Mission Statement

Operations for Bridge and Beyond will cease on Dec 31, 2021, last mailing date should be Dec 24th

GOAL FOR AFGHANS

Afghans
Goal: 30
Start: #24
Current: 26
0.8666%
START
END

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Good Bye 2017 and Hello 2018


2017 is close coming to an end.  It's been a tough year in many ways, and a good year in others.  I'm sure that's true for many of you reading this blog.  Some of you come and read and post comments, others come and read, but are shy about posting comments.  Some that come also donate, others share our blog and it's mission with friends and co-workers.  It takes many things to be successful as a grass roots charity.

Some of you may know how long Bridge and Beyond has been in existence, others perhaps not.  This blog, Bridge and Beyond and it's mission began in December of 2008.  We started small with donations initially only for men, and due to great growth in a very short period of time added shelters that serve women as well as men.  Not long after that we added children through  several schools in the area, as well as working with Homeless Families Foundation.  We physically deliver to fewer locations now, as we have more consolidation.

Charities go through peaks and valleys.  Prior to my starting Bridge and Beyond, I witnessed this with other charities I supported around the country.  Some came to a screeching halt in short periods of time.  Grass roots longevity takes far more work, I think, than many folks realize.  We are now 9 years old here on Bridge and Beyond.  I consider that a remarkable accomplishment with so many people deserving of our thanks to make it happen.

Below you see our stats for the last 5 years, from 2013 forward.  You can see, a steady down turn in donations since 2013.  I've also taken the time to list the 5 year averages for each item, with the exception of rain poncho's which is a 4 year average; as it wasn't counted separately this past year.  We've maintained pretty well with afghans being donated, this year in part to our friend Marsha M. who donated 22 afghans. Thank you!

I point all this out because I wonder if it's time for some reflection.  Do we still help people?Yes we do, but certainly far fewer.  Would we do better if we focused differently?  I am open to discussion on this.  Are we stretched too thin?  What stands out to me is how much higher the average is on most items vs what we've donated in the last couple of years.  If for example we stopped making and donating cotton washcloths, would we be more successful at collecting and donating hats and scarves?

I thank you all for your support via donations, blog visits, and blog comments; as well as those who share our links in their social media outlets.  I am however, wondering if we've run our course?  I have no immediate plans to delete Bridge and Beyond, I am just trying to think realistically what our future holds.  If you have thoughts you would like to share, please leave comments.  If you're shy about doing that, please use the contact form on the right hand side of the blog to reach me.  If you have my email addy, feel free to make contact that way as well.

Again I think you all, and hope you have a happy and safe New Years.


2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
AVG
HATS
1053
971
468
516
371
675.4
SCARVES
666
590
196
371
256
415.6
SOCKS
281
199
201
135
29
169
AFGHANS
55
32
24
36
32
35.8
SLIPPERS
153
121
105
91
53
104.6
COTTON CLOTHS
577
334
454
236
314
383
MITTENS
300
130
123
108
120
156.2
RAIN PONCHO
213
61
105
211
N/A
147.5

**Rain poncho’s weren’t counted this past year, they were mixed in with misc as there were so few.


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.

Friday, December 29, 2017

Donated Knitted Afghan Helps Warm Families in Need

Just finished knitting this large family size afghan.  Some of the yarn was donated, some of the yarn is from my stash.  Just need to launder it and get it blocked.  I used some variety in texture by having some stripes garter stitch and others purl.  I mixed things up a bit with some color work knitting with 2 colors.

As mentioned, it's sized for a family ghan.  Took me longer than I would have liked to get this one finished, but I'm happy to have it off the needles now.  I had several crocheted ghans going at the same time and recently got those finished....a mad dash to the end of the year with trying to finish up as many work in progress projects as I can.  No doubt many of you are doing the same thing.  That's not to say I'll get all those WIP done, but have made really good headway.  How bout you?

It's not looking like we'll make several of our goals for the year, as donations are down, but we are making good headway.  Donations with charities all have peaks and valleys.  Last years totals were down from the previous year, as that year was a banner year.  We strive to do the best we can folks, and know that each individual hat keep's one person warmer then they otherwise would be.  Likewise with scarves, or our afghans.

Keep up the good work folks, and please keep checking in to how we end up for the year.

DONATIONS 2017

HATS:  143
SCARVES (Gators, Infinity Scarves)  114
MITTENS:  +12
SLIPPERS: 38
RAIN PONCHOS: 205
COTTON WASHCLOTHS: +78
AFGHANS: 6-5=5
SOCKS: 106
Misc, Ponchos, shawls, headbands etc aren't counted but very much appreciated.

**We started the year with the number of items we had donated last year, 2016; and will subtract our donations from that.  Using the end number for 2016 as the goal for the each item.  So, as the year continues you will see numbers decrease.  Our goal is to meet and surpass the number of items donated last year.**

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.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Hats and Scarves Ward off the Cold for Ohio's Homeless

Thank you Lisa N for this thoughtful donation of warm hats and scarves for Ohio's homeless.  Lisa is our newest pair of helping hands.  She's included 4 matching sets of hats and scarves suitable for kids and younger teens and 2 additionally hats and scarves.  Beautifully made, soft, and warm!  Love the colors, suitable for males or females.  

We're thrilled to have you join us here on Bridge and Beyond, Lisa and hope to see you here often.  Please keep up the good work.

Look folks our numbers continue to inch their way closer and closer to our goals.  How close will we get?

DONATIONS 2017

HATS:  149-6=143
SCARVES (Gators, Infinity Scarves)  120-6=114
MITTENS:  +12
SLIPPERS: 38
RAIN PONCHOS: 205
COTTON WASHCLOTHS: +78
AFGHANS: 6
SOCKS: 106
Misc, Ponchos, shawls, headbands etc aren't counted but very much appreciated.

**We started the year with the number of items we had donated last year, 2016; and will subtract our donations from that.  Using the end number for 2016 as the goal for the each item.  So, as the year continues you will see numbers decrease.  Our goal is to meet and surpass the number of items donated last year.**

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.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Donations for Homeless Continue to be Mailed


Thank you Sandra R for another thoughtful donation from the sunny state of Florida.  This donation of knitted and crocheted hats, scarves, and mittens bring us a bit closer to our goals.  We're chipping away folks with some time remaining.

Sandra many thanks for all you do for Bridge and Beyond all year long, it's truly appreciated.  Special thanks for tagging hats with size, and for pairing and tagging your awesome mittens.  

It's currently 4 degrees as I type this post....it warmed up, as it was 2 when I got up this morning, so you know how needed these wonderful donations are.

Thank you, and as always; please keep up the good work.
DONATIONS 2017

HATS:  161-12=149
SCARVES (Gators, Infinity Scarves)  127-7=120
MITTENS:  +10 +2=+12
SLIPPERS: 38
RAIN PONCHOS: 205
COTTON WASHCLOTHS: +78
AFGHANS: 6
SOCKS: 106
Misc, Ponchos, shawls, headbands etc aren't counted but very much appreciated.

**We started the year with the number of items we had donated last year, 2016; and will subtract our donations from that.  Using the end number for 2016 as the goal for the each item.  So, as the year continues you will see numbers decrease.  Our goal is to meet and surpass the number of items donated last year.**

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.

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Almost Christmas Eve

May the peace of the season fill everyone's heart. 
 This picture is from last year, the front door decoration.  
This is a hard time of the year for so many people, please keep those less fortunate in your thoughts as you go about this holiday season.  It's a hard time for those without a roof over their heads, as the weather has turned cold in many locations across the country.  It's a hard time for those with limited funds who want to give their families a warm and treasured Christmas.  It's hard time for those who've lost a loved one recently.  It's a hard time for those who lost a loved one this time last year, as they experience this holiday without them.  It's a hard time for those not able to be with friends and family for the holidays because of being in the military, or needing to work.  
It's a hard time, truly hard time for many.

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate this holiday, and blessings to all others who celebrate a different holiday as well.

We're still working on our donation goals.  Let's see how close we get.  

DONATIONS 2017

HATS:  161
SCARVES (Gators, Infinity Scarves)  127
MITTENS:  +10
SLIPPERS: 38
RAIN PONCHOS: 205
COTTON WASHCLOTHS: +78
AFGHANS: 6
SOCKS: 106
Misc, Ponchos, shawls, headbands etc aren't counted but very much appreciated.

**We started the year with the number of items we had donated last year, 2016; and will subtract our donations from that.  Using the end number for 2016 as the goal for the each item.  So, as the year continues you will see numbers decrease.  Our goal is to meet and surpass the number of items donated last year.**

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.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Knitted Slipper Socks to Warm Homeless Feet

Thank you Paulette for these awesome warm slippers!  These slippers are nice and warm.....super thick.  People will love to put them on their tired, cold, and possibly wet feet.  Wonderful color selection, something for everyone.  Special thanks too Paulette for tagging each with size, it's so helpful and such a huge huge time saver for folks at the various shelters.

I keep saying I need to try and make a pair of these, haven't made it yet, but must put it on my to do list for 2018.  Have you sent me your pattern?

Many thanks for your on going support of Bridge and Beyond and Ohio's Homeless in Need.  Please keep up the good work.

DONATIONS 2017

HATS:  161
SCARVES (Gators, Infinity Scarves)  127
MITTENS:  +10
SLIPPERS: 51-13=38
RAIN PONCHOS: 205
COTTON WASHCLOTHS: +78
AFGHANS: 6
SOCKS: 106
Misc, Ponchos, shawls, headbands etc aren't counted but very much appreciated.

**We started the year with the number of items we had donated last year, 2016; and will subtract our donations from that.  Using the end number for 2016 as the goal for the each item.  So, as the year continues you will see numbers decrease.  Our goal is to meet and surpass the number of items donated last year.**

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.

Where are You and Your Yarn From?

I'm trying to identify where everyone is from, partially for fun. Take a look at the map. Also, believe it will aid me in cases where we have several people with the same name. Please look at the lists of bloggers and non bloggers and see if I have the state you hail from. If not, please leave a comment and let me know.

Additionally, we've had help from Scotland, England, Germany Puerto Rico, Canada, and France! They don't appear on the map, but their help is still greatly appreciated.

Where The People Who Donate Come From, is your state represented?