winter is getting to be very tiresome.  I know Ohio isn't the only state being hit hard this year....enough already Mother Nature.  We could sure use some spring!
2014 Donations:
Hats: 19+4=23
Scarves: 19+8=27
Socks: 4
Afghans: 8
Slippers: 7
Rain Ponchos: 
Mitten:
Cotton Washcloths: 18
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts etc. : 
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

**Remember folks to always include a removable tag on your slippers, mittens, and hats with the size you made**

***Please remember to check the tabs across the top of the blog, included in each tab is necessary information about which fibers to use, as well as which fibers to avoid.  Example please avoid using novelty yarn, and suede for all items being donated.

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 Colorful Scarves are Donated

Thank you for this thoughtful donation of nice warm scarves.  These crocheted colorful scarves are a mystery to me.  This is one of the donations I don't have a note to match up.  If you've been reading off and on the last week or so, you know I picked a bad time to clean off my desk.  Being busy with extra hours at work, being busy with the holidays is not the time to clean off ones desk.  I've lost a note and don't know who the kind soul was that donated these scarves.  Could someone please sing out and let me know.

Edited to add the names of the 3 ladies who donated these items, thanks Kate, Laura, and Wendy for the donation and for singing out  to let me know, much appreciated.

I did find some notebooks that will come in handy while doing some desk cleaning, but the job is not complete even as we speak....see me rollin my eyes.

End of year totals not to far off, so please keep checking in.


2013 Donations:

Hats: 919+2=920
Scarves: 502+9=611
Socks: 392
Afghans: 52
Slippers: 211
Rain Ponchos: 208
Mittens: 150
Cotton Wash Clothes: 765
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.

Sister Donating Help Homeless

Thank you Wendy H and Catherine W for your thoughtful donation and on going support of Ohio's Homeless.  The sisters have joined forces once again and crocheted and knitted hats, scarves, and cotton washcloths.  All times are needed and so very much appreciated.  Check out the cute hat with the ties and ear flaps!

Such nice team work ladies, keep up the good work.

2013 Donations:

Hats: 656+8=664
Scarves: 409+8=417
Socks: 251
Afghans: 44
Slippers: 189
Rain Ponchos: 208
Mittens: 98
Cotton Wash Clothes: 654+3=657
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts etc. : 16
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.

Crocheted Donations from Wendy Help Homeless

Thank you Wendy H for your thoughtful donation.  Wendy's crocheted dish cloths, 2 cute little pink hats, a matching hat and scarf set (love the yarn), and a kitchen set with cloth towel.  Many thanks for your on going support Wendy, it's greatly appreciated.

Please keep up the good work.

April is coming to a close, May's focus will be hats.  Hats are needed for Men, Women, and children; not toddlers and infants.  PLEASE tag ALL hats with size.  When you tag your hats you do not need to be fancy, use string, yarn, or a safety pin when attaching your tag to your hat.  Please check hat tab for help with sizing, information needed, as well as what to avoid, thank you.

2013 Donations:

Hats:  348+3=351
Scarves: 264+1=265
Socks: 152
Afghans: 17
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 215+10=225
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 10
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand

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.

Sisters Join Forces to Donate

Our good friend, Wendy H recruited her fabulous sister, Catherine R to aid in the crocheting and donating effort.  Awesome!  Sisters working together for the good of others, how special this is.  Thanks Wendy for reaching out, thanks Catherine for joining us...and thank you both for the lovely donation above.  Can you all say Scarves?  Look at the variety.  14 scarves, 1 hat, and 3 cotton washcloths.  YIPPEE!

*February's focus is still all about fee.  Slippers and Socks focus will run til the end of February.  Necessary details about sizing, taging, colors, styles, fibers etc in the slippers tab...please check it out*

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  75+1=76
Scarves: 59+14=73
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 13
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:44+3=47
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated

 **Remember to always include a note with your name and email addy with your donation.  Friending me on Facebook will assure I can reach you easily to let you know your donations have arrived.  I am Sandy Mader Holladay on Facebook.  **


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 Wendy for your Dedication

Thank you Wendy for your dedication and on going support of our cause. Look at his wonderful donation from Wendy's crochet hook. 3 hats, 3 scarves, and 4 awesome cotton washcloths. All items are so very much appreciated. I'm particularly fond of the greyish-pinkish washcloth. Isn't that an interesting blend? You just never know what variegated yarns are going to look like and it's always fun to see the end result.

We've had some cool nights already here in Central Ohio. I dread even thinking about. Nights where we've added a blanket to the bed already. When you're living outdoors or in shelters you're comfort is so subject to the weather. This reminds me how important it is for us to keep our hooks and needles busy all year long and keep our shelters well stocked so as soon as the weather turns...they are prepared to help those who need help.

Thank you all for thoughtfulness.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 513+3=516
Scarves: 297+3=300
Slippers: 127
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 30
Mittens: 262
Squares: 405
Socks: 129
Rain Poncho's 209
Cotton Washcloths 371+4=375
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, and footies etc).

**Would Linda J from Texas please make contact, or leave a comment with your email addy. I've searched high and low over the last week trying to find your email.**

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!

Fabulous Giving from the State of Georgia

Cotton Washcloths, hats, mittens, and scarves. All from the skillful and thoughtful hands of our good friend, Wendy H, from The Peach Tree State, Georgia. Look how sweet the mittens and hat set are...that makes you think of peaches, doesn't it! Many thanks Wendy for your hard work, your thoughtful donation, and your on going support.
AND...look at this full sized patriotic, red, white and blue afghan! Awesome. How appropriate with The 4th of July just around the corner. Nicely done, Wendy H. Due do some internet issues, this post is a bit late. This afghan along with several good sized bags have already been donated to The Homeless Families Foundation. This will make such a wonderful Welcome Home Gift.

Keep up the good work Wendy H. Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 444+5=449
Scarves: 249+1=250
Slippers: 82
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22+1=23
Mittens: 151+1=252
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 198
Cotton Washcloths 354+9=363
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).

As the month of June is closing in on us, July's focus has been added to the working calendar. July's focus will afghans. PLEASE read the requirements in the calendar section, and or the afghan section, and if you have questions, leave a note here or send me an email. I've also added August's focus which will be slippers for those folks who like to work ahead. I should also add you can see all the afghans made from your squares in the afghan section.

**Looking for unknown crocheter from St. Louis to match up with a recent donation, please make contact.**

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!

Please Pay it Forward with your Donations

A few days ago I shared a bit about Why I donate. I asked for others to share their stories too. I think we all encourage each other when we share like this. All of us want to help others, that's the common denominator; but some have a few other reasons about how they got started, or why they got started...some even have stories about how it's changed their lives, or how their donations have changed over the years.

The first person I got an email from was our friend, Wendy H., our good friend from the state of Georgia. You might remember she was one of our winners from the last contest. You can read about her winning HERE. Wendy H. is one of donators who doesn't happen to be a blogger, but her facebook link is listed in the list of non bloggers with Facebook, Crochetville, and or Ravelry pages.

Thank you Wendy H. for your support here with your skillful hands, and thank you for sharing a peace of your heart with your story below about why YOU donate.

I have been crocheting since I was about 8 years old. I was taught to crochet by my para-professional (teacher’s aide) in grade school who had muscular dystrophy. She is the one who originally sparked my interest.

My mother, when I was in my early thirties, told me she was making bereavement gowns for the premature babies that have passed away at our local hospital and I asked her if they had a need for crocheted items. My mother is the one who sparked my interest in making donations. She would and continues to purchase yarn for me that she finds on sale to further our cause. I have a closet that is practically full thanks to her.

After I started donating to my local hospital, I figured “Hey, I could take this one step further!” So I contacted St. Jude’s Hospital. That is where I started making chemo caps for the cancer patients.

Then, before I knew it, donating my goods became a healthy addiction. I love making people feel better in one form or another.

After making monthly donations to my local hospital and St. Jude’s, I decided to see just how many people I could donate to and searched it on Google. BOY WAS I SURPRIZED AT HOW MANY PLACES TAKE CROCHETED DONATIONS. That is when I decided to sign up with Handmade Especially for You, an organization that makes scarves for battered women’s shelters in California. A few weeks later, I searched Google again and found your charity, Bridge and Beyond. I read the mission statement and I was very pleased with what I read. Now, I have yet another way I can make a difference in someone’s life simply by doing what I love to do!

Here are a few reasons why I donate: I have loads of yarn in my closet that I MUST do something with thanks to my mom. Crocheting/Knitting is said to relieve stress, and goodness knows, I have my share of stress, who doesn’t, right? I do not have much money. I do not have much free time to actually go anywhere to volunteer my time, nor the gas to get there. What I do have is the ability to make something with my hands that will either comfort, warm, or simply put a smile on someone’s face who most assuredly is having a worse day than I am. I am fortunate to have a roof over my head, a full time job, and food on my table. Most people do not know where their next meal is coming from. One simple way I can help is by doing something that I love, crocheting/knitting, to spread the love, and let someone in pain (whichever form it takes) know that there is always someone out there that cares for them. They may not know them personally, but we are all God’s children and we are all to look after one another. Please, Pay It Forward!

2012 Donations:
Hats: 382
Scarves: 247
Slippers: 79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
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)

**I'd like to post at least 5 stories, so please share yours with me via email at sandycrochet@gmail.com. Let's inspire each other, and perhaps convert a few others.**

***above daisies have been blooming for several days in my backyard, just thought I'd share with 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!

Donations from The Peach Tree State for Ohio's Homeless

Thank you Wendy H from The Peach Tree State of Georgia! Look at this lovely baby blanket (sorry the picture is a bit blurry), cute hats, and squares. I've always like the blue green combination and this looks so fresh and springy! Perfect, I think for little girl or boy to snuggle up with. Thanks for the nice variety in both color and size in your hats, Wendy. Wendy is our newest pair of helping hands, you can visit her on Facebook, link in the blog roll. Please keep up the good work, hope to see you here often.


2012 Donations:
Hats: 205+7=212
Scarves: 104+1=105
Slippers: 48
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 1
Vest 1
Afghans: 16+1=17
Mittens: 120
Squares: 168+3=171
Socks: 102
Rain Poncho's 2
Cotton Washcloths 27
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts 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!