Better than Cotton Candy

Special 4th of July post Here, if you missed it.

YUMMY!! These knitted cotton washcloths are far more yummy then cotton candy. They truly are. Look at these wonderful designs from our friend Pat E. WOW. Lots of fun designs, different sizes and different shapes. A bakers dozen. Many thanks Pat for your thoughtful donation and on going support. Both are truly appreciated.
Here's a close up so you can see a few in better detail. Remember all pictures here on Bridge and Beyond are clickable and will be bigger and easier to see.

Folks the response for cotton cloths has been truly fabulous, both from our long time supporters and from new first time donors. Many thanks for all the hard work.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 429
Mittens (gloves) 113
Socks 80
Slippers 60
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 50
Cotton Washcloths 98+13=111

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!

Pretty is as Pretty Does

Special 4th of July Post HERE, if you missed it.

Pretty Pretty Pretty! Pretty is as pretty does. Remember that saying? When I was a kid, you heard it all the time. I didn't always understand what adults were talking about then when they said it. I thought pretty only meant if one was attractive, or something was attractive. Wrong! Pretty it is indeed to do for others. Look at all these pretty examples of that, so therefore Susan H from Ohio is pretty in my book. She makes pretty things, she donates them which is pretty and that makes her pretty.

Would you like to be pretty too? Grab some yarn and knit or crochet and then give it to someone you don't know, someone in need. That's all it takes.

Thank you Sue H from Ohio for your thoughtful donation. 5 pair of cute slippers, and 9 cotton cloths.

Had to get a close up of this one for you, love love love the ripples, the waves? Not sure even how to describe them, but aren't they cool? Would love to know what pattern you used.
And look at the cute little pink slippers. Isn't it amazing how adding a button really makes them pop. Rather a button flower. Very nice.

2011 Donations:

Scarves 227
Hats 429
Mittens (gloves) 113
Socks 80
Slippers 55+5=60
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 50
Cotton Washcloths 89+9=98

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!

Serving your Country and being Homeless

This isn't a current flag, it's hoisted and proudly flown at Fort McHenry in Maryland. I took this photo a few years ago, while hubby and I were touring. Look at the size of this flag. I wanted to share it with you today, July 4th as we celebrate our Nations Birthday. It's a day to be proud, a day to remember how we got here, who's sacrificed for us.

Sadly, many of those who did serve and protect us, who fought for our freedoms probably aren't celebrating today, not with a family picnic and fireworks. Why? Because they are homeless! They live hand to mouth, out in the elements, in unsafe conditions, wondering in some cases if they'll make it through the night. Wondering if they'll ever be dry and warm again. Yes, it's summer across the country and they currently are going to freeze at night; but the warmer months pass all too quickly. Soon, they'll be huddled against the wind, the rain, the snow and sleet.

Accordingly to The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 1/3 of all adult homeless people are Veterans. Half those homeless Veterans served during the difficult Vietnam Years. While the bulk of homeless Veterans are male, about 5% are female, and that number is rising with more females in the service of our country. Most homeless Veterans are single, and live in an urban area. Many have health issues, be they mental illnesses, alcoholism and or drugs; or a combination thereof.

As you celebrate with a good meal and fun times with your loved ones today, make a commitment. A commitment to make something for the homeless. Making one thing can be HUGE. Knit or crochet and make a difference. Make a hat, a scarf, a pair of slippers, a pair of mittens, a cotton washcloth, or a square. They've given so much, let's say Thank You and serve others through our yarn.


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!

Paula Provided Personal Care Plus Positively Perfect

Ok, sometimes my brain does weird things like the title to this blog post. lol It popped into my pea picking brain so I posted it. Thank you Paula K from Missouri for your personal care items. They really are positively perfect. 8 toothbrushed, 10 bars of soap, 6 tubes of toothpaste, and 12 wonderfully made cotton (crocheted) cloths.

These items are all needed and very much appreciated. Keep up the good work. I'll be getting packages made very soon, as we're almost to the end of the month of June (remember post are written and in que), and out cotton cloth focus. The response has been wonderful and I thank each and everyone of you for helping out.

Scarves 227
Hats 429
Mittens (gloves) 113
Socks 80
Slippers 55
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 50
Cotton Washcloths 77+12=89

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 Ohio's Homeless from GERMANY

This donation comes all the way from Germany, from a military base (Schweinfurt Army Base) no less. That is soooooo awesome to me. Thank you Thank you Katie B, you are awesome! 9 scarves (though a few missed getting in the picture), found them afterwards. 11 hats, wonderful thick and warm hats too, and 15 cotton washcloths. Everything is fabulous and I truly was speechless when I opened this package.

Scarves 218+9=227
Hats 418+11=429
Mittens (gloves) 113
Socks 80
Slippers 55
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 50
Cotton Washcloths 62+15=77

I hope everyone thinks of Katie and all other military personnel tomorrow especially since it's our Nations Birthday. Thank you Katie for your thoughtful donation, and thank you for your service!

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

Scrumptious Stuff from Sarah

Look at this scrumptious stuff from our friend, Sarah S. (had to do a S title for fun)! Some wonderful personal care items here; soap, floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, AND deodorant! All good, and needed stuff. Sarah also sent socks, more ponchos, and 20 wonderful cotton washcloths...all different colors and sizes. Fabulous!

Sarah, your stuff is scrumptious! Thanks so much for your on going support and wonderful donation.

2011
Scarves 218
Hats 418
Mittens (gloves) 113
Socks 75+5=80
Slippers 55
Ghans 29 (2 went to Pine Street Earlier)
Squares 274
Sweaters 5
Ponchos 43+7=50
Cotton Washcloths 42+20=62

I've received many emails and know we have more cotton cloths in route or soon to be mailed. Thanks so much for everyone's support of June's focus, very much appreciated.

WOW, it's July already. Where does time go? Sure seems to speed by these days. July, as you may know has been deemed the month for squares. Like wash cloths they're smaller, perhaps easier to make in the warm months when you don't want something heavy on your lap. Squares need to be 7-10 inches, and can be knitted or crocheted. Please refrain from using lots of white. Additionally information can be obtained by clicking on the working calendar tab (top of the blog), and or the Give a Square badge

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!