Please excuse my lack of posting the projects here on the blog in recent months. I have been so busy that I have just focused on getting them posted on Ravelry. I will update again soon.
We have decided to assist Emerson Elementary in Joplin, Missouri this month. Project runs from July 15 to August 15.
Our coordinator/collector/distributor is mcahill on Ravelry. She is a group administrator of the Tornado Recovery group.
As for items, we can make any warm items for elementary aged children: hats, scarves, mittens…
As was suggested, it would be GREAT if we could each attach a little card about or geographic location (and maybe a little factual information about that location) to our items with the Sharing Our Gifts tag. In this way, we will send a little warmth and a little geography lesson at the same time.
This project has finished. If you would like to send an item, please email me for the mailing address.
Please remember to put Sharing Our Gifts tag on items when sending.
Beginning on March 15, we move onward to the state of Wisconsin, and to making a variety of items for Hebron House of Hospitality, Inc. in Waukesha. There are two shelter houses in Waukesha that are run by Hebron House of Hospitality, Inc.; these are the Hebron House at 812 N East Ave, Waukesha, WI and the Siena House at 1519 Summit Ave, Waukesha, WI. Hebron can serve 40 families at one time, and Siena can serve 37 at one time. I am told they are always full, and always in need of donations.
This project was suggested by AuntieTrixKnits26 on Ravelry, and she will be acting as our coordinator and mail recipient.
One of the wonderful things about Hebron House is that they have a very good website which includes a wish list. We can make anything we like from the wish list, which includes: Hats, scarves, cowls, mittens, socks, slippers, washcloths, lapghans, and many more items.
Hebron House of Hospitality, Inc. shares their mission statement and philosophy on their website: “The mission of Hebron House of Hospitality, Inc. is to provide emergency housing and related services to people in transition with the basic needs of shelter, food and personal support.” …“Hebron House of Hospitality, Inc. is operated always with the purpose to provide housing and food to any person of any faith, nationality, sex, age or disability. We strive to provide this service in a non-judgmental atmosphere.”
DEADLINE: Deadline to have these items received by the project coordinator is April 15, so please allow appropriate mail time. She will be delivering to the facility just after April 15.
As stated above, our volunteer coordinator for this project is AuntieTrixKnits26. Donations can be mailed to:
This project has finished. If you would like to send an item, please email me for the mailing address.
Please let me know if there are any questions, or if I have left out any vital information for this project. Thank you again for your participation!
This project begins February 15 and goes to March 15. We will be making infant items for Touching Little Lives (TLL). Read to the bottom for mailing instructions...
This month, we will be making items for tiny new humans in need. Here is some information about the mission of Touching Little Lives:
"It's a simple fact that many of Ohio's newborns lack the basic necessities to assist them in developing and sustaining good health. A warm blanket and clothing are vital to a newborn to retain body heat. These simple items can make the difference in an infant's ability to ward off other illnesses which could develop, necessitating return hospital stays that could have been prevented and adding to the already high cost. Our mission is to 'touch the little lives' of needy premature and newborn infants in Ohio, to do all that we can to give them, free of any charge, the necessities that every newborn needs. Our volunteers hand make **quilts, blankets, caps, booties, gowns, undershirts, afghans, bibs, sleepers**, and other articles."
This project allows for a good deal of variety in what we choose to make, and I will leave it up to each of you to make what you like from the list above. Additionally, TLL uses surgery dolls to help children transition from surgical procedure through recovery with an item of security. They say:
"Our surgery dolls are used by doctors and nurses to draw on and graphically explain to a young child about their pending surgery. This helps the child understand what he or she is about to undergo. This doll is then given to the child, something to hold on to during the stressful hospital stay and something to take with when they are finally able to return home. We make stuffed animals and these are provided to various area agencies and emergency rooms. Having something soft to cling to during a time of stress can do much to ease the trauma of a young child."
TLL offers photo examples of the items they need, as well as providing patterns for sewing, knitting and crochet of the items. They give sizing information as well as needle and yarn suggestions.
Soft cotton and soft acrylics are best for this project. Let me know if you have questions.
Our Fearless Volunteer Collector/Delivery person for this project is [knitsforpits]. Your items can be mailed to: This project has finished. If you would like to send an item, please email me for the mailing address.
Project 15 runs from January 15, 2011 to February 15, 2011. Nest Maine is a grassroots effort to help people in need with hats, mittens, scarves, cowls, and other warm knitted items. From the blog, here is the information for and mission of Nest Maine:
“Nest seeks to connect knitters and other fiber enthusiasts with people in need of warm clothing for winter. In 2008 we distributed our first round of new donated hats, mittens, fingerless mitts, cowls and scarves in the Ft. Kent, Maine, area.”
Wool is happily accepted, as the winters are C O L D in Maine, but other fibers are alright as well, since some are allergic to wool.
Where to mail? This project has finished. If you would like to send an item, please email me for the mailing address.
Make sure to include “From Sharing Our Gifts,” your name, and information about fiber care and content in the package and/or on the items you send.
SUPER ULTRA IMPORTANT FOR OUR TALLY: please make a post here when you send, and state what and how many. This way, we can keep track of our contributions.
Thank you to our Ravelry group member, threadsgal, for suggesting this project. The founder and contact for Nest Maine is beetgreen on Ravelry.
Ka Punawai Ola is a nursing care facility that opened in 2000, and houses 118 patients. Here is some information about them:
“Ka Punawai Ola offers subacute care for patients who need specialized medical services, including medical rehabilitation, IV therapy, and respiratory therapy. Respite care is provided for individuals who need assistance while their primary caregiver is on vacation or temporarily unable to provide in-home care. The Alzheimer’s special care unit has been designed to offer a comfortable and secure environment suitable for the care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia disorders.”
The patients are often cold, even indoors, so we have been asked to send hats, lapghans, and shawls so they will have a little something to keep warm when they are going about their daily activities.
Our contact on this project is hularac on Ravelry, and we are not posting an address on the blog, but please contact me by email if you wish to participate and need an address for mailing your donation.
This project begins 11/15/10 and goes to 12/15/10. Our items will be there in time to spread a little Christmas cheer!
What are we making? Hats, Lapghans, shawls
Of what fiber? Acrylic or cotton are best for this project; the softer, the better!
As always, thank you all for your participation and support of these projects! Happy knitting/crocheting! This project has finished. If you would like to send an item, please email me for the mailing address.
The Hats for the Homeless group was created about the time that Sharing Our Gifts began, and they are growing strong a year later.
They serve the homeless in the Minneapolis area, and they distribute the items between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
WOOL is strongly preferred. They request wool because it breathes, wicks moisture, and will keep people warmer than will synthetic fibers. If, however, you are unable to use wool due to allergy or other personal reasons, they will accept wool blends or other warm fibers.
They request that the hats be big enough to pull down over the ears, as the winters there get soooooo cold.
Pattern Suggestions: “We welcome your creativity with an open heart! However, after talking with many of the recipients from last year’s project, we learned a few things:
1. Dark, solid colors were preferred over lights, brights or stripes. 2. The simpler the pattern, the better. 3. Hats with embellishments like pompoms were not snatched up as enthusiastically.”
Here are a few of the (free) patterns that our knitters enjoyed working last year and would recommend again:
Where do we send our items? Hats for the Homeless First Universalist Church ATTN: Catherine/UU Stitchers 3400 Dupont Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55408 USA
As on some prior projects, we are sending directly instead of through a group volunteer, so PLEASE PLEASE remember to post in our thread or leave a comment here on the blog when you send, and list what you are sending and how many. Also, please tag your items “from Sharing Our Gifts” so the recipients will know from whence the items originated for their own tally purposes.
It’s that time again! Time to sharpen up those needles and dive into a new ball of yarn. Or a hank. Or a skein. Or two. Or three or four!
From 9/15 to 10/15:
This month, we are helping The Knitting Connection in Massachusetts. Here is their mission:
“No child should be without a hat, mittens, and a Christmas stocking…” Sue A. Manning 10-29-99
The Knitting Connection’s mission is to support children and families with crafted items utilizing the artistic talents of volunteer knitters, crocheters, and quilters. We connect people from the community to support each other during their time of need. This link, from one end of the spectrum to the other, forms a bond of support, understanding, and love.
They serve newborns to age 18, and they distribute the items annually so they will be in perfect time for those in need during the holidays. Annual distribution day is always the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving.
All items that are not 100% acrylic, MUST be labeled with fiber content/type, such as 100% Wool, WOOL BLEND, MIXED (specify the mix), 100% cotton, etc…
What are we making? Hats, scarves, mittens
Where do we send our items? The Knitting Connection, Inc. C/O Sue A. Manning P.O. Box 560065 West Medford, MA 02156-0065
As on some prior projects, we did not have a direct group member doing the collection and delivery this month, so PLEASE PLEASE remember to post here in our thread when you send, and list what you are sending and how many. Also, please tag your items as “from Sharing Our Gifts” so the recipients will know from whence the items originated for their own tally purposes.
DEADLINE FOR THIS PROJECT IS OCTOBER 15.
Thank you again for your participation!
IF YOU HAVE THE NEED OF YARN, The Knitting Connection can provide some yarn. I think this would mostly be available for those knitters who live in the area of the charity organization and could pick it up. Email Sue Manning at theknittingconnection@hotmail.com for information.
This month, from August 15 to September 15, we had a last minute request, and the Ravelry group memvers voted to jump in and help the Head Start program furnish the Lakota children of Pine Ridge with hats, scarves, mittens, and blankets for their school year. Read about their regular group activities for the children here.
We will need:
Child Mittens, hats, scarves for 4 -5 year olds and blankets (48” x 48” or so).
Mail directly to HeadStart.
US Mail: Head Start Main Office Oglala Lakota College PO Box 490 Kyle, SD 57752
UPS/Fed Ex: Head Start Main Office Oglala Lakota College 490 Piya Wiconi Rd Kyle, SD 57752
Please leave a comment here with information about what you have sent, and feel free to upload photos to our Flickr pool. Thank you for considering this, especially on such short notice! It will really make a difference.
Also, please tag your items as “from Sharing Our Gifts” so the recipients will know from whence the items originated for their own tally purposes.
Can you believe it is time for #10 already??!! I want to say a big thank you to all who have participated in projects up to this point. Some of you have been with me from the very beginning, and we are nearing our one year mark! We have gained participants each and every month, though we have also lost a few along the way. All are welcome, and all are appreciated. I could not have donated the nearly 500 items we have donated without you all!
Now, on to Colorado…
This month, from July 15 to August 15, we are knitting for a homeless youth shelter called Urban Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This project was suggested by kae1crafts on Ravelry, and she will be the volunteer collector and delivery person for this one. Thanks, Kae! Here is a little about the charity:
Urban Peak services for homeless and runaway youth include:
* Overnight shelter * Daily services including food, clothing, hygiene products, laundry and showers * Intensive case management * An onsite medical clinic * Street outreach * Job skills assessment, training and placement programs * GED classes * Educational counseling and planning * Scholarship and Financial Aid opportunities * A Mentorship program * Assistance in obtaining ID and birth certificates * Transportation assistance * Educational and Recreational groups * Referrals for psychiatric counseling services * Referrals for drug/alcohol counseling and treatment * Family Counseling and reunification services * Housing options and referrals
What we are making:
Hats, gloves, and scarves for youth ages 15 to 21. Colors and patterns are your choice, but do remember the age group when making your choices.
As always, these can be knitted, crocheted, or sewn, and they must be handmade. If you do not knit, crochet, or sew, you can still be involved by purchasing a handmade item from one of the wonderful sellers on Etsy or Artfire. Or, ask a friend to make the item and you provide shipping - then you both get to participate!
DEADLINE: Deadline to have these items received by the project coordinator is August 15, so please allow appropriate mail time.
As stated above, our volunteer coordinator for this project is kae1crafts for the collection, tally, and delivery. The mailing address for this is:
This project has finished. If you would like to send an item, please email me for the mailing address.
Please let me know if there are any questions, or if I have left out any vital information for this project. Thank you again for your participation!
Ready, Set, GO! On to Idaho! This month, BlueRaven has suggested that we send our items to Northwest Children’s Home, Inc. in Lewiston. The Home has been helping orphaned, abandoned and abused children since 1908.
The home has undergone many changes over the last 100 years, and has even endured through location changes, changes in child protection laws, and expansion efforts.
“Today, as Northwest Children’s Home looks forward to its second century, it has come a long way from its original mission as an orphanage and home finder for abandoned children. The change from custodial care to treatment programs that had its genesis in the 1930s has resulted in a constant evolution in how the children’s home operates.”
What we are making for THIS PROJECT: hats scarves mittens/gloves or if you wish, socks and/or slippers
As always, these can be knitted, crocheted, or sewn, and they must be handmade. If you do not knit, crochet, or sew, you can still be involved by purchasing a handmade item from one of the wonderful sellers on Etsy or Artfire. Or, ask a friend to make the item and you provide shipping - then you both get to participate!
DEADLINE: Deadline to have these items received by the project coordinator is July 15, so please allow appropriate mail time.
As stated above, our volunteer coordinator for this project is BlueRaven for the collection and tally, and knitsforpits will be doing the delivery. The mailing address for this will be announced in the next few days, so stay tuned!
Please let me know if there are any questions, or if I have left out any vital information for this project. Thank you again for your participation!
This project has finished. If you would like to send an item, please email me for the mailing address.
This month, we are responding to those in immediate need after the flooding in Tennessee. We are now going to partner with the group on Ravelry called Knit and Crochet Tennessee. This one will work a little differently than our previous 7 projects in that we are mailing our items to another charity collection group and they will disburse the items for us as and where there is need.
To this end, we have two options this time around. For those of you who want to know exactly where your donated items are going and/or you want or need a donation receipt (if you want a donation receipt, please specify on your tag and include an SASE so it can be mailed to you by a Salvation Army employee), you can designate that they be delivered to the Salvation Army in Nashville by tagging the items as follows:
“For Salvation Army from Sharing Our Gifts”
For those of you who are comfortable with giving the flexibility of your items being disbursed by the Knit and Crochet group to whatever charity is most in need of flood relief items at a given time, please tag your items as follows:
“From Sharing Our Gifts”
This time, it is VITAL that you tag your items so that they will be properly tallied and distributed. Since our items will be going to the same place that probably thousands of other items will also be going, we want to be sure that they are logged in connection with our group’s donation efforts. We have printable tags on our Ravelry group’s main forum under the tab that says “2 pages.” Print and then just write the proper tag line (from above) on to the back of the tag.
What we are making for THIS PROJECT: afghans lapghans baby and child sized blankets washcloths hand towels
(no size requirements; just use your judgment and pattern specifics about sizing - gauge is not super important on these)
I think small knitted, crocheted, or sewn toys/cuddlies would also be appreciated.
As always, these can be knitted, crocheted, or sewn, and they must be handmade. If you do not knit, crochet, or sew, you can still be involved by purchasing a handmade item from one of the wonderful sellers on Etsy or Artfire. Or, ask a friend to make the item and you provide shipping - then you both get to participate!
DEADLINE: Deadline to have these items received by the project coordinator (for this Project #8) is June 15, so please allow appropriate mail time.
We do not have a “Sharing Our Gifts” volunteer coordinator collecting on this one since we are partnering with the other group, and we are to send to their volunteer collector. The mailing address for this project is:
Go west, yon participants, and spread more cheer! We are now going to partner with SisterLuv Crafts, a charity in Arizona that helps supply infants in need of baby layettes, blankets, washcloths and stuffed critters, and the elderly in need of lap throws (lapghans). This project was found by SarahWak1 on Ravelry, who will be our volunteer coordinator for this project. Here is information about SisterLuvCrafts from their website:
“Have YOU ever wanted to use your crafting skills to make a difference in someone’s life? We did too! So, we founded SisterLuv Crafts, a 501c 3 charity, on January 3, 2008.
We’re fun-loving caring sisters, bringing like-minded people together to make and collect items to assemble into gift packs for distribution to needy mothers of newborns and the elderly in the Tse Bonito and Gallup, NM and Window Rock, AZ areas.
You too can bring unexpected joys and smiles and turn strangers into friends by sharing your skills and talents with others. Join us today and make a difference.”
What we are making for THIS PROJECT: baby blankets, approximately 36 x 40 baby washcloths sock critters (see some pattern ideas here) lapghans (small afghans) for adults, approximately 34 X 42. Bright colors appreciated.
As always, these can be knitted, crocheted, or sewn, and they must be handmade. If you do not knit, crochet, or sew, you can still be involved by purchasing a handmade item from one of the wonderful sellers on Etsy or Artfire. Or, ask a friend to make the item and you provide shipping - then you both get to participate!
DEADLINE: Deadline to have these items received by the project coordinator is May 12, so please allow appropriate mail time.
As stated above, our volunteer coordinator for this project is SarahWak1 on Ravelry. The mailing address for this project has been removed. If you have a late donation to send, please message me for instructions. Thanks!
Please let me know if there are any questions, or if I have left out any vital information for this project. Thank you again for your participation!
We now make our way to Virginia where we will share our gifts with A Child’s Joy.org. A Child’s Joy began in 2005, much the way we ourselves began. It began as a personal gift-giving endeavor to donate stockings and stocking stuffers to needy children. The project yielded 45 stockings to donate that first year, and was up to 700 stockings by 2007. As of 2009, they made their goal of 1,200 stockings! A Child’s Joy was incorporated in April of 2007 and now has an IRS status of 501(c)3. This project was suggested by AYoung, who will be our volunteer coordinator for this project. She works for the organization as the donations coordinator. Here is information about A Child’s Joy from their website:
“Our Mission… To provide joy and encouragement to low income, physically or mentally challenged, abandoned, or orphaned children between the ages of five and twelve through the distribution of filled Christmas stockings; to enhance local outreach and community involvement by operating A Child’s Joy primarily in Fairfax County, Virginia, while partnering with other non-profit organizations such as the Fairfax Church of Christ and Our Neighbor’s Child. A Child’s Joy will minister to all children, regardless of denomination or race.”
What we are making for THIS PROJECT: Christmas Stockings: opening must be at least 5 inches wide stocking stuffer toys of your choice
As always, these can be knitted, crocheted, or sewn, and they must be handmade. There is a sewing pattern available from A Child’s Joy if you wish to sew one and need a pattern. If you do not knit, crochet, or sew, you can still be involved by purchasing a handmade item from one of the wonderful sellers on Etsy or Artfire. Or, ask a friend to make the item and you provide shipping - then you both get to participate!
DEADLINE: Deadline to have these items received by the project coordinator is April 5, so please allow appropriate mail time.
As stated above, our volunteer coordinator for this project is ayoung on Ravelry. The mailing address for this project is:
Ashley Young 6702 Jenny Leigh Ct. Centreville, VA 20121
Please let me know if there are any questions, or if I have left out any vital information for this project. Thank you again for your participation!
Moving across state lines to Florida, we are now going to lend our efforts to ASAP Homeless Services, a shelter in St. Petersburg, Florida. This project was found in partnership with Gnat (Natalie) of BarknKnit, who will be our volunteer coordinator for this project. Here is information about ASAP from their website:
"Our Mission...
is to provide housing and basic necessities to the homeless through a Drop-In-Center and Emergency Shelter. Our focus is to guide individuals toward achievement of self-sufficiency and independent living.
About ASAP
ASAP has operated at 11th Ave S. in St. Petersburg since 1986. This non-profit organization is made up of many dedicated volunteers, from its Board to the many generous individuals who make donations of time, goods and money, and through grants from various government agencies. ASAP has a paid staff consisting of an Executive Director and Case Manager. They are supported by up to 4 Night Monitors and an Administrative Assistant. Over 80% of our income is directly spent on client services. The remainder is spent on staff and fund raising."
What we are making for THIS PROJECT:
Hats
Scarves
Mittens
Cotton Washcloths
As always, these can be knitted, crocheted, or sewn, and they must be handmade. If you do not knit, crochet, or sew, you can still be involved by purchasing a handmade item from one of the wonderful sellers on Etsy or Artfire. Or, ask a friend to make the item and you provide shipping - then you both get to participate!
DEADLINE:
Deadline to have these items received by the project coordinator is **March 12**, so please allow appropriate mail time.
As stated above, our volunteer coordinator for this project is BarknKnit on Ravelry. The mailing address for this project is:
Natalie Rush
PO Box 1035
St. Petersburg, FL 33731-1035
Please let me know if there are any questions, or if I have left out any vital information for this project. Thank you again for your participation!
Yesterday was the official end of Project #4. The items will be delivered within the next two weeks, and delivery photos will be posted when I have them. (Also, I have not yet received delivery photos of Project #3, though the items have been delivered. I will also post about that delivery when I have the photos.)
I am so gratified to be able to do something for others when there is so much need in the world. I have always looked for ways I could help, and have done volunteer work in the past. But, I hadn't found the most satisfying way to help others until now. It took finally learning to knit to open that door.
Since teaching myself to knit, I have been on a constant journey of learning and observing more advanced knitters, spinners, and crocheters. That journey has taken me many times to YouTube to watch tutorial videos (thank you to all who post those gems!), and it took me to Ravelry.
As I have before mentioned, Ravelry is the place that allowed this project to take flight. Without the willing participants joining my group there, I would be sitting over here knitting one hat and one scarf per project while watching the tumbling tumbleweeds roll by and listening to the vultures circle overhead. But, no. Thanks to Ravelry, we are 93 members strong and growing.
Project 4 has ended with a total of 63 items to donate. This far surpasses my initial goal of 25 items per project. I can't thank you enough for your participation and generosity.
Continuing our effort to help others by reaching across state lines, we move on to the Tamassee DAR School in South Carolina. This project was suggested by AuntieCin on Ravelry who has an ongoing relationship with the school through her local DAR chapter in Florida. Here is information about them from their website:
“Tamassee DAR School is a private non-profit children’s home and family service organization offering multi-faceted programs to serve children and families in crisis. Year round services are provided for up to 56 children in residence. Our programs and services include 8 on-campus child care homes that can house up to 8-10 children, middle-school academy for day and residential students, individual and group counseling, enrichment and recreational activities and a college/after care program.”
The school helps children who range in age from Kindergarten to 12th grade. They do accept cash donations, and they run a thrift shop as another way to raise funds. However, I am told that the children could benefit from our help as well, and the representative to whom I have spoken was very excited to have been chosen as our next project.
What we are making for THIS PROJECT: Hat/Scarf sets, or Hats Scarves Mittens
As always, these can be knitted, crocheted, or sewn, and they must be handmade. If you do not knit, crochet, or sew, you can still be involved by purchasing a handmade item from one of the wonderful sellers on Etsy or Artfire. Or, ask a friend to make the item and you provide shipping - then you both get to participate!
DEADLINE: Deadline to have these items received by the project coordinator is February 6, so please allow appropriate mail time. The DAR representative from AuntieCin’s chapter will be delivering to the facility on or about February 10.
As stated above, our volunteer coordinator for this project is AuntieCin on Ravelry. Donations can be mailed to:
Cindy Lunn 9476 Forest Hills Circle Tampa, FL 33612
Though the items are being mailed to Florida, they will be hand-delivered to the school in South Carolina as one of the regular delivery trips of AuntieCin’s DAR chapter.
Please let me know if there are any questions, or if I have left out any vital information for this project. Thank you again for your participation!
A huge thank you to all who have participated thus far, and I look forward to all we will accomplish in Project #3.
We move now to the state of Oklahoma, and to making hats, scarves, and shawls for patients at the Oklahoma Brain Tumor Foundation. This project was suggested by cmunholland on Ravelry, and she will be acting as our coordinator and mail recipient.
From the OKBTF website, here is some information about the origin of the foundation: "The Oklahoma Brain Tumor Foundation (OKBTF), was founded by Nancy Thomason after the death of her son Cade Thomason to a brain stem PNET tumor on February 17, 2000. She vowed to fight the disease in honor and memory of her son Cade.
OKBTF is dedicated to meeting the needs of Oklahoma families, caregivers and patients affected by primary brain or central nervous system tumors. We work to provide for needs through education, advocacy, research and service."
OKBTF provides services for 227 families and approximately 908 caregivers and immediate family members of individuals with brain tumors.
THIS PROJECT: For this project, we will be creating hats, scarves, or shawls to donate to the organization. As always, these can be knitted, crocheted, or sewn, and they must be handmade. If you do not knit, crochet, or sew, you can still be involved by purchasing a handmade item from one of the wonderful sellers on Etsy or Artfire. Or, ask a friend to make the item and you provide shipping - then you both get to participate!
DEADLINE: Deadline to have these items received by the project coordinator is January 5, so please allow appropriate mail time. She will be delivering to the facility on or about January 8.
As stated above, our volunteer coordinator for this project is cmunholland on Ravelry. Donations can be mailed to:
C. Munholland 1905 Ryan Way Edmond, OK 73003
Please let me know if there are any questions, or if I have left out any vital information for this project. Thank you again for your participation!
On November 2, I delivered our items for Project #1 to the Southern Oregon Veterans Rehab facility. We delivered 36 hats and 10 pair of slippers. Above is the Thank you card we received from the representative there. Thank you to all who participated!Our items fit into a 10 gallon tote (though the lid would not fit on), and my husband and I carried them to the office of our representative contact at the facility. Once there, I completed donation paperwork outlining what we were donating, and how many items there were in total.Then I handed them over for processing. These hats and slippers will now be re-homed to new Veterans entering the facility. Upon arrival, they will be issued needful items which will include a pair of slippers and a hat, until the supply is depleted.
The representative expressed gratitude for our efforts, and was impressed at the variety in our patterns. Thank you again for a job well done!
Our 50 states tour continues in the beautiful and remote state of Alaska. We will be making hats and mittens for women and children at the Lee Shore Center in Kenai, Alaska. Here is the web site for you: http://www.alaska.net/~leeshore/
The Lee Shore Center provides a safe haven for women and children escaping from domestic abuse and sexual assault. Their mission is to empower and support women and children, educate the public on these issues, and strive to eliminate domestic abuse and sexual assault.
The facility is a 32 bed facility, but due to privacy concerns, the facility does not divulge how many are in residence at any one time. There are adult women, as well as children (both male and female) from birth to 18 years of age. There are often more children in residence than adult women. Over the past year, there have been more infants and toddlers than at other times. This means hats and mittens of all sizes will be appreciated.
These hats and mittens can be knitted, crocheted, or sewn. The key is that they must be handmade. As stated in our first project, if you do not knit, crochet, or sew, you can still donate by purchasing handmade items from someone (Etsy, Artfire, and 1000 Markets offer these), or asking a friend to create the donation for you. We had a participant from our first project ask a friend to crochet a hat, then this participant would pay the shipping cost, and in that way they became tandem participants.
Deadline to have these received by the project coordinator is November 25, so please allow appropriate mail time. These will be delivered to the center on December 1, so they will be there in time for the Christmas holiday.
Our volunteer coordinator for this project is Purplemoose on Ravelry. Donations can be mailed to:
Barbara Waters - 311 Kulila Pl. - Kenai, AK 99611
The LeeShore Center is a non-profit agency - so, if you would like a donation receipt, you will need to provide your name and mailing address along with a dollar figure for the receipt. If no dollar figure is provided only a thank you letter can be sent.
Please let me know if there are any questions, or if I have left out any vital information for this project. Thank you again for your participation!
