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.

Crocheted Donations Help Homeless

Thank you Wendy H for your continued support and caring heart.  Wendy has supported Bridge and Beyond with hand crafted goodies for a good long while.  We appreciate all your efforts Wendy.  Wendy's crocheted hats of various sizes, some personal care items and a scarf.

And do check back in tomorrow to see her sister's Kate's donation.  I often call them the dynamic duo...sister who spread their love through their craft and caring hearts!

Did you see yesterday's video, folks?  If not, please do scroll back and take time to watch it.

2014 Donations:
Hats: 457+18=475
Scarves: 257+1=258
Socks: 56
Afghans: 12
Slippers: 46
Rain Ponchos: 5
Mittens & Gloves: 52
Cotton Washcloths:164
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts, and Shrugs etc. 8
Neck warmers, cowls, gators, wrists warmers/fingerless gloves and other misc items aren't tabulated; as well as personal care items

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

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.

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 Scarves From Catherine for Ohio's Homeless

Thank you Catherine W from Florida, sister to our friend Wendy H for these crocheted scarves.  Catherine has crocheted 15 scarves and a cowl.  The cowl is center top of the picture.  Remember you can always click the picture to enlarge it to see details.  Many thanks Catherine, we love seeing you here on Bridge and Beyond, please keep up the good work.



April has now 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:  351
Scarves: 265
Socks: 152
Afghans: 17
Slippers: 132
Rain Ponchos: 202
Mittens: 22
Cotton Wash Clothes: 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.

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.

Contest Winners

This beautiful white rose is to say Thank you to the 26 people who left comments from March 23rd til yesterday April 13th to help us celebrate our 1,000 post!  Yesterday, we hit the mark.  That's quite a milestone.  Thank you to all who visit, who comment, who knit and crochet to keep this blog going so long.

During that time we had a total of 162 comments.  That's awesome, though I do still wish we could convince some of more shy folks to leave comments.  It is so helpful to the blog.  You do not need to be a blogger to leave comments.  It's quick and easy.  Simply type your comment, click the drop down box and leave your name and in the space that says url...leave that blank, hit ok or publish and thats all there is to it.

Thank you:
Sherry K., Marj, Sue, SSeger, Tristi, Sally, Crochet n Quilt, Paulien, Doroty, Jan, Wendy H., Brista, Lori, Denise F., Barb F., Sarah S, RoseMarie, Clara, Anne Marie, Sandie, Yvonne, Harvest Hill Farms, Karie, Therese, Diane L, and Sharae for your your comments.

Drum roll please.................
The winners are:
Marj,
SSeger
Sally
Denise F.

Please make contact with me via email at sandycrochet@gmail.com and leave me your snail addy's.  Also, please remind me if you're a knitter, or a crocheter.  Sometimes that helps me in selecting........goodies.

Congratulations ladies!



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.

Boxes of Donations Delivered for Ohio's Homeless

Leave town for a couple of weeks for a great vacation in Hilton Head, and when you return you get a "special delivery" from the post office.  How fun is that.

There are lots of donations here from lots of different states, all to help homeless.  Took me all afternoon yesterday too open all the boxes, take photo's, count items, and make notes prior to sending out email notifications/thank you's and posting same on our new Facebook Group Page.

Boxes and pouches arrived from: Mary H (OH), Sandra R (FL), Sarah S (VT), Wendy H and her sister Catherine (GA),  RoseMarie (TN), Joan A (MI), Sandie P (LA), Marie P (TN), and Maria R (TX).  WOW.  Many thanks to you all for your patience during my absence, it's appreciated.  We also received a couple of nice thank you letters which I'll also be posting about.  So, please keep checking in.  AND if you mailed something during the last couple of weeks and aren't listed above, please let me a comment.

As you read this post, I'll be busy writing posts for each of our wonderful donations.  Hope to see you all here reading and commenting...remember that too helps the group grow.

2013 has brought about some changes, some new ideas of ways to grow, and some new opportunities.  I do hope you'll read and keep up with all happenings here.  Truly, there's never a dull moment.  Have you noticed or taken advantage of subscribing via email?  It's in the right sidebar, thought it would be particularly nice for you folks who don't blog.  You can keep up that way, as posts will arrive in your email.  However, I would still encourage you to follow the link back here to leave comments.  Our good friend Sandie P. signed up to help me test how it works, and she says she LOVES getting the notices in her email.

AND speaking about changes.....

Have you heard we have a Facebook Group Page?
 Check it out, though ALL updates will appear here on the blog and it will still be the primary source of communication.  Links will be posted there directing you here in order to read the full content of posts and see pictures etc.  But, as one of the many goals for this group/blog for the year 2013; we're striving to reach more caring people in order to serve a larger number of people in need.  Please help us by visiting and chatting in the Facebook group as well as here on the blog.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats:  55
Scarves: 38
Socks: 26 
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 7
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, and...

**The focus for the remainder of January is slippers.  AND, we'll continue focusing on feet in February.  Cold, and wet feet are miserable.  So...for the month of February we'll continue with slippers as our focus AND add socks for the feet.  Socks are store bought and should be for men who live outdoors 99% of the time.  Remember to check out the slipper tab at the top of the blog for information about sizing, colors, styles, fiber type etc.  You might enjoy using one of the patterns available there as well.   February  continues to be about feet.**

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.

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!

From Michigan to Tennessee and Back Again

We've been sharing stories of why some of us knit or crochet for charity. I find all the stories heart warming and inspiring and hope you do too.

If you've missed reading them, here they are. Please do take time to read them, and as always leave us a comment so we know you were here. Remember you do not need to be a blogger to do so. Simply type your comment, then click name and url in the drop down box and leave the url space blank. We like knowing who visits and reads our posts, we like having support for each other's crafts/donations and stories, and spending time on the blog leaving comments etc. helps the blog which in turn helps us help more people in need. So please, those of you who are shy (and I know there's a good number of you out there), please leave messages when you visit us.

We've been sharing stories...about why we donate. If you've not read them, please do. And when you read them, please leave a comment so we know you were there/here. Remember you do not need to be a blogger to leave comments. And leaving comments, spending time on the blog reading does help the blog.

**Sharing stories about why we donate:
My story Here
Wendy H tells here story HERE
Sandie P's story HERE
Diana K's story HERE
Sue F tells her story HERE
Sherry K tells her story HERE
Katie's story is HERE

And now, you can read why Sue W from Michigan donates. You might know Sue from Ravelry as SSeger. She's moved from Michigan to Tennessee and now is back in Michigan.

The reasons I knit for charity are: I just can not sit and watch TV and not have knitting in my hands. There are so many people out there who have less than I do, so I want to help them. I don't have much money, but I have yarn.
I started knitting for charity about 25 yrs ago when I lived in Muskegon, MI. The mall put up a mitten Christmas tree for the poor, well I did not knit mittens, but I made scarves for the tree for several years. Then I moved to TN. Stopped knitting for a while, then I found a group in Nashville that I knitted for. Got a computer, and signed up with Revelry. There I was able to find even more charities to knit for and that is how I found Bridge and Beyond.

*Thank you Sue for sharing your story with us. We're happy to have you join us from whatever state you're from. Hope your move went well.*

**Anyone notice this is post #763? WOW, can you believe it? I'm thinking about another contest...by way of celebrating....please stay tuned for an announcement**

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 Donations from Tennessee

Thank you RoseMarie for your thoughtful donation of 13 rain poncho's, crocheted slippers, scarf and hat. RoseMarie also included personal care items in her donation of soap and shampoo, which the shelters are always happy to receive. RoseMarie has been such a faithful supporter now for some time, always adding "her special touches" to her crocheted goodies.

RoseMarie hails from the state of Tennessee which if you read my last post when she donated you know to be The Volunteer State.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 438+1=439
Scarves: 247+1=248
Slippers: 79+2=81
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183+13=196
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)

We've been sharing stories...about why we donate. If you've not read them, please do. And when you read them, please leave a comment so we know you were there/here. Remember you do not need to be a blogger to leave comments. And leaving comments, spending time on the blog reading does help the blog.

**Sharing stories about why we donate:
My story Here
Wendy H tells here story HERE
Sandie P's story HERE
Diana K's story HERE
Sue F tells her story HERE
Sherry K tells her story HERE
Katie's story is HERE

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!

My Hats off to you, Katie in Germany

Katie B has knitted and crochet and donated 40 hats. Hats in a variety of sizes and colors. All fabulously made to warm the cold in need people here in Ohio all the way from Germany! Katie we love having your skilled hands help us with the cause of giving to those who need help.

A hat is such an important item to have. A hat can make a huge difference in how warm and or dry you are. We loose lots of heat through our head. There is some controversy about how much heat we loose when our heads not covered. Scientist originally thought one lost about 45% of the body's heat when not wearing a hat; some no longer believe the percentage is quite that high; but all do agree it is ESSENTIAL for survival outdoors. Add that it can keep you dryer, add that it can keep you from ear aches....and you can see how important a hat is to someone living outdoors, under a bridge...asleep in an alley. Many people in need also wear hats in doors, even if they're lucky enough to have a roof over their heads.....because often they live without proper heat.

Thank you Katie for your thoughtful donation, we surely appreciate all you do.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 398+40=438
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)

We've been sharing stories...about why we donate. If you've not read them, please do. And when you read them, please leave a comment so we know you were there/here. Remember you do not need to be a blogger to leave comments. And leaving comments, spending time on the blog reading does help the blog.

**Sharing stories about why we donate:
My story Here
Wendy H tells here story HERE
Sandie P's story HERE
Diana K's story HERE
Sue F tells her story HERE
Sherry K tells her story HERE
Katie's story is HERE


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!

Why Katie B. Donates, all the way from Germany!

About a week ago I posted about why I donate and asked you to share with us why you do. What motivates you. Though clearly we all have the common denominator of wanting to help others, we do have some different internal reason that keep us all going. If you missed reading these inspiring stories, please take a minute and click to catch up. If you've not shared with us your inspiration, please send me an email and let me know.

**Sharing stories about why we donate:
My story Here
Wendy H tells here story HERE
Sandie P's story HERE
Diana K's story HERE
Sue F tells her story HERE
Sherry K tells her story HERE

And now you can read why Katie B, who's on a military base in Germany crochets and donates by sending her items here to Ohio to help the homeless.

I first learned to crochet about 4 years ago when my boyfriend (now husband) joined the Army and was sent to Basic Training. I started with just simple granny squares and after I made enough to complete an afghan I realized that I couldn't keep making items for myself or family members all the time. So I went on the Internet and looked for charities that accepted crochet items. I loved the concept of HAP which provides afghans to wounded soldiers. People send in rectangles and they use 49 in each blanket so each blanket could potentially have rectangles from 49 different people. Working on rectangles kept me occupied when Andrew was away.

Once we were married and sent to our duty station in Germany I had to adjust to military life. It was and still is hard to deal with your life revolving around the military all the time. Sometimes I just need an escape from it so I decided to focus instead on another charity and somehow I found Bridge and Beyond. I think I read about it on Crochetville. I like how so many different items are accepted so that way I don't get bored making the same thing all the time.

Crocheting is such a good stress reliever for me. Helping out others while doing something I love is a win win situation.

**Thank you for finding us Katie, and thank you to you and your husband for your service to our country.**

The Pink Lilly is my favorite of all my Lillies, because it's heavenly scent. I look forward to this one blooming every year. This picture is from last year. The rabbits I can't seem to get rid of have totally eaten this one to the nub...so, it's not going to bloom this year. Anyone want to come hunting in my backyard....Rabbit Stew Perhaps?

****I'd also like to mention here that HAP is a closed group, and is in fact soon to shut down for a variety of reasons. Thought I should mention that in case anyone was thinking of searching them out.****

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!

Why Sherry K. donates

About a week ago I posted about why I donate and asked you to share with us why you do. What motivates you. Though clearly we all the common denominator of wanting to help others, we do have some different internal reason that keep us all going. If you missed reading these inspiring stories, please take a minute and click to catch up. If you've not shared with us your inspiration, please send me an email and let me know.

**Sharing stories about why we donate:
My story Here
Wendy H tells here story HERE
Sandie P's story HERE
Diana K's story HERE
Sue F tells her story HERE

And now, you can read why our friend Sherry K. donates and gives of herself. Thank you Sherry. Glad to count you among us and glad to call you friend (and all the other good people here).

When I was about 7 years old my mother had a friend who lived across the street from us. She had 12 children and still had time to crochet. She was always making baby blankets and I loved to sit and watch her. So I believe it was her that gave me the desire to crochet and I have crocheted many blankets over the years. I even belonged to a group that made blankets for the elderly in nursing homes for a while. But at that point I didn't really think of that as giving to charity.

In 2007, I became very ill and could not work. Up to that point I was very busy raising my family and working 70 hours a week. I had let the crocheting go by the wayside even though I had boxes of yarn put away. Once I became ill my husband lost his job shortly thereafter. For a period of 8 months we didn't know how were were going to pay the rent or have food on the table. Every month we had a leave on 3 days notice on our door. Also, many times we stood in lines at the food pantries. It made me realize just how many people that were in the world with the basic needs for living. My husband got called back to work a year ago and shortly before that I was approved for disability so we are much better off.

This started a desire for me to help those less fortunate and the homeless are close to my heart. I know there are needy everywhere but I have a firm belief that you should help your own first. I checked online for charities and found Bridge and Beyond. I,ve sent in a couple of boxes but intend on sending much more. I met a friend through this charity who has led me to other charities as well, but Bridge and Beyond will always be my first choice to give to since it will help the homeless.

I am very limited in what I can do but crocheting and a little knitting I can do so I decided to use my skills and yarn to warm those in need.

**We so glad you were so inspired Sherry. I'm blown away thinking of the women with 12 children having time to do anything. She was obviously a very special woman. Sorry you were so ill, how wonderful to have you here with us.**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 398
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)

The above picture isn't current, in that I've gotten further along on that afghan since I had time to get a photograph. It has a couple more stripes currently. It's knitted, feather and fan stitch. Currently, I have 2 thoughts regarding this afghan I'm working on. Initially, thought it would be donated; as all the others have been (from your squares etc) to The Homeless Families Foundation for the Welcome Home Project. Then thought/wondered if I might do more good by having a raffle for it and use the money from the raffle as a donation. I've changed the design of this ghan now several times....probably about to change it again. Am using up grey, I had in my stash (have less then I originally thought I had), using the tan (donated), and the multi-colored skeins (6 also donated). Seems it may be smaller then I anticipated based on the yarn amounts I have so....re-thinking again the design. It's sorta changes on the fly as I knit.

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!