Crocheted Hats Donated

Our good friend, AnneMarie has done it again! Look at these beautifully made hats. She's crocheted a variety of sizes, colors, and styles with her magic crochet hook. As you know, AnneMarie has been a faithful supporter of our cause and donates regularly from her state of New York. If you missed my previous post show casing her donations from The Empire State, you can read about here.

Many thanks for all you do AnneMarie, we're thrilled to call you our friend. Please keep up the good work.


2012 Donations:
Hats: 382+16=398
Scarves: 247
Slippers: 79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**Sharing stories about why we donate:
My story Here
Wendy H tells here story HERE
Sandie P's story HERE
Diana K's story HERE
Sue F tells her story HERE
next up Sherry K tells her story, please keep checking back.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Why Sue F., donates

A few days ago I posted some of what drives me to donate, and asked you to share why you all do? I've been posting some beautiful stories. I hope you all have been reading them. It's inspiring to see what keeps us all doing this, and it's nice to learn things about each other. My original post is HERE, if you missed it. Wendy H's story is HERE, Sandie P told her story HERE, and Diana K's story is HERE. Please do take time to read, let them inspire you, leave a comment or two. And if you'd like to share your story...please email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com. Thank you to all who've participated.

Here's what Sue F shared.

As with most knitters/crocheters, I had made all the afghans/scarves/hats my family could use (and some of them were sick of getting stuff) so I made some scarves to donate. I had a friend who taught at an elementary school so I gave them to her. When she took them into the teacher's lounge and explained the donation, several teachers were confused. "Why is she doing this?" sort of thing. Apparently being kind to strangers was a mystery to them. Anyway, the school principal took the scarves and wrapped them around the necks of a few of the kids. According to my friend, the kids just lit up. "For me? Someone made this for me?" Many wore them all day.

I made mittens for a friend who teaches special needs kids. The mittens were to stay in the classroom and only be used for going out to recess by those who didn't have any. One day a little boy wanted to wear some of the donated mittens but my friend told him he couldn't because he'd worn his own mittens. The next day the little boy came in, showed my friend his cold red hands and said "Look Teacher, I don't have any mittens. Now I can use the ones in the box, right?"

I know a teenage girl who has spent many years in Foster care. When I told her about how I knit and donate different things she told me that even though she had been adopted she still slept with two small afghans on her bed that were donated to kids in foster care. She said that when she moved from foster home to foster home, the afghans were just about the only thing that were hers and hers alone, to take with her.

For those of us who have so much, it's hard to imagine, but yes, one scarf, one pair of mittens, one afghan can make a difference in the life of someone else.

And that's why I donate.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 382
Scarves: 247
Slippers: 79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Why Diana K. Donates

A few days ago I posted about why I donate, and asked that some of you share your reasons. Not only does it help us get to know each other, I find it very inspiring to see what drive so many goodhearted people. In short order I heard from Sandie P by way of a comment, which I posted yesterday. I've gotten emails from our friend Wendy H, who's post is here.

Here then is Diana K's (from Georgia) incredible story. You might need a hanky for this folks. It's truly heartwarming, inspiring, and sad, all at the same time. Thank you Diana K. for sharing.Why I donate.

As I look back on my 76 years of life I realize I have been so very blessed by our God.

I could have been born in Hungary where my father was born except my widowed grandmother took her three children to America just before WWII. In January 1945, 32,000 ethnic Germans from within Hungary were arrested and transported to the Soviet Union as forced laborers. In some villages, the entire adult population were taken to labor camps in the Donets Basin. Many died there as a result of hardships and ill-treatment. Overall, between 100,000 and 170,000 Hungarian ethnic Germans were transported to the Soviet Union. I was ten in 1945 and could have been there.

I had a stable family. My parents loved each other and through thick and thin stayed together until death in their later years. So many children come from broken homes, unwanted, mistreated.

Although I was born during the Great Depression I never was homeless, never hungry, always had a place to get in out of the cold. I lacked nothing.

I’ve have a long happy marriage of 58 years with two children, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Through inevitable trials and testing I have always been surrounded by those I love and who love me - never alone.

As I and look around me and see the hardships and misery of others not so well blessed my heart breaks for them.

Physically I cannot do a great deal any more but I can take up some yarn and create something to make life a little easier for others who have not been as blessed as I have been.

I pray that if disaster happens to me there will be someone out there who cares enough to relieve my suffering.

**This is a marvelous story of the human spirit. The Pink Lilly is the first of it's group to bloom in my backyard.**

2012 Donations:
Hats: 382
Scarves: 247
Slippers: 79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Why Sandie from Louisiana Donates

A few days ago I talked about why I donate, or at least some of the reasons. I also asked if others would share their stories, their reasons. Yesterday I posted a beautiful post from Wendy H. Today, I'm pasting the comment our good friend Sandie from Louisiana made on that first post. She sells herself short. Any of you who know Sandie, have seen her work; certainly know that to be true. Sandie's lists of charities is huge, changed perhaps over time; but she's touched a good many people. She says all she knows how to do is crochet....that's HUGE Sandie. It's a skill, a talent, a gift given to you that you've passed onto others. Your hands are skillful, and I know your heart to be wide open with caring.

Some of you may know how Sandie P from Louisiana and I got to know each other, some may not know. Because of Katrina, she'd been involved in a group that made squares and joined them together to make afghans for those who were so horrible effect. Squares 4 Survivors was the name of the group. I found her through a thread on Crochetville. I helped both with squares and with joining afghans and from there, we've each continued our love of helping others. We've stayed connected through blogging, more recently through Facebook and are also connected on Pinterest....though I've only just joined and am clueless about what I'm doing there.

Here then is Sandie's comment.

Truthfully I cannot remember when I began donating to charity efforts. It's been quite a while. When I first learned to crochet, I made afghan after afghan for my family. That was all I knew how to make. Then they had enough afghans. I did a few things for my home when I got married.

I had two preemie babies so that was my first charity focus, then I had so many family members who suffered with cancer so another focus added, then Katrina and the needs there, then my son went into Army and I focused on the military, and my Dad and two aunts had Alzheimer so.... you see how it goes. There is always a cause to aide and the only thing I know how to do is crochet! LOL

2012 Donations:
Hats: 382
Scarves: 247
Slippers: 79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

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

***above Yucca is one of 16 blooming in my backyard, just thought I'd share some pretty flowers with you***

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Please Pay it Forward with your Donations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2012 Donations:
Hats: 382
Scarves: 247
Slippers: 79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

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

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

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Why do You Donate?

Earlier today I received a very sweet email from one of our good friends here on Bridge and Beyond, Sherry K. She asked if I was ok, as there hadn't been a blog post since last Monday. How sweet of her to check on me. That's quite unusual--in that there are always a week or two (and sometimes more), of blog posts waiting in que. Each post waiting in que represents one of you, one of your thoughtful donations. Donations this time of year slow down; but this is probably the first time in over a year that there's been nothing to show you; nothing to post about.

That got me thinking about why I donate, and why YOU donate. I would love to share at least 5 stories (or more) from you. Those of you who knit, who crochet, who loom, who visit and support the blog with thoughtful comments. Why do you donate?

To get things started, I'll tell you my story. I love to knit and crochet. It's rare to watch tv without yarn my hands. It's even more rare to be in the car for any length of time without yarn in my hands, or go to work without yarn to work on something during my lunch or dinner break.

I ran out of things to make my family, who really didn't need anything; and so I got started through some yahoo groups knitting/crocheting and donating to varies groups. Many of the groups went by the wayside. So as I thought about something I might do, or whom I should donate to; it occurred to me; that my area had a very large population of homeless people. Through a friend of my older brother, Chuck and his wife Jan the idea was born. To knit and crochet and donate hats and scarves for the homeless men Rae took food to. A small beginning; but it made me feel good to do something worthwhile with my time, to help a group often forgotten. To help a group people often don't like to look at, or talk about.

The problem is huge and I sought help from my fellow bloggers and craft friends and things took off. Through blogging and word of mouth the need for help spread. As more help came, I was able to broaden the mission and help a shelter....then 2, then 3, and more. We've extended our helping hands even beyond this county.

Why? Why do I donate? Because I can. That sounds very simple, but it's true. It's something I can do. I am very grateful to not be in that situation myself, of being homeless, or being cold and hungry. I can't perhaps help those that help me attain a level of comfort; but I can give back. Some call it paying forward. I believe we all have something we can do, and if we can; I believe we should

Can I make homelessness go away? No, but I can make those that suffer; suffer less. I can give someone a warm hat that may be just the difference they need to keep from freezing at night when they sleep. I can through the act of human kindness let a homeless man, woman, or child know that I care; and that they shouldn't give up.

I can, but not alone. I need your help, each and everyone of you. I can help, YOU can help and together we make an impact. An important one.

I donate because I believe I was given the talent to do so, the gift of knitting and crocheting.

Why do you donate? Please email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com if you're willing to share your story, your purpose, your thoughts.

And please don't stop knitting and crocheting because it's currently warm weather. Keep those donations coming, give me something to share here. Having regular blog posts, blog visitors, and blog commentors is necessary to maintain a good search engine placement. Having a good search engine placement is essential in people being able to locate the blog to offer their helping hands.

PLEASE, even if you're not a blogger, take time to visit, comment, and share your story with us.

**above afghan is in the works, but soon I'll be switching back to assembling afghans from the squares you've sent in**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Donations from The Empire State

Our good friend Annemarie has done it again! Her skill full hands have crocheted and donated 2 hats, 2 scarves, and 11 pairs of slippers. Annemarie, special thanks for matching and tagging your slipper pairs with the size. That is such a HUGE help not only to me; but to the shelters when they receive them. When I get items like mittens and slippers I can pair them, if they're not...but have to quess what size they are...not knowing what size someone's pattern was. Thanks for your thoughtful donation, your continued support. Please keep up the good work.

Annemarie, you may remember hails from The State of New York, The Empire State. Though there seems to be disagreement on how it got it's nickname; there is a belief it goes way back to George Washington. In the winter of 1784, George Washington was in the state and felt it was the "seat of the empire". Empire in those days meant that it was financially important. Given both The National and The Global importance of New York, seems he was right on the mark.

Hard to believe folks, but this is post #751, which means we're only 149 posts away from hitting 1,000!! I can't believe we'll be hitting the mark so soon and am thrilled about it. Hope you all are too. The higher the number of posts means we've had wonderful donations. Each donation gets it's own post. Often, I have 2 plus weeks of posts in que/scheduled ahead to post. Though not at the moment. This does tend to be the time of year when donations slow down. Perhaps though, you can all gear up to change routine...wink wink, nudge nudge.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 380+2=382
Scarves: 245+2=247
Slippers: 68+11=79
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**Did you read about our map in yesterdays post? If not, please do. Scroll back one post and read about it. It's also pretty exciting news.**

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!

Donation from The Lone Star State

Woot Woot, so much to get excited about today. I always get excited when we get new helping hands. Linda J. is in fact our newest pair of helping hands with this thoughtful donation of cotton washcloths and scarves. Nice big colorful cotton washcloths too. Some items are knitted, some are crocheted. Welcome Linda, we're thrilled to have you join us, and hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond.

Linda hails from The Lone Star State, Texas. Another reason for my excitement this morning. We get to add another state to our map. PLEASE scroll down the blog and check our map out. We now have participation from 36 states, 72%!! Linda J. is our first pair of helping hands from the big state of Texas. Texas got it's nickname in a historic manner, and unlike many other states it's not really changed since 1836. There was 1 star on Republic of Texas Flag, thus the name. It's also unique in that it is represented in their state gem, flag, state seal, and quarter. Texas became the 28th state to join The United States in 1845.

My hero in my childhood was Davey Crockett and who can think of The Lone Star State without thinking about Davey Crockett and the Alamo? The Alamo in San Antonio was called Mission San Antonio de Valero.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 380
Scarves: 242+3=245
Slippers: 68
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 348+7=354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**June's highlighted item is Hats, please see the Hat Tab for information regarding size, color and check out some of the patterns posted**

****Comments are starting to dwindle again, so let me once again ask for you all (even non bloggers), to please visit, read, and comment. It helps the blogs placement with search engines, which in turns helps us be more visible to other pairs of helping hands. It's also nice to support each other with comments regarding each others hard work. Please don't be shy. There are many of you who've never left a comment. It's easy, simply type your comment, click the drop down box and select name and url. If you don't have a blog, leave the url space empty. Click publish.****
All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

A Wonderful Thank You for YOUR Dedication

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

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

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

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Donations from The Peach Tree State

Thank you Diana K for this thoughtful donation from The Peach Tree State. I've mentioned Georgia's nickname before; but thought I'd give you some background this time round. Georgia's been known by many names, though Peach Tree is the one that stuck due it's production of Peaches, and the importance of peaches in the economy of the state. However, in more recent times, South Carolina actually produces more peaches then Georgia, the name continues.

Georgia has been called The Buzzard State (and in fact had protective laws for these savager birds), The Goober State (due to the large amount of peanuts grown), and The Cracker State. The later term was deemed to be derogatory as it referred to immigrants (those coming from Virginia and North Carolina).

Now when I think of Peach Tree, I'm reminded of the fun baseball movie where the women had a baseball team called The Georgia Peaches.

Thank you Diana K, and thank you for your on going support, Keep up the Good Work.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 371+9=380
Scarves: 231+11=242
Slippers: 68
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 334+11=345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 348
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

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

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Donation from The Old Dominion State

You might remember I've noted previously that the state of Virginia is The Old Dominion State. It got it's nickname way back because The Common Wealth of Virginia was so loyal to The Royalists during The English Civil War. Like Ohio it's also called The Mother of Presidents, though less frequently. Thank you Gail B, our long time supporter for this thoughtful, and needed donation of cotton washcloths. Gail crocheted her cloths.

Keep up the good work Gail.

Folks we've been able to give a large bag of cotton cloths to 2 of the 3 family shelters, (Faith Mission and Homeless Families Foundation), and will be soon be delivering a 3rd large bag to the 3rd family shelter, The YWCA. Many thanks for all for making the month of April highlighted items such a success.

May's highlighted item was slippers, and we're about to head into June. June's highlighted item is HATS. We need hats for Men, Women, and Children. Details about size, color, and style in the hat tab on the top of the blog.

**Asking that everyone hold onto their squares for awhile. I'll be calling for them to be mailed a bit later. Needing to assemble another bunch to make room. **
2012 Donations:
Hats: 371
Scarves: 231
Slippers: 68
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 344
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 338+10=348
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)


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!

Donation from The Pelican State

Thank you long time supporter, Sandie P from Louisiana for these crocheted cotton washcloths. Cotton washcloths are always appreciated at all 3 shelters. Sandie hails from Louisiana, a state with many nicknames. I've read Louisiana has more nicknames then most kids do. Apparently back in 1872 is known as The Creole State; but those folks in northern Louisiana took exception to this name. They thought it meant African Blood, obviously there was a misunderstanding. It's been known as The Bayou State, The Pelican State, and Tha Durrty Boot, The child of Mississippi. The longest standing nickname though is The Pelican State, and The Pelican is in fact the state bird. Although, many locals prefer calling it, The Sportsman's Paradise due to the abundance of good fishing and hunting.

Whatever it's nickname, we're thrilled to have your on going support Sandie. Keep up the good work.
2012 Donations:
Hats: 371
Scarves: 231
Slippers: 68
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 344
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 335+3=338
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

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!

Donation from Germany!

WOOT WOOT! Look at this marvelous donation of crocheted goodies that came all the way from Germany! Our good friend, Katie B. has done it again. She crocheted and donated 33 cotton washcloths, 7 scarves, and 10 hats (some of the hats are knitted). Many thanks Katie for your on going support of the cause, and I love the nice dark scarves. Navy blue works so well for men or women. These are nicely sized for adults too, double bonus.

Katie has just recently started a blog folks. I've removed her name from the non bloggers list and added her to the bloggers list with the link to her new blog. Please hop over and introduce yourself to her. Everyone loves blog visitors and comments on their blogs. Thank you also Katie for adding our Bridge and Beyond Badge to your blog with link here, much appreciate it.

Please pass along our thanks to your husband for his service to his country.
2012 Donations:
Hats: 361+10=371
Scarves: 223+8=231
Slippers: 68
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 344
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 302+33=335
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Donations from The Volunteer State

Thank youi RoseMarie for your thoughtful donation and your continued support. As always you can tell these are RoseMarie's creations due to signature flowers/decorations. Crocheted slippers, hats, scarves, and squares...a variety pack.

Keep up the good work RoseMarie from the state of Tennessee.

Tennessee has several nick names, it's changed over time. But, the one that probably is best known is in fact The Volunteer State. I rather like that name and since RoseMarie's is in fact volunteering her time and talents...makes sense. However, it got that nickname because it supplied a huge number of volunteers during The War of 1812. In fact Tennessee played a huge role with it's numbers during The Battle of New Orleans. For awhile it was referred to as The Hog and Hominy State (it produced a large amount of obsolete corn and pork products during the 1830's and 1840's).

Thanks to The Civil War they became known as The Butternuts...the color their uniforms. And because of the big bend in The Tennessee River, they've been known as The Big Benders.


2012 Donations:
Hats: 359+2=361
Scarves: 221+2=223
Slippers: 67+1=68
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 342+2=344
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 302
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

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 Buckeye Donation

Thank you Jennifer S for this thoughtful donation of 4 cotton washcloths, 10 squares, a scarf, and yarn. All will be put to good use. I'm going to share some exciting news and hope you all join me in wishing Jennifer the very best. She is expecting her first child! Congratulations Jennifer, do keep us posted. Having a baby is such exciting news. I know you'll have fun making cute wee little things....provided you can find time. Sometimes those early months can be tendious...a bit of an adjustment.

Jennifer is a fellow Buckeye, who has supported us many times with her thoughtful donations. Thank you!
2012 Donations:
Hats: 359
Scarves: 220+1=221
Slippers: 67
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 332+10=342
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183
Cotton Washcloths 298+4=302
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**Reminders to please include notes with your donations, check the blog frequently for updates do's and don'ts in the tab area's 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!

Donations from The Baby State

Thank you Barbara B (grammybee on RAV) our newest pair of helping hands for this thoughtful dontion of cotton washcloths and rain poncho's. Some of the washcloths are crochets and some are knitted. I always love seeing how different items look when knitted or crocheted with the same yarn/cotton from variegated yarn. Look at the two fun yellow cloths. The one in the center is crocheted, while the the one in the upper right corner is knitted.

Barbara B hails from The Baby State. You maybe scratching your head trying to figure that out because you may know the state by another name. You might know it as The Sunset State, or The Sand Hill State, or The Apache State, or The Aztec State, or the Cooper State, or The Valentine State. Got an idea yet? Arizona (also more recently known as The Grand Canyon State), apparently has many nicknames, and or doesn't have an "official one". The baby state refers to the fact it was the last of the 48 states to join the union and become a state in 1912. It did that on Valentines Day, Feb 14th 1912; thus The Valentine State identity. It has some Aztec ruins, was the home of The Apache and produced more cooper then other states...so you can see how those nicknames also apply.

The Grand Canyon state is a bit misleading, since it's not just in Arizona, though the largest part of it is. There are beautiful sunsets there and hills/mountains in the desert ...thus Sand Hill.

I think I like Baby State best, due to my love of history and it's notation of when it became a state, an important note. Regardless of which nickname you know....Thank you Barbara B for your thoughtful donation. Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond. Keep up the good work.
2012 Donations:
Hats: 359
Scarves: 220
Slippers: 67
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 332
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 177+6=183
Cotton Washcloths 292+6=298
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

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 Granite State Helping the Homeless

Behind door #1...we have 31 hats, and pair of slippers, but wait..........there's more.
The chat from the price is right is running through my head, and one of those other TV game shows. Back though to the business at hand. Rose M. from the state of New Hampshire, The Granite State (you might have remember that nick name, as it was recently discussed); our newest pair of helping hands sent 2 stuffed boxes of goodies. Her 2nd donation contains 6 pairs of mittens, another pair of slippers, 6 scarves, and 35 cotton washcloths. Look at all the great colors and selection in her cotton washcloths.

Many thanks Rose M, we're thrilled to have you join us here on Bridge and Beyond; and look forward to seeing you often. What a wonderful and thoughtful donation. Please keep up the good work.
2012 Donations:
Hats: 328+31=359
Scarves: 214+6=220
Slippers: 65+2=67
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 141+6=147
Squares: 332
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 177
Cotton Washcloths 257+35=292
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

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 Donation from Puerto Rico

Look at these fabulous warm colors Damaris choose for her scarves. These are beautifully crocheted, very nice and soft, and a wonderful size. Not only do they look warm because of the color, they are warm, by design too! AND..you all know how I love team work and believe we couldn't get the job at hand done without it. Damaris's friend Nancy O. paid the postage all the way from Puerto Rico so these 2 scarves could be donated to Ohio's Homeless and others in need.

Thank you Damaris for your on going support of our cause and for enlisting the help of your friend Nancy, who's helped us before with donations. And thank you Nancy, hope to see you both here on Bridge and Beyond often.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 328
Scarves: 212+2=214
Slippers: 65
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 141
Squares: 332
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 177
Cotton Washcloths 257
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Donations from The Golden State

Thank you Tracey for this thoughtful donation of yarn. I may make an afghan with some of it, I'm seeing an image in my mind....then again, there's enough to make some wonderful warm hats and scarves as well, and some cotton washcloths from the cotton. Rest assured it will get put to good use. Thanks so much, it's great to see you again here on Bridge and Beyond.

Tracey hails from the state of California, The Golden State. First thing that popped into my head when I looked that up was the gold rush. According to the description that is only part of the reason it has that nickname. They referred to the prominence of golden poppies that populate the state in spring. Gotta say that was surprise, I've been to California on vacation a number of times and have never seen a golden poppy, but...perhaps I've been there at the wrong time. The other reason it's called that of course...The Golden Gate Bridge.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 328
Scarves: 212
Slippers: 65
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 141
Squares: 332
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 177
Cotton Washcloths 257
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**Asking you all to hold mailing squares for the time being. I have a large supply on hand, and need to free up some space before accepting anymore. Just lay them aside for the time being. After making up a few more ghans, I'll design a few more and will sing out to let you all now. Thanks.**

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!

Donatons from The Peace Garden State

Thank you Yvonne for your thoughtful donation of 2 ponchos and 3 cotton washcloths. We appreciate your on going support. Yvonne as you may know hails from the state of North Dakota, known as The Peace Garden State. It has a large peace garden on the border between the US and Manitoba, Canada that looks like a clock. The International Peace Garden Park was established in 1932 and has 150,000 flowers.

Please keep up the good work Yvonne.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 328
Scarves: 212
Slippers: 65
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 141
Squares: 332
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 175+2=177
Cotton Washcloths 254+3=257
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**Asking you all to hold mailing squares for the time being. I have a large supply on hand, and need to free up some space before accepting anymore. Just lay them aside for the time being. After making up a few more ghans, I'll design a few more and will sing out to let you all now. Thanks.**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Donations from The Granite State

Maureen, our newest pair of helping hands hails from the state of New Hampshire, known as The Granite State. In it's past it had a huge industry in quarrying Granite. Maureen, we're thrilled to have you and your skillful hands join us with your crocheted donations of 12 washcloths and 14 rain poncho's. Both are greatly appreciated. Hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond. You might know Maureen as Warrior Librarian from RAV where she heads a group called Crochet for Charity.

I love how nicely sized your cotton cloths are, and thanks so much for making some for the men folk with the browns. Please keep up the good work.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 328
Scarves: 212
Slippers: 65
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 141
Squares: 332
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 161+14=175
Cotton Washcloths 242+12=254
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**Asking you all to hold mailing squares for the time being. I have a large supply on hand, and need to free up some space before accepting anymore. Just lay them aside for the time being. After making up a few more ghans, I'll design a few more and will sing out to let you all now. Thanks.**

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!

Lion Brand Donation, or How Much is that Doggy in the Window

For Fun this first Scarf was shaped into a dog...you can read all about it HERE (on my other blog).
This is scarf 2, made from the yarn donated by Joyce...Here. I've taken a little break from working on afghans folks, plus needed items I could work on away from home, on the go and such.

Both of these scarves are go old garter stitch which I love when using Lion Brand Homespun yarn. Both scarves are soft, and warm.

I will be creating again from your squares...I have lots of them ready to go, and more that need to be put into designs. So, for the time being will ask that you hold onto your squares until I free up some space. Please keep checking the calendar for the next time squares are called for.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 328
Scarves: 210+2=212
Slippers: 65
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 141
Squares: 332
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 161
Cotton Washcloths 242
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

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 Donation and Party Time!

A donation and a party! That's right folks. These beautiful crocheted donations comes from my old high school friend, Joy. You've seen me post how we re-connected thanks to Facebook. She recently was in town and so I collected up about 30 folks from our class and we had a mini reunion, a party! What fun everyone had. Here we are having margaritas and telling stories when Joy walks in with this big bag of goodies to donate to Bridge and Beyond.

We had a wonderful time catching up, it's been lots of years since we've seen each other. Sadly, I was too sick to go to the last reunion which was our 40th....3 years ago. True...we'll soon be kicking in high gear to find some more folks to plan for the next reunion.

Thank you Joy for your thoughtful donation of 16 hats, and 5 scarves (3 matching sets) to help the homeless in Ohio. Joy hails from The State of Delaware. Interestedly, Delaware has been given many nicknames. Thomas Jefferson gave it the nickname of The Diamond State, due to it's location on the eastern shore a "jewel" among states. It's also been known as The Small Wonder...no explanation needed there, lol. However, in 2002 it was "officially" given the nickname of The First State..........why? Because it was the first state to ratify The US Constitution.
2012 Donations:
Hats: 313+15=328
Scarves: 205+5=210
Slippers: 65
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 141
Squares: 332
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 161
Cotton Washcloths 242
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**Remember to include notes folks with your donations with your name, and email ady so I can make contact**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

A Colorful Crocheted Donation

WOW, look at all the colors! We have solids, variegated, blocks, stripes and more. Thank you Dorothy S (from Wisconsin)for this thoughtful donation of 48 crocheted cotton washcloths. It's wonderful to see you once again here on Bridge and Beyond and really appreciate your support. Hope to see you again, soon AND often. Please keep up the good work.
2012 Donations:
Hats: 313
Scarves: 205
Slippers: 65
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 141
Squares: 332
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 161
Cotton Washcloths 194+48=242
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**Remember to include notes folks with your donations with your name, and email ady so I can make contact**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Donations from The Bay State

Another pair of new helping hands. YIPPEE. These lovely crocheted cotton washcloths are donated from Nancy (ladyspendcer on RAV), who hails from The Bay State. The Bay State was given as the nickname for Mass, long long ago by it's original settlers because of it's proximity to a number of large bays. It was given it's nickname back in 1789.

In addition to her 18 cotton washcloths she's donated 4 rain poncho's. You all know how well received those are.

Many thanks Nancy, hope to see you here often on Bridge and Beyond. Welcome, we're thrilled you've joined us.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 313
Scarves: 205
Slippers: 65
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 141
Squares: 332
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 157+4=161
Cotton Washcloths 176+18=194
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

**Remember to include notes folks with your donations with your name, and email ady so I can make contact**

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!