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!