Why Sherry K. donates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crocheted Donations from Tennessee

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

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

2012 Donations:
Hats: 438+1=439
Scarves: 247+1=248
Slippers: 79+2=81
Shawls: 2
Sweaters 3
Vest 1
Afghans: 22
Mittens: 147
Squares: 345
Socks: 116
Rain Poncho's 183+13=196
Cotton Washcloths 354
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, facemasks, neck warmers, t-shirts, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes etc)

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

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

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

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!

Hats and Scarves of Many Colors

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

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

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 284+10=294
Scarves 125+8=133
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 46
Slippers: 67
Rain Poncho's:  105
Cotton Washcloths: 269
Afghans: 18
Socks: 173
Cowls/Hoody Combo's/ 17
Shawls 2
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

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

Contest Winners

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations ladies!



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

Donated Hat and Slippers

Say hello and welcome please to Bonnie R, fellow Ohioan. She's our newest pair of helping hands. One of these days, I look forward to a face to face meet up with Bonnie, as we live near each other. Though with busy schedules she left this nice donation of crocheted slippers and hat on my porch for me. Many thanks Bonnie for the donation and for taking time to make the delivery. Sorry we didn't catch up with each other.

Look how are donations are growing folks. Keep up the good work. Look how are followers numbers are also growing...very cool, and appreciated. Now if I can get a few more of you to quit being shy and chat with us some here on the blog that would be awesome; come on...it's fun, it's easy, and it really helps the blog. You don't have to be a blogger to post a comment. Just type your comment, click the drop down box that says name and url and leave the url space blank. That's it, hit publish and you're done! Everyone loves comments on their hand crafted goodies, so please give it a go. Let us know you were here.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 117+1=118
Scarves: 45
Slippers: 24+2=26
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 88
Squares: 111
Socks: 77
Rain Poncho's 2
Cotton Washcloths 14
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, footies etc)

**Contest winners (3 of them), will be posted on March 15th, as the contest runs through the 14th**

Currently those who've donated either slippers or scarves (are 2 highlighted items for the month of February and March) have a chance to win with their names in hat II: Bonnie R., Diana K., Otterbein's Stitches to Share, Sandie in Florida, Gail B., AnneMarie, Trudy S., Wendy H., Paula K., Karen B., Damarys, Sherry K., Kathryn B., Suzy in Ohio, Cheryl S., Patty L., and Shannon P. Remember folks post are written and scheduled to publish in que, so not all names listed here have had their donation yet published...some will show up after the contest; but are included as their items were received before hand. It's not uncommon for us to have a que of a couple of weeks, with a new post each and everyday. Tomorrow the list of those with names in hat III will be posted. Keep checking 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!

Sweet Georgia Brown

I couldn't help but sing, partially because this donation comes to us from our friend, Diana K from Georgia, and partially because ........LOOK! When I started opening boxes, I didn't realize more then one of the boxes was from Diana. Thus separate pictures. This is box 1....17 squares, 3 hats, and 2 scarves...plus personal care items. Awesome. Took photo, made note and moved onto another box or two...had several that day. Then

hit box 2 from our friend, Diana K from Georgia...see why I'm singing? Join me in the chorus. Followed by some lala's K! Box 2 had 6 more scarves, 8 more hats, 2 pairs of slippers.... AND
This rippled afghan!

Many thanks Diana for your thoughtful donation of goodies. So many will benefit. Scroll back up folks...anyone quess what Diana's favorite colors are, lol. Love the red and purples together!!

2012 Donations:
Hats: 119+(3+8)=130
Scarves: 48+(2+6)=56
Slippers: 26+2=28
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 8+1=9
Mittens: 95
Squares: 111+17=128
Socks: 98
Rain Poncho's 2
Cotton Washcloths 15
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, etc)

**Donations received and counted in the contest not yet posted from: Patty L, Bonnie B, Gail B, and Otterbeins "Stitches to Share", Suzy from Ohio, AnneMarie, Cheryl S, Shannon P., Trudy S, Wendy H, Sandie in Florida, Paula K. Sue F., Eliz R (need Eliz R to make contact with me)Theresa A. ** (remember posts are written ahead, placed in que...scheduled to be posted and we typically work about 2 wks or so ahead). Announcement of winners tomorrow, everyone be sure and check in, and leave comments so we know you were here.

***Please folks ALWAYS include a note with your donations that includes your name, your email ady and group we're in together (if that's how we know each other). It truly isn't possible for me to know and remember everyone over the number of years Bridge and Beyond has been in existence. I spend lots of HOURS, looking through emails, facebook friends, Rav friend, friends on The Hive and in The Ville; as well as yahoo mailing groups to try and identify donations without the information. I have no way of knowing if you want to be anonymous...if I knew that I could spend the time knitting and crocheting vs searching and searching. I do like to be able to let you know your donations have arrived safely and to be able to thank you. So PLEASE PLEASE, even if you want to be anonymous, include a note for me stating that. I fear when I can't make the identification, people just feel I'm not acknowledging their donations. That's not my choice. I want you to know your donation has been received, and that's it appreciated. There are times when after looking multiple days, and spending lots of hours I book something as unknown, and weeks later, I'll receive an email asking if their donations arrived. They feel bad, and I've wasted time. When your donation comes with a return address label with your husband's name...it's a good possibility, I don't know it's you. Additionally, the people who use nicknames in groups, and or fun names in their emails ady's typically don't come up in search when I plug in your real name (from the label) to find you. Please save the frustration at my end, and YOURS, include a note.


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

Crocheted Donations from a Dynamic Duo

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

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

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

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

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 279+5=284
Scarves 118+7=125
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 46
Slippers: 67
Rain Poncho's:  105
Cotton Washcloths: 269
Afghans: 18
Socks: 157
Cowls/Hoody Combo's/ 17
Shawls 2
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

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

Sister Donating Help Homeless

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

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

2013 Donations:

Hats: 656+8=664
Scarves: 409+8=417
Socks: 251
Afghans: 44
Slippers: 189
Rain Ponchos: 208
Mittens: 98
Cotton Wash Clothes: 654+3=657
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts etc. : 16
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand-warmers, cowls/gators/neckwarners and all meal prep related items, Dolls, associated items, stuffed/crocheted/knitted toys... etc aren't tabulated.

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

Chunky Red Scarf to Warm the Homeless

Finished another scarf about 6.5 feet long and 6 inches wide. This one is knitted with Lion Brand Chunky, knit up pretty fast since it's so chunky on size 15 needles. Think this is large enough for men, but looks more ladylike to me? What do you think? I love how thick and plush it feels. Nice tight stitches so it should be super warm.

Though I spend the bulk of my time working on afghans from your donated squares, I do a fair amount of scarves, when I need something that travels, something I can work on at work during lunch etc. I do often edge squares in those settings; but find I really need to be home to assemble them, particularly if I'm working on one where the squares are lots of different sizes, soooooooo scarves are the first thing that comes to mind.

2012 Donations:
Hats: 117
Scarves: 44+1=45
Slippers: 24
Shawls: 2
Afghans: 7
Mittens: 88
Squares: 111
Socks: 77
Rain Poncho's 2
Cotton Washcloths 14
Misc Items are not counted individually (such as personal care items, headbands, gators, yarn, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, footies etc)

**Contest winners (3 of them), will be posted on March 15th, as the contest runs through the 14th**

People who've donated thus far and have their name in hat 1 with a chance to win are: DaMarys, Kafren B., Sherry K., Bonnie R., Sandie in Florida, Bonnie B., Diana K., Sally B., Kathryn V., Patty L., Gail B., Otterbein's Stitches to Share, Suzy in Ohio, AnneMarie, Cheryl S., Trudy S., Wendy H., Shannon P., Martha M., and Paula K. Keep those donations coming folks. Even those who's post is scheduled to show after the 14th are listed here and will be included in the drawing. Remember there's a new post each and everyday, and post are written and placed in que...not uncommon for us to work with a 2 week or so list in que. Tomorrow updated list for those with names in hat 2 will be posted.

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!

Dynamic Sister Duo Donates Crocheted Warmth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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