This donation has a story behind it folks.  What you see are knitted scarves in a variety of sizes and colors.......let me elaborate.  This donation was sent by a very proactive young lady named Laruen S.  She is a Girl Scout currently in the 9th grade.  When she was in the 8th grade she started a knitting club at school, where 10 friends would meet during lunch on Monday's and Wednesday.  She taught her friends how to knit.  Earning a Silver Award Badge in the Girl Scouts involved at least 50 hours of work, but not just volunteerism where one day you might shovel someone walk, and the next day read to someone.  You identify a problem, and a sustainable way to fix the problem and then put in your 50 hours of service.

So, Lauren identified the need for supplies for homeless people, specifically women, taught her friends to knit, knitted and produced scarves.  She's donated scarves to multiple organizations including one for battered women.  She and her friends: Audrey B, Laura N, Krista N, Sarah M, Bree S, Allison Y, Danielle B, Julia C, and Victoria Q, have knitted and donated scarves.  But, they've done far more then that...they've put others before self.  They've learned of varying needs around the country AND they've chosen to help..........they have chosen to make a difference.

Congratulations ladies, we here on Bridge and Beyond applaud your initiative and hope you'll continue your proactive stance on issues not always pleasant to address.

Please keep up the good work.
2014 DONATIONS:
Hats: 728
Scarves: 360+9=369
Socks: 187
Afghans: 18
Slippers: 86
Rain Ponchos: 61
Mittens & Gloves:79
Wrist Warmers/Fingerless gloves: 4
Cotton Washcloths: 309
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.

Special Delivery for the Homeless

 Thank you Nikki S for this cute patch work ghan of many colors.  This is sized nicely for the kiddo's and in bright cherry colors they'll enjoy as well.  Picture is a bit dark folks, sorry......we were having one of those "gray Ohio" days....even with every light on in the basement.  Will get this laundered and blocked.  It's sure to put a smile on the face of the child who receives it.  Each square has interesting and different stitches.  Click to enlarge folks and take a look.

Scarves to warm up those in need, a pair of slippers...dark blue a bit hard to see without enlarging, and a bright green cowl.  Lots of goodies here Nikki, thanks for taking time to make a special delivery to me at work.  Please keep up the good work.

Stay tuned folks, I'll be posting more from Nikki in the coming days.  (wanting to have fewer items in each picture so you all can better see all the wonderful and thoughtful donations, and spreading the pictures out to aid in having a blog post daily........which if you've been reading here lately you know helps the SEO, which in turns helps us attrack more helping hands.........which means we can help more folks in need.  

2014 DONATIONS:
Hats: 728
Scarves: 357+3=360
Socks: 187
Afghans: 17+1=18
Slippers: 85+1=86
Rain Ponchos: 61
Mittens & Gloves:79
Wrist Warmers/Fingerless gloves: 4
Cotton Washcloths: 309
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.

Thank You, 1500th Blog Post

1500

Blowing up our logo, sorry it makes it a bit blurry folks; but it seems appropriate to celebrate this ....the 1500 blog post from Bridge and Beyond, where we've talked about, shown pictures of, shared patterns of, and discussed the need of Hats, Scarves, and Mittens.......and more.  

Fairy Princess, Beth was one of our earliest pairs of helping hands here on Bridge and Beyond.  She's the one that made our logo.  She and I became acquainted through blogging many years ago and while she no longer participates here on Bridge and Beyond, I've never felt the need to select a new logo.  Thought this served us well these past 5-6 years.

Thank you Beth.

And this beautiful pink Lilly from my back yard is my way of saying thank you to you all, for knitting, for crocheting, for mailing, for delivering your donations to me through the years for Bridge and Beyond.  Loved this Lilly, but sadly so did the squirrels.  They kept digging it up and I kept replanting it.  

Below is a Thank You from Cindy Leonard, the Principal from West Broad Street Elementary School, one of the schools our friend, MaryLynn (LYnn) distributes our goodies too.  This school is very much in the area where our Bridge folk live in the elements, is also near Homeless Families Foundation whom we donate to, as well Holy Family Soup Kitchen .  Wanted to pass along her Thanks to you all whom make this possible.

Dear Ms. Holladay,

We would like to thank you and your organization for the donation of hats, gloves and scarves for our students.  We appreciate your generosity and dedication to helping the less fortunate.  Please continue to keep us in mind in the future.

Sincerely,

Cindy Leonard

West Broad Elem.

When communicating with Cindy I asked a couple of questions in order to tell you a bit more about this school we've donated to.  They have 520 students from Pre k-5th and about 95% of them are on The Free Lunch Program.  95% of one school (494 students), have need.  That's alot of need folks, alot of cold hungry kids.  This isn't the first time we've donated to this school, though the first for this year.  Just know, when you donate....YOU truly do fill a need.

Bless You All

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.