A SHOCKING Fact about Homelessness

Did you know the average age of a homeless person Nationally is a 9 year old child? Think of the 9 year children you know, those who live next door, those in your classroom if you teach school, those nieces, nephews, grandchildren and children not only in your family; but in the families of people you know. I'm betting the news that the average age of a homeless person is 9 years old makes you sad, makes you shudder, makes you sigh with a heavy heart. Don't despair and throw up your hands, join me and others here on Bridge and Beyond and help us build a bridge from Homelessness to Hope. That's being done everyday through The Homeless Families Foundation. The Foundation provides shelter, guidance, and after school programming to keep children and their families safe until such time they can move into permanent housing.

There are many stories of how families become homeless and their struggles. A sad statistic is the children. Children typically fall 2 years behind their counterparts in school. When you don't know if you'll have a roof over your head, a bed to sleep in, or a meal it's awfully hard to focus on learning. The Foundation provides the safety net of a place to live (temporary housing for up to 3 months), they also provide day to day essentials. While counselors work with the adults to provide them with the tools they need to successfully care for their families (jobs and housing), they work with the children; planting the seeds of hope. After school programs, and summer programs provide safe, educational and enrichment programs to help the children reach their potential. Hot meals are provided, along with homework assistance through the Dowd Center.

This year The Homeless Families Foundation celebrates it's 25th anniversary, helping families since 1986.

As you know we knit, we crochet, and we loom all year long. Throughout the summer months I'm able to stock pile your wonderful and thoughtful donations to be ready when summer ends to care for those in need. We've supplied hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, socks, and personal care items to men and women living outdoors in the elements (Bridge folks), Faith Mission both the day to day portion for men, Nancy Place for Women, 2 Free Clinics who care for Mothers and Children in need, Holy Family (feeds hundreds of homeless and others in need daily), and now The Homeless Families Foundation.

The work you do does make a difference, each and everyday.


**September is Scarf Month, and we're having another contest.
From now until October 8, I'll toss names into a hat for everyone who donates a scarf for a teen or adult...male or female. Feeling like we need to bump those numbers a bit and will draw the winning name from the hat and send out another box of yarn. Contests are fun. We've had several fun, productive, and successful contests. Every scarf donated for a teen or adult (at least 5 inches wide and 5 feet or longer please), will qualify. **

2011 Donations:

Scarves 285
Hats 581
Mitts 133
Socks 115
Squares 454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 305
Sweaters/Poncho's 6
Slippers 86
Afghans 33 (2 sent to our friends at Pine Street)

My challenge for you all (besides continuing to knit and crochet and loom), is to tell at least 1 person today about homelessness. Tell one person today about the problem and the need for their help.

THANK YOU for all you do, keep up the good work!

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 the Homeless from Crochetville

Thank you Liz (minnisoda from the Ville) for your fabulous and thoughtful donation! Liz's skilled hands have helped us many times and her on going support of Ohio's Homeless through her knitting and crocheted donations is very much appreciated. Above you see 34 squares (both knitted and crocheted), 5 hats (one with a matching scarf), toothpaste, shampoo, and deodorant.

**September is Scarf Month, and we're having another contest.
From now until October 8, I'll toss names into a hat for everyone who donates a scarf for a teen or adult...male or female. Feeling like we need to bump those numbers a bit and will draw the winning name from the hat and send out another box of yarn. Contests are fun. We've had several fun, productive, and successful contests. Every scarf donated for a teen or adult (at least 5 inches wide and 5 feet or longer please), will qualify. **

2011 Donations:

Scarves 284+285
Hats 576+5=581
Mitts 133
Socks 115
Squares 420+34=454
Rain Ponchos 80
Cotton Washcloths 305
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!

Hats, and ponchos, and Socks Oh My !

**Made correction on this post about yarn
My apologize, apparently mixed up 2 notes of ladies who donated yarn. Have corrected it to be Beth, many thanks Beth.

I love love love this hat. Isn't it darling! Such a pretty color and the design with the wee bit of white, some young lady/teen girl/young adult is going to be thrilled. Not only will she be warm, she'll be styling. Had to show you a close up of this hat. With a little reminder, all photo's are clickable to see them larger, see them in more detail. This hat comes from our friend AnneMarie in New York. Can you share a link for the pattern to this hat? I'm wanting to add some items to our pattern page and think this would be an excellent one to add. Nice and warm, solid stitching etc.
Here is AnneMarie's full donation. All the hats (15) are awesome, and you can see the pattern I liked so well above is repeated in the blueish one on the bottom of the picture. Some of these hats are crochet, and I think a few are knit? The cable hats? Did you knit or crochet those?

6 pair of socks, as you know we can't get too many of those. Cold wet feet make everyone miserable, so our warm dry socks are always well received. AND 10 double packs or rain poncho's.....Nice!

Many thanks AnneMarie for your thoughtful donation and continued support.


**September is Scarf Month, and we're having another contest.
From now until October 8, I'll toss names into a hat for everyone who donates a scarf for a teen or adult...male or female. Feeling like we need to bump those numbers a bit and will draw the winning name from the hat and send out another box of yarn. Contests are fun. We've had several fun, productive, and successful contests. Every scarf donated for a teen or adult (at least 5 inches wide and 5 feet or longer please), will qualify. **

2011 Donations:

Scarves 284
Hats 561+15=576
Mitts 133
Socks 109+6=115
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60+20=80
Cotton Washcloths 305
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!

Updates for Helping Homeless

I've spent some time updating various parts of our blog over the last couple of weeks, and I know we have lots of new helping hands who may not be aware of some of the information here on the blog. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you all about some of the newest items, and remind others of some information as we shift gears and prepare for our busy and cold months ahead.

TABS
There's a tab area across the top of the blog with LOTS of information. PLEASE read the Before you donate FAQ section, as it addresses many questions I get in emails. Additionally there are tabs with the headings How You Help, Printable Flyer, Patterns, Working Calendar, and Give a Square. In these sections are guidelines for appropriate yarn type and color and some sizing guidelines.

The People We Help(sidebar)
The Mission has been expanded to include helping The Homeless Families Foundation. Information about it has been added both in both this section and to the Mission section of the blog.

Working Calendar
I've updated the working calendar area to show squares will again be collected during the month of December. Currently only 1 month remains to be determined.

Knitting and Crochet Reminders
Please avoid white and lots of ivory in your items. They get dirty easily and laundry is very limited for some of our folks.
Please avoid lacy and or open stitches/patterns (rule of thumb, if you can see your hands through the item, it's probably to lacy)
Please avoid using suede fibers
Please avoid tying a knot and cutting after the knot. I have had to repair some items, some have been beyond my ability to repair when they've raveled. Always leave a tail of several inches after joining new yarn, AND work in all tails (except when making squares....leave final tail on squares).

BLOGS
Do you have a blog? Is your blog listed in the blog log? If not, please forward your blog url's so it can be added to the blog log. Typically, I add a link to the blog when I add the post about your first donation. If, after donating you've started a blog....please let me know so it can be added. I do blog walk and enjoy reading and commenting on your blogs, and hope you all visit each other as well.

Ravelry, FaceBook, Crochetville
Do you belong to any of these forums? If so, zap me your profile page link/url. I've added a separate listing of these links, particularly where you're not a blogger it's nice to have the connection.

Non-Bloggers
Please feel free to comment on the blog, you do not need to be a blogger to do so. Type your comment, click the drop down box where it says name and url, simply leave the url space blank. Everyone enjoys encouragement and kudos on their hard work; and leaving comments...spending time looking around the blog helps the blogs placement with SEO (search engine optimization). The higher we place, the easier we are to find, the more helping hands we get, the more people we can warm. Comments Do Matter.

MAP
Please check your name (bloggers list, non bloggers list, and RAV, FB Ville list). Is your state listed with your name? If not please leave a comment telling me where you're from. I started the map after many of you had already donated. I would love to have all lists show what state you're from so we can plot it on the map. Thus far we have 30 states listed for a 60% participation. Are you from a state not yet listed on our map?

States with no donations currently noted are:
Alabama
Alaska
Connecticut
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Mississippi
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Texas
Utah

**September is Scarf Month, and we're having another contest.
From now until October 8, I'll toss names into a hat for everyone who donates a scarf for a teen or adult...male or female. Feeling like we need to bump those numbers a bit and will draw the winning name from the hat and send out another box of yarn. Contests are fun. We've had several fun, productive, and successful contests. Every scarf donated for a teen or adult (at least 5 inches wide and 5 feet or longer please), will qualify. **

2011 Donations:

Scarves 284
Hats 561
Mitts 133
Socks 109
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 305
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!

Help for the Homeless from New Jersey

Yarn, socks, and a crocheted hat from our newest pair of helping hands, Jessica S from the state of New Jersey. 8 pairs of socks are always wonderful, and the hat is nicely sized for a female adult or older teen. I believe the hat is made with single crochets which makes it nice and warm. Welcome to the group Jessica, we're always happy to have more helping hands. Hope to see you often here on The Bridge. Many thanks for your thoughtful donation, it is greatly appreciated.

**September is Scarf Month, and we're having another contest.
From now until October 8, I'll toss names into a hat for everyone who donates a scarf for a teen or adult...male or female. Feeling like we need to bump those numbers a bit and will draw the winning name from the hat and send out another box of yarn. Contests are fun. We've had several fun, productive, and successful contests. Every scarf donated for a teen or adult (at least 5 inches wide and 5 feet or longer please), will qualify. **

2011 Donations:

Scarves 284
Hats 560+1=561
Mitts 133
Socks 101+8=109
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 305
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!

Donating Yarn to Help our Homeless

**Had notes mixed up, this donation came from Beth in West, not Laurie as I originally stated. My apologize Beth, just found my note and realized I had flip flop your yarn donations.

Lots of pretty yarn, soft yarn appropriate for the wee ones here. Can't you see some baby blankets? I sure can, and maybe booties,,,AND more. AND
Lots of knitted worsted weight yarn here with a rather large selection of colors. This yarn has been donated by our newest pair of helping hands, Beth. I got to meet Beth in person. Had a very enjoyable time visiting and getting to know each other. Thank you Beth. Some of this yarn has already been boxed up to send onto some helping hands low on yarn, and likely I'll use some and be able to pass along some more.

Thank you Beth, was great fun meeting you!

**September is Scarf Month, and we're having another contest.
From now until October 8, I'll toss names into a hat for everyone who donates a scarf for a teen or adult...male or female. Feeling like we need to bump those numbers a bit and will draw the winning name from the hat and send out another box of yarn. Contests are fun. We've had several fun, productive, and successful contests. Every scarf donated for a teen or adult (at least 5 inches wide and 5 feet or longer please), will qualify. **

2011 Donations:

Scarves 284
Hats 560
Mitts 133
Socks 101
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 305
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!

Donating Personal Care Items for Homeless

Thank you AnneMarie in New York, lots of goodies here folks. 25 Cotton Washcloths, and soap, razors, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes to match up with them for some wonderful personal care packages. Some of the washcloths are squares, some round, some octagons. Very cool!

Anne Marie is our newest pair of helping hands. YIPPEE, always great to have more help. Thank you Anne Marie for your thoughtful donation, and welcome to the group. Hope to see you often here at The Bridge.

**September is Scarf Month, and we're having another contest.
From now until October 8, I'll toss names into a hat for everyone who donates a scarf for a teen or adult...male or female. Feeling like we need to bump those numbers a bit and will draw the winning name from the hat and send out another box of yarn. Contests are fun. We've had several fun, productive, and successful contests. Every scarf donated for a teen or adult (at least 5 inches wide and 5 feet or longer please), will qualify. **

2011 Donations:

Scarves 284
Hats 560
Mitts 133
Socks 101
Squares 420
Rain Ponchos 60
Cotton Washcloths 280+25=305
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!

Homeless Children and their Families

Folks I've mentioned off and on over the last couple of weeks the possibility of expanding out mission, expanding the people we help. It is official. I've added The Homeless Families Foundation to to our Mission Statement above.

I've reviewed their webpage, and been in contact with Karie Gallegos, Resident Support Manager. This agencies is celebrating it's 25th year of operation. It is located on Broad Street in downtown Columbus. It provides housing for 47 families. The Homeless Families Foundation's mission is to provide shelter, support, stability, and nurturing for homeless children and their families. Families are provided with temporary furnished housing for up to 3 months while assistance is given to get the family back on their feet, find permanent housing etc. Additionally, a wonderful after school program is provided.

While I'm sad the need for families exists, I am happy we will be able to reach more folks in need; through your continued support. The weather is turning here in Central Ohio, the need for warm items if fast approaching. I'll be delivering a large donation, some of our summer stock pile to these children and their families. Many thanks for all your help with your thoughtful and lovingly made knitted and crocheted items. Please keep up the good work.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 284
Hats 560
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)

**September is Scarf Month, and we're having another contest.
From now until October 8, I'll toss names into a hat for everyone who donates a scarf for a teen or adult...male or female. Feeling like we need to bump those numbers a bit and will draw the winning name from the hat and send out another box of yarn. Contests are fun. We've had several fun, productive, and successful contests. Every scarf donated for a teen or adult (at least 5 inches wide and 5 feet or longer please), will qualify. **

If you didn't get a chance to watch the video I posted a couple of days ago, please click HERE,
to learn more about this local organization that helps homeless children and their families.

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!

Homemade Items for The Homeless

Our friend Yvonne has once again donated, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and 3 lovely warm knitted hats! Hats as always are so nicely done, great colors, soft, thick and warm. Many thanks Yvonne for your skillful hands and your ongoing support. We truly appreciate you, as do the homeless here in Ohio that you donate too.

**From now until October 8, one month from today I'll toss names into a hat for everyone who donates a scarf for a teen or adult...male or female. Feeling like we need to bump those numbers a bit and will draw the winning name from the hat and send out a box of yarn. Contests are fun. We've had several fun, productive, and successful contests. Every scarf donated for a teen or adult (at least 5 inches wide and 5 feet or longer please), will qualify. ** After all, scarves are our highlighted item for September so this seems to make good sense.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 284
Hats 557+3=560
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!

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!