Hats to warm homeless heads.

Awesome! 15 crocheted hats from our friend Jennifer S in Ohio. These are all crocheted, and all great for the boys. Click on the picture so you can see the detail/texture in her hats. Very nice. I think she's accomplished that by using back post triples or doubles? I've gotten more hats for girls of late so pleased to get these for the boys. Well done Jennifer. Thank you for your thoughtful donation, and your on going support, it's truly greatly appreciated.

*Thanks for the heads up about my adding these 15 hats to the scarf numbers....fixed it*

2011 Donations:

Scarves 284
Hats 542+15=557
Mitts 133
Socks 101
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

**We into September now, that's our month to focus on scarves if you don't know what you want to make. Remember all items except squares are collected all year long, the working calendar that highlights a particular items is not restrictive.**

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 really RED Donation

Do not rub your eyes, do not adjust your monitor, you are in fact seeing red x 8! Eight fun, red scarves to warm and delight 8 people in need. Some crocheted width wise, some crocheted lengthwise, some with fringe, some without fringe, some with pockets, some with tassels. What a fun Red Donation this is. Thank you DaMarys in Florida. We have new helping hands and are thrilled as always. Welcome DaMarys, hope to see you often. Many thanks for your thoughtful donation.

Perfect too, since September's focus is in fact SCARVES! Finally got our scrolling marque changed, (had forgotten to do that since August left us). Also added some guide lines to the working calendar page, which you see in tab area across the top of the page.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 276+8=284
Hats 542
Mitts 133
Socks 101
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

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!

Donated Crocheted Camo Hats for Men

Thank you Gail B from Virginia for these fabulous crocheted camo hats for our homeless men. They are nicely sized and warm I'm always excited to get hats large enough for the men. Some of you who've been involved with donating for Bridge and Beyond may remember our start up days here. Initially we only accepted and provided for Men, the group most often overlooked in charities. We started there because the need was great, the men were most often the ones truly living in the elements, and the group most often not provided for. We were able to provide for others as time continued through the generous support of knitters and crocheters with such big giving hearts.

We're now provide for men, women, and children living in shelters, temporary housing situations, and those in desperate cirucmstances.

Currently we're in the process of obtaining additional information/wants and needs of several groups to see whom we can best lend a helping hand to. Please keep your needles and hooks flying.

Many thanks Gail for your wonderful donation, keep up the good work.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 276
Hats 537+7=542
Mitts 133
Socks 101
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

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!

The Face of Homelessness, Please Donate

Please turn your sound on. Share this with someone you know, share the knowledge about homelessness. I've got information forthcoming on this group of homeless families that I believe we'll be able to help. This video, is insightful. Even if, after obtaining information we're not able to help this particular group; I believe their video is relevant.

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!

Awesome Team Work to benefit The Homeless

Above you see a picture of scarves, gloves, and socks, right? No, not really you're seeing so much more then gloves, socks, and scarves. Blink, pour another cup of coffee, scratch your head and take another look. I see gloves, I see socks, and I see scarves...........what? What you're really seeing here is the Power of One. One person, Melody printed our flyer, added a personal note and created a group called "Knotty Knitters." This group of women hails from Massachusetts. Waving a friendly hello and welcome to these new helping hands. Hi Lucille, Penny, Melissa, Lois, and Melody! We're thrilled to have your helping hands, your wonderful donations for the homeless, and also to know you've formed a group. AWESOME! Truly this represents "The Power of One!" Melody writes their group is growing, even better; the more the merrier. What's better than folks getting together, doing something they enjoy (knitting, crocheting, looming), sharing friendships, meeting new people, AND doing good at the same time!

Thank you ladies, may your busy hands remain productive, happy. Thank you for your thoughtful donation.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 268+8=276
Hats 537
Mitts 121+12=133
Socks 91+10=101
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

**August has come and gone, as did our focus for men's hats. September's focus is scarves, scarves, MEN, Women, and children. MEN, remember are the ones living outdoors, Women, and children at various shelters and free clinics are in need, as our MEN at shelters. Scarves should be warm (not open stitches), and large enough to wrap around. Scarves for young children is generally not a good idea, so think older child and adults.
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!

Lovely Loomed Hats

Sandie in Florida has done it again with her creative flare for looming lovely colorful, warm, and fun hats for our folks in need here in Ohio. I love how she makes her loomed hats double thickness so they're nice and warm, have good stretch and awesome colors in her designs.

I seem to be having some blog issues of late folks, so my apologize for this post not appearing until now. I typically write and schedule posts, and often have 2 weeks going in the que. Lately, I've been having trouble with scheduled posts not airing when they're suppose to. I don't know if I'm having issues or blogger is having issues. Or perhaps it's a combination of both. Soooo, I'll double my efforts to check the dates on the scheduler thingy and hope things improve.

Our good friend Sandie from Florida is having a much deserved vacation is Scotland! How awesome is that. I hope you're having a wonderful time, and look forward to some pictures on your return. Travel safe, and as always thank you for your wonderful donation and on going support of Ohio's Homeless.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 268
Hats 523+14=537
Mitts 121
Socks 91
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

**One more day of our August focus of Hats for Adult Men, then onto our September focus which is Scarves. Scarves for women, men, and older children. Younger children tend not to wear scarves. Sizes and colors can vary, please make them warm (without open and loose stitches). I generally make scarves at least 5 inches wide for women and 6.5 or more for men.**

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!

Hurrah for Hats for the Homeless

Thank you Pauline B from Ohio! Pauline is our newest pair of helping hands, and look at the wonderful hats she's knitted! The black hats are nice and stretchy which is good for our men. She also has a nice big brim which can be pulled down for adding warmth if need be. Look at the cool design in the striped rounded blue and black hat. Click to enlarge so you can see the detail. I love the look! Very cool Pauline. What stitch or pattern did you use?

Cool nights and early mornings are beginning to be the norm here in Central Ohio........sigh, that means summer is soon to come to an end. The wonderful warm hats, scarves, etc you all have been busy making will very soon be needed. So keep up the good work with those busy helping hands. Welcome Pauline, we're thrilled to have you join us.
Thank you all for your caring.
2011 Donations:

Scarves 268
Hats 517 +6=523
Mitts 121
Socks 91
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

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!

RoseMarie Rocks with another Fabulous Donation

Once again our wonderful friend, RoseMarie's Rocks! Look at her cute cute crocheted donation. She's done her signature crocheted button flower to decorate these cute hat and scarf sets.

This post was suppose to post yesterday, apparently I missed doing something on the scheduled post thingy. Must pay more attention to that in the future. She's donated 5 darling hat and scarf sets, 2 hadbands, 2 pairs of slippers and some soap and face/body cream. I never thought about cream, but think it's a wonderful addition to our personal care packages. Think how dry we all get and our skin's protected. Great idea RoseMarie.

As always thanks for your ongoing support of the cause, your skilled caring hands, and your friendship. Everything is so appreciated.

Hard to believe we're coming so close to the end of the month of August, and our focus of men's hats. Were does time go? We've begun to have some cool spells at night, while still having hot and humid days. Those cool nights, sadly are a reminder of what's to come for our folks in need. So, please keep those crochet hooks, knitting needles, and looms busy busy busy.

Thank you all for your caring.
2011 Donations:

Scarves 263+5=268
Hats 512+5=517
Mitts 121
Socks 91
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 84+2=86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

***Oh my, just went back about 8 posts and correct our hat total, when I looked at this and it said 212, I thought...that's not right, knew you all had made more then that, went back and found where I had typed wrong...it was when I had to keep retyping this everyday while on vacation and using hubby's computer. For some unknown reason it would not let me cut and paste, as I always do when I add the new numbers.***

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!

Team Work

This is a donation of possibilities from Sandie in LA. I say possibilities because Sandie and I often collaborate and work as a team. She sometimes has what she terms are odds and ends, starts, examples perhaps from teaching a crochet class. She knows I'm a bit crazy and put things together. In an effort to clean out a space for son, some things had to leave their craft room. Above are 2 hats, possible 2 scarves and 4 stripes, or 4 stripes. I might want to use those fun stripes scarves/stripes to mix with squares....thinking stages here. The black I think will work folded over as a cowl, and there's a pretty blue square.

For tabulation purposes I'm counting it this way 2 hats, 2 scarves, 1 neck warm/cowl, 4 stripes, and 1 square.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 261 +2=263
Hats 510 +2=512
Mitts 121
Socks 91
Squares 419 +1=420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 84
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

As always Sandie's items are beautifully crocheted.


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 for Ohio's Homeless

Donations for Ohio's Homeless and others in need prove how big hearted knitters, crocheters, and loomers are. See what I mean! Take time and look around here on the blog and you'll be amazed with the wonderful giving people who knit, crochet, and support Bridge and Beyond. Psmflowerlady (Tammy M) has done it again with 7 squares, 5 cotton washcloths, 4 pairs of mittens, 2 rain ponchos, socks, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, a knitted poncho (super soft), and a scarf!

AWESOME....I tell everyone I met about how good I believe are, and how much good I believe they can do and are willing to do. People who donate to help others, to help people they don't know are AWESOME.
Wanted to show you show you a close up of this particular square. I love this diagonal pattern...Tammy, do you have directions for this you can share?

2011 Donations:

Scarves 260+1=261
Hats 510
Mitts 117+4=121
Socks 90+1=91
Squares 412+7=419
Rain Ponchos 58+2=60
Cotton Washcloths 275+5=280
Sweaters/Poncho's 5+1=6
Slippers 84
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

There's also a cute soft bunny which some small child will love.

Eleven more days for our August focus of hats for men.

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!

Squares of Many Colors Donated

No doubt you've all heard of The Coat of Many Colors, well.............these are the squares of many colors. Seriously...look at all the fun colors crocheted by our friend Gail B in Virginia. Awesome! I'll have fun putting these together. Solids, and stripes and lots of different sizes. Thanks so much Gail for your on going support. We appreciate you!

We've had some cool nights of late, damp and cold despite the fact it's August. Strange how the weather can turn on a dime. We've shut the windows, as it's a bit nippy. No doubt our friends living outside in the elements are just plain cold when this happens. No doubt either that some are wearing our hats and scarves right this very minute. It's easy for us, I think with the protection of a roof over our heads to not realize these nights that bring relief from the air conditioner for us, don't really bring relief to our homeless out in the elements. So, perhaps our focus of hats for men is really not off base for what is traditionally The Dog Days of Summer. Keep your hooks and needles flying folks it's been feeling very fall like I'm afraid here, which sadly probably means cold weather isn't far behind. Sigh........

2011 Donations:

Scarves 260
Hats 510
Mitts 117
Socks 90
Squares 387 +25=412
Rain Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 84
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

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!

Donated Squares

Look what our friend Yvonne created. Many thanks Yvonne for your skilled hands, and your thoughtful heart with your continued support and donating for the homeless. Awesome as always. Her squares are knitted corner to corner. Her warm fluffy scarf on the right is knitted.

Had to take a separate picture of this one.....I LOVE these colors. By now, most of you probably know I love color. Isn't this bright and cheery! What type of yarn is it Yvonne? Do you remember the name of variegated?

2011 Donations:

Scarves 259+1=260
Hats 510
Mitts 117
Socks 90
Squares 377+10=387
Rain Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 84
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)


**If you missed reading a wonderful note from Faith Mission, Becki (3 days ago), please please scroll back, or click HERE. This note is for all you who've helped the cause.**

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!

Stupendous Scarves from Sandie

Here's 2 lovely, soft, and warm scarves crocheted and donated by our long time friend and supporter, Sandie (the one in Louisiana...remember we have multiple Sandie's). Look at the fun stripes with such a good color combination on the left. That scarf was crocheted lengthwise, while the pretty purple one next to it was crocheted width wise.

Sandie's work is always top notch! Many thanks Sandie for your on going support, it's greatly appreciated.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 257+2=259
Hats 510
Mitts 117
Socks 90
Squares 377
Rain Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 84
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

**If you missed reading a wonderful note from Faith Mission, Becki (2 days ago), please please scroll back, or click HERE. This note is for all you who've helped the cause.**

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!

Helping Hands from The Peach Tree State

Join me in thanking and welcoming Diana K from Georgia, our newest pair of helping hands. Diana has donated 2 blankets (I think they're woven ?), crocheted scarves and slippers, toothbrushes. I also think the bright scarf on the left side of the photo is woven? Sing out and let us know Diana. You might need to click to enlarge folks to see the draw string style slippers she crocheted. Diana, can you give me an idea what age group these would most likely fit? Thought perhaps your pattern told you? I like to label items and or divide them when I get them ready to be donated to the various locations in need.

If you didn't get to read the lovely note from Becki at Faith Mission, please scroll back to the previous blog post. I'd love everyone who's ever donated to be able to see it. I also think I'm gonna borrow the quote she listed as her favorite....it just seems so very appropriate. "Be The Change you Want to see in the World", I want to put that some place prominent here on the blog.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 246+11=257
Hats 510
Mitts 117
Socks 90
Squares 377
Rain Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 68 +16=84
Afghans 31 +2=33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

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 accomplishing with your Help

Folks been a few days since I've posted, am still trying to play catch up after being out of town for about 10 days. PLEASE stay tuned for more beautiful thoughtful donations from your caring hands. I have boxes to open, photographs to take and blog posts to write; hoping to get rollin this afternoon.

I wanted to share this sweet email with you, as it's directed to all of you who've helped with your donated knitted, loomed, and or crocheted items throughout these past couple of years. Congratulations to each and everyone of you, and please keep up the good work!
--------------------

Dear Sandy and ALL the donors to Bridge and Beyond:

My name is Becki Duncan and I am a volunteer at Faith Mission in Columbus, Ohio. About a year ago I found information online about Bridge and Beyond. I had been knitting scarves and wanted to donate them, but I wasn't sure where to do that. When I read about Bridge and Beyond it was exactly what I had been looking for and I boxed up my scarves and sent them to Sandy. At about the same time I started volunteering at Faith Mission. So I have been lucky enough to see the direct impact that items made with so much love can have on those affected by homelessness. I just want all of you to know how much your ongoing donations and support of Faith Mission mean to everyone here. Not only the clients, but the staff and volunteers as well. At a time when there are so many people faced with unimaginable challenges, it only takes a small gesture to make all the difference in the world.

One of my favorite quotes is "Be the change you want to see in the world". Thanks to all of you for doing just that.

Much love to you all,

Becki Duncan

2011 Donations:

Scarves 246
Hats 510
Mitts 117
Socks 90
Squares 357+20=377
Rain Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 68
Afghans 31 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

We often knit and crochet and loom for people we do not know personally, and will never meet, and we don't see them wearing our warm items, but..........they are received with open arms and so very much needed and appreciated. Thank you Becki for taking time to communicate with us.

We're a third of the way through our current month of August and it's focus of warm hats for Men, keep your hooks and needles flying.

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!

Square this, not Math

Square this, makes me think way back to school days and math class. Argh...math class not a favorite for me. This however is different, this talk of squares gets me very excited. My math teachers would probably be pleased to know I do use some of the math I learned from them when I put together beautifully made squares from you all to make afghans for those in need. These fabulous squares are from Jennifer S, in Ohio. 20 fun squares here that will make my job of assembly fun, easy and. Many thanks Jennifer for your wonderful and thoughtful donation. Keep up the good work. It's greatly appreciated.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 246
Hats 510
Mitts 117
Socks 90
Squares 357+20=377
Rain Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 68
Afghans 31 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

August's focus is hats for men. Hats for men who are homeless (our Bridge folks), men who are homeless (through Faith Mission), Men living in temporary housing through the family shelter. Think dark male appropriate colors, and adult sizing.

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!

Dare to be Square, it's Cool

Thank Bunny for your on going support of our cause. Bunny has been knitting, crocheting, and donating to Ohio's Homeless since the beginning of this blog and this project. I'm very grateful for her support, her skilled hands, her big heart, and her friendship.

A cute knitted hat and 8 squares are pictured above, all will be put to good use, as always.

August is typically a hot month around the country and so it may be hard to think warm, but in our continuing effort to stay ahead of the need, we're doing just that. We're thinking warm hats, warm hats, suitable color and size for adult men. Men who live outdoors need warm hats about 9 months of the year in this area of the country. Some of the hats collected during our August focus will go to our Bridge People when Rae prepares and takes food to them on Sat mornings, others will go to Faith Mission to distribute when men come and go with a nights lodging, and others will go to The Family Shelter I've begun to mention that house 50 families.

Think dark colors, and naturally nothing lacy or open.

2011 Donations

Scarves 246
Hats 509 +1=510
Mittens 117
Socks 90
Squares 349+8=357
Washcloths 275
Sweaters 5
Slippers 68
Afghans 31 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

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!

Donated Squares and Blankets for those in Need

Two cute fleece blanets that have been decorated with a crocheted edge. The kids will love these, warm, soft and cute. How cleaver Jen J from Mass. Click to enlarge the picture so you can see her edge.
18 squares that will make there way into a ghan to comfort and warm someone in need at either Faith Mission or the new family shelter (keep checking in to read more about it). Squares of a variety of sizes and colors, some knit and some crocheted. In addition Jen donated a hat, and a cowl...the cowl is particularly nice, please click to see it's detail.

Many thanks Jen for your thoughtful donation. It's very much appreciated.

Received a good number of squares during the focus month of July and now here we are in August. Where does the time go? August's focus will be hats, hats for men. Think large, warm, and dark colors appropriate for men living outdoors in the elements and those that get a night here and there in a shelter.

*Edited this post, as I got Jen S (Jennifer)from Ohio and Jen from Mass mixed up in my posts.
2011 Donations
Scarves 246
Hats 508+1=509
Mittens 117
Socks 90
Ghans 29+2=31 (2 went to our friends at Pine Street)
Squares 331+18=349
ponchos (rain ponchos) 58
Cotton Wash Cloths 275

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!

Cotton is clean and comforting

Thank you missilebird (RAV), Jen for these 5 cotton washcloths and fleece hat. Very much appreciate your on going support for Ohio's Homeless and those in need.

A cotton cloth ? Someone asked me the other day, as I was knitted what's all the fuss about a cotton cloth. The brief version is of course people need washcloths to get clean. But, those of us who knit and crochet and donate understand it's so much more then that. Yes, you get clean with a cotton cloth (June's focus), but you also know someone made something special just for you. Cotton is comforting, tired, hot or cold skin.......skin that's been out in the elements, skin that doesn't have the advantage of daily baths and showers needs to be treated kindly. Hand knit and hand crochet cotton washcloths do just that.

Thanks to all who continue to use their time, their energy, their skills, and the money to knit and crochet to help others. You are AWESOME!

2011 Donations
Scarves 246
Hats 507+1=508
Mittens 117
Socks 90
Afghans 29 (2 of which went to our friends at Pine Street)
Squares 331
Poncho's 58
Cotton Washcloths 270+5=275

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!

Extreme Condtions hard on the Homeless

Homeless have it hard regardless of the season, winter months they deal with ice, sleet, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. Summer can present the opposite problems. We've been kniting, crocheting and donating hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, and other warm items to help the homeless and those without or very little heat during 3 seasons, Spring (which can still have freezing temperatures in this state), fall (which be frosty), and the brutal winter. Our dear friend and long time supporter, Bunny got to thinking about how hot it's been and how much we all rely on our air conditioners with these extreme heat indexes and came up with the above item. These are cool ties. These need to be soaked in water and will last up to several days to provide some cooling when warm around the neck. These are used by our military in extreme conditions.

Our other good friend Sandie in Louisiana has a link with directions where people who sew can make these cool ties. I'm hopeful obtaining the water to activate these is doable and have put forth that question to our friend, Rae who deliveries our goods to The Bridge Folks when she takes them meals. Stay tuned for more information regarding this idea. Many thanks Bunny for your creative thinking.
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!

Hitting the jackpot with donations for Ohio's Homeless

Look at this wonderful donation from Kim in Washington. It's fabulous. Beautifully made hats, and scarves...soft and warm, and a wonderful selection of colors too. Kim is our newest pair of helping hands and is our first person to represent the state of Washington. Or at least our first since I started documenting where people were from on our map. I don't want to overlook if you donated previously and are from the state....please sing out. Love to get everyone properly documented on our map below. If you've not checked out it, please do.

Many thanks Kim for your wonderful donation, we're thrilled to have your helping hands helping us with this sad problem of homeless people, and others in need.

Only 2 days more days folks for squares, our July focus...then onto August were we'll be focused on hats for men. Remember, while we do highlight an item monthly all items are collected all year long...except squares. Squares need to be specific to the month they are highlighted. We have a working calendar above if you'd like to see what's up and coming.

2011 Donations
Scarves 231+ 15=246
hats 468+ 39=507
mittens 117
socks 90
ghans 29 (2 donated previously to Pine Street)
Squares 331
Sweaters 5
Poncho's 58

Adding the state of Washington to our map gives us a percentage of 60% with 30 states being representated. Pretty awesome over half the country is helping the cause.

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!

Fun, Funky, and Fabulous with some Frills

Fun....check
Funky.....double check, see those stripes hats with the curly decorations?
Fabulous, see the bright colored warmly knitted hat with ties?
Frills, see the lacy hats with scalloped edges decorated with flowers?

These 12 hats were both knitted (striped hats and hat with tie), and crocheted (all lacy ones) and donated by Bridget in Michigan for Ohio's homeless. The lacy hats are small and I think will work for some of the girls to wear indoors and look stylish. Everyone feels good, or at least better when they look stylish and these kids can surely use a lift.

Thank you Bridget for your thoughtful donation. I particularly loved the knitted curly ques for hat decorations...........kids love fun hats.

**3 more days for squares, then onto Hats for Men, warm hats, dark colors best for men is our August focus**

2011 Donations:

Scarves 231
Hats 456+12=468
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 90
Slippers 68
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 331
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 270


**Please find your name on the lists in the right hand sidebar. Is a state listed by your name? Still many unknowns. Please leave a comment with your name and state so records can be updated....and we can update our map at the bottom of the page. We've not had an update in quite some time to it. Currently records indicate donations have come from 29 different states for a percentage of 58. I'm willing to bet some of the good folks who've donated come from some of the other states. Please take a look.

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!

Scrumptious Slippers and Squares Donated

4 pairs of warm, soft knitted slippers and 38 mostly crocheted squares from Nelda in Michigan being donated for Ohio's homeless..........SCRUMPTIOUS!! Lots of fun colors in the squares too.

Nelda, if you're out there reading this please email me sandycrochet@gmail.com When I tried to email you to let you know your wonderful and thoughtful donation arrived the email was returned as mail demon...Apparently you have a different email? If anyone is in a group with Nelda would you sing out so I can contact her?
**edited to add...we've made contact, thanks!

Just a handful of days left in our July focus of 7-10 inch squares before we move onto our August focus of hats for men. Please think warm, large, and colors appropriate for men. Men live outdoors when their homeless, and often only get a night here and there in a shelter so please nothing with an open weave.

*Actually, nothing with an open weave is our rule of thumb for all hats, scarves, and mittens and we need items to be warm*

**Squares will be collected again in the year 2012.

***Would love to get an email from all local knitters and crocheters interested in doing a work day. If you're in and around Columbus and would be available to collect up for a work day, please zap me an email. ***


2011 Donations:

Scarves 231
Hats 456
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 90
Slippers 64+4=68
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 293+38=331
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 270

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!

Helping Hands for the Homeless in the Neighborhood

Woot Woot! New helping hands for the homeless. That always makes me excited. These 6 knitted hats come from a new pair of helping hands, from Becky, (sleepy on Rav), right here in the state of Ohio. In fact, Becky and I are practically neighbors. Through the beauty of the internet we're now connected. Funny to have someone practically be neighbor, but the way we meet/get connected is through the internet. Many thanks Becky for these fabulous knitted hats for the homeless. Look at the lower left corner, that pink hat with the details...........isn't it wonderful!

With our work schedules we didn't get to meet face to face, yet. Am hopeful we'll be able to do that soon. Appreciate your help Becky and loo forward to more donations and visits from from you for Bridge and Beyond.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 231
Hats 450+6=456
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 90
Slippers 64
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 293
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 270

**Did you read about our new google page rank? If not, please please do HERE.
****Just 6 more days for squares, then we'll be onto our August Focus...Men's Hats****
******Notice our Alexa ranking? Read about it 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!

Hats, Scarves and more for the Homeless

Our good friend RoseMarie's done it again folks. By now I'm willing to bet some of you could look at the donation and know it's from her. Her hats are often edge in a different color which she coordinates with her signature button flower decoration. RoseMarie donated 4 crocheted matching hat and scarves sets, a headband, and more wonderful soap and shampoo for our personal care packs. There are also 2 pairs of slippers and 5 squares.

If you click to enlarge the picture (remember you can always do that to see details), you'll notice a little purse on the left just above the soaps. I'm going to use that as one of the personal care packages. We'll put some soap, shampoo and of course a handmade (knit or crocheted) washcloth.

Thank you RoseMarie for your ongoing support of caring for Ohio Homeless with your thoughtful donations. We appreciate it, and we appreciate you.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227+4=231
Hats 446+4=450
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 90
Slippers 62+2=64
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 287+5=293
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 270

**Just 7 more days for squares to be knitting, crocheted, and donated for our July focus, then we'll move on to our August focus. Please keep checking the working calendar on the tab across the top of the blog.**

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 Google Page Rank

**Here's a beautiful flower to help me say THANK YOU**

Thank You all. While numbers might not mean alot to some folks, in some situations...I want to express my thanks for helping our numbers to each and everyone of you who visit the blog, who take time to read the blog post, and most certainly those who leave comments. This is very helpful, may seem un-important...but. I'm happy to report that sometime in last week or so, we've jumped from a Google Page Rank of 2 to a 3!!! That's pretty exciting to me and it's important. The higher we rank, the more easily we are found from people looking for a place to donate knitted or crocheted items too. The higher we rank, the more people who find us when looking for charity's in need...the higher we rank, the more notice we get. The more notice we get, the more people we attract, the more help we attract, the more people we can help. Sooooooooo please keep your visit coming, spend time on the page, look around that also helps. Please leave comments. I know many people do visit, they tell me so in their emails, but their timid about leaving comments. Please don't be. Leaving comments is easy, and it helps. Plus, everyone who takes time to donate hand knitted or hand crocheted items for homeless and charities in need love the encouragement your comments bring to them.

You do not need to be a blogger to leave comments. Please don't leave comments as anonymous...we don't know who you are then. Type your comment, click the drop down box and select name and url, type your name and leave url empty if you don't have a blog...though you could link to your Facebook, or Ravelry Profile page, if you like and don't have a blog. Then click ok or publish and you're good to go.

Thank you for helping us reach this milestone, please help keep us there but continuing to support each other with visits and comments. Better yet...let's strive to reach a 4. Is that possible?

I also added Alexa ranking to this blog which when this post was scheduled was 6,123,422. That's high, and that number will go down with increased blog visitors. The Google Rank and The Alexa rank are both in the side bar on the right, just scroll down a bit if you'd like to see them. How can you help improve the Alexa rank? Visit, read, comment, AND LINK to this blog. If you blog, please write a blog post about this blog, and link back to us. If you tweet, please tweet about the blog with a link, likewise on Facebook.

Let's see if we can grow the page/blog. Could you send a mass email out to those in your address book with a link to this blog and ask them to visit, to look around. Would love them to leave a comment or 12. Remember, they may be interested in the fact that you donate to this cause, even if they themselves aren't knitters or crocheters.

Are you a follower of this blog? If you are, thank you! If you're not, please consider clicking the follow/join. The words follow and join seem to change back and forth, but are really the same thing. As of the writing of this blog we have 160 followers...would love to see that number grow.

Goals...Grow the page, with higher follower numbers
Higher Google Page rank number
Higher Alexa Rank (means lowering that number)

This truly help us, help more people in need. Men, women, and children need our help. Thank you

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 446
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 90
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 287
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 270

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!

Fun and Unique Cotton Knit Washcloths for Homeless

Washcloths, wonderful soft, colorful, knitted and crocheted cotton washcloths made by our newest pair of helping hands Sue V.K. in Wisconsin, and donated to help Ohio's homeless and others in need. WOW. The one in the middle is super fun. Click to enlarge this, and all photo's so you can see details. I think this might involve a skipped stitch? Looks like dashes running across the cloth...very cool. I've not seen this pattern before.
Color, color, color....even after going shopping specifically for cool cotton colors, here's some I've not yet seen. The larger cloths are crocheted and such nice sizing for the men. Ripples, stripes, variegated and more.
This orange one also looks very different and is I think made with slip stitches somehow from previous rows? Knitted. We're happy to have you join us Sue and appreciate your helping hands.
Sue donated 30 washcloths, squares for our current months focus, and a nice heavy hat.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 445+1=446
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 90
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 285+2=287
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 240+3=270

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!

Cloths, Squares and Socks Oh My

Woot Woot, look at this nice donation from Suzz right here in my hometown, 5 squares, 10 pair of socks, and 7 cotton washcloths. I love people who care for people. People who give of themselves ROCK!

Thank you Suzz, appreciate your thoughtful donation. Glad to see some more cloths for the men folks too.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 445
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80+10=90
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 280+5=285
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 233+7=240

Stay turned for information regarding a family shelter we'll be adding to our mission. Had hoped to have more details for you by now, but times been a bit tight. Just know, with all your donations we're reaching out to more in need. YOU...yes YOU make a difference. An important difference.

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!

You don't have to have Yarn to Donate and Help

This is a wonderful donation, a non yarn donation proving once again everyone can help! You do not need to knit, you do not need to crochet, you do not need to be able to loom to donate, to make a difference in the life of someone less fortunate. While the primary mission of this blog, Bridge and Beyond is hand made donations (hats, scarves, mittens, slippers etc.), personal care items are always needed.

Thank you RoseMarie for this thoughtful donation, it's greatly needed and appreciated. RoseMarie does in fact donate with her skilled hands. These soaps (60 bars), and shampoo's (8), will be heading to Faith Mission with additional cotton washcloths I received since my delivery.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 445
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 280
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 233

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!

Donating Personal Care Items

Thank you Liz (minnisoda in the ville), for this wonderful donation of 18 knitted and crocheted cotton washcloths and 16 soaps. She got her hubby involved by asking him to collect in his business travels...see how they add up. Awesome colorful cotton cloths, some knitted corner to corner, others side to side. Likewise with those crocheted. Lots of fun and interesting colors. Beautifully made, and so much appreciated Liz. Many thanks.

With summer here and people out and about traveling both for business and or family vacations, please do save your soaps shampoo's etc from the hotels and send them along with your next donation. They often don't get used in your travels because they're not your brand, but do pack them and bring them home with you. They are perfect for adding to our personal care packages for the homeless and those in need. Can you imagine spending the night in a shelter and wanting a shower but not having soap to take one? We can help with this very simple item and make people feel better.


2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 445
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 280
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 215+18=233

Just a couple of weeks left for Give a Square and we'll move onto our August focus of Mens Hats, knitted and crocheted, or loomed hats for Men.

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 Cotton Cloth

A crocheted cotton cloth from our good friend, and long time supporter, Sandie in Louisiana (also the winner of our JoAnne gift card for the comment contest). Cotton washcloths are such an awesome thing, for several reasons. They are a necessary item, everyone needs a washcloth...plus they're handmade which shows someone you didn't know cared enough to take time to make something special...special, JUST FOR YOU, plus hand made cotton wash cloths are so very soft and feel so nice on our skin and that gives wonderful comfort to all.

We supply personal items too and our last donation to Faith Mission was fabulous folks. Hand made cotton wash cloths, both knitted and crocheted, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo and rinse, lotion and razors. I was so pleased with our donations both for our men living under the bridges and for the folks at Faith Mission (both sides men and women). Thank you to all who participated. I say this often, but it bears repeating again. Every item is appreciated. Maybe you think I only have one of this or that....put with others it grows and grows and gives us the ability to help many in need. Please don't be timid and believe me when I say YOU DO MAKE a difference. One item, one stitch at a time.

July's focus is squares 7-10 inches, more details can be found in the side bar and or tab on the top of the blog.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 445
Mittens (gloves) 117
Socks 80
Slippers 62
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 280
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 58
Cotton Washcloths 214+1=215

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!