WITH LoVe: HANDCRAFTING HoPe©

CARING IS SHARING...

2009-08-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed in my sidebar, a site called The Hunger Site . This site is one of greatness, as it merely takes a click to donate 1.1 cups of food to the world's hungry, plus, the site is packed with other ways to help, resources of all kinds, and some great products which are very reasonably priced, of which part of the cost goes to more help towards the hungry. It is really a blessing for the world to have such a wisely designed site for all of the world to easily do their part in assisting...

For the U. S., I have been donating to Feed The Children for many years. I like this organization, as it truly cares about the hungry, primarily the children, but, also strives to assist parents who work hard, but, cannot quite provide for their families. They do so much for the people of this country, and, any time there is a National disaster, you will find their trucks on site providing immediate relief...

Helping out is the most fundamental part of belonging to the human race, although, it seems at times that it is the farthest thing from most minds. We have to help each other, there is no other way for the senselessness to end...

Again, I will say, homelessness, and poverty are a whole new issue these days, and will probably worsen over the next decade. We cannot rely on Govt. to eradicate this fact, and so, together, we must join to eliminate some of the conditions these people exist in, plus, we can provide HoPe, which is often the only thing which might keep them from sinking into debilitating despair. It doesn't take much to help out, and, it would make a great difference to many if we all did our part...

HOMELESSNESS/IMPOVERISHMENT AFFECTS EVERYONE...

2009-08-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

The worst thing people can do in life, is to remain complacent, as in doing so, many, many areas of life are affected, some of which, with only one person doing something to rectify it, might make a world of difference, in that in effort comes results...

People act as if homelessness, hunger, poverty, and other related issues are not important to Them! They are way more important to each of us than you might imagine...

If the streets become more filled with homeless, hungry people, there are many issues which will affect each person of the neighborhoods in which these are existing. There will arise health problems as they become less clean, there will be security problems as they scurry to find ways to feed themselves, there will be all sorts of community related issues, which Do affect each of us, somewhere down the line, no doubt about it. Not only that, but, it just isn't right that people should have to wind up in such conditions...

I will go to my grave saying this one thing: There ARE resolutions to ending homelessness, but, it takes active awareness, and participation from all...

Consider it this way; what if it were your Mother/Father, Brother/Sister, friend, child, or self? Would it make a difference then? Realize this, in these uncertain economical times, it Could happen to just about anyone. I know millionaires who are losing their net worth, and are struggling to stay afloat, so, if it can happen to them, imagine what will become of many of us. See what I mean???

Quite honestly, to state it blatantly, most of the world problems can be traced back to lack of involvement, or complacency, it is just that simple, and the repercussions of that complacency is extremely far-reaching, with the effects of it lasting sometimes, for centuries, and, can destroy entire communities/villages to the point of never being quite able to arise above the conditions into which they live, or are born into. Just some things to think about...

ACTIVELY SEEKING CONTRIBUTORS & SPONSORS...

2009-08-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

I am actively seeking knitters, crocheters, handcrafters of all sorts, to make items for donating!!!

I am actively seeking sponsors to donate items, such as yarns, needles, hooks, and other such, that creative contributors need to make items for donations!!!

Records will be kept of all actions, proper credits will be given to all contributors/sponsors, both privately, and publicly, plus, there will come media attention in the future...

As I have said, NO CASH DONATIONS will be accepted, just supplies for contributors, that they need not spend money to help!!!

This is a very important program, and I would love to see it grow sooner, than later. I have no doubts that it will grow, but, would very much like to see a substantial amount of donations for the Winter of 2009! Won't you PLEASE, join me in this quest???

WE HAVE TO HELP EACH OTHER IN THESE TIMES, IT IS THE ONLY HELP WE WILL RECEIVE...

2009-07-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

I have been getting knitty with it© for a while now, and still have so far, so far to go, plus, I need to learn so much more. For sure, I won't have much to donate this Winter, but, next year will be a different story, of that I am sure...

So... I will remain steadfast, do what I can do, and get this going. I feel strongly about this, and am sure that things will improve over time, with more people stepping in to help out. It took me a month and a half to teach myself to knit, and, I surely have a LONG way to go before I can say that I am good at it, but, I am knitting up decent scarves, full of love, and of hope, that someone, somewhere, might be a bit more comfortable, despite their circumstances, this cold season. I never imagined that I would be sitting around knitting, but, here I am, for a really purposeful cause, refusing to be sidetracked, or defeated. I will succeed with this, I will!!!

More, and more people are losing their once comfortable lives; some of whom are Grandparents. They are living in their cars, as they cannot afford to live as they were once used to, and, many of them were cheated out of their pensions, due to this crazy economical crisis, which forced lots of businesses to bankruptcy, or other related trends which called for many, many people to lose their hard-earned security of yesteryear. It is sickening, isn't it? HOW can any company take away someones financial security, I just don't get it...

People have to realize that many of the homeless, or impoverished, worked hard all of their lives, but, circumstances beyond their control, or beyond their wildest imagination, put them in dire straits. Homelessness/impoverishment is way different today than it was a decade ago, with the numbers of upstanding citizens standing in the ranks of such, increasing daily...

WE have to help each other, that is the only help there will ever be, because bureaucracy does not give a damn about us, not at all. They are too high on the status quo to be able to relate, and too self-involved to care. That leaves US to help US, think???

There is hope for us, but, that hope has to be shared by all, spread by all, and given to all. Like in the Great Depression, we must adapt paternal instincts for our fellow neighbors, and our fellow man/woman; we must exhibit compassion, and distribute care, in any way, minimal to extreme, as we are able to. Only then will those suffering most find the strength, the courage, the LoVe, and, finally, the will to rebuild their lives. Always remember this, every thing you give of the heart, of the soul, comes back to you a hundred-fold...

PEOPLE WHO WORK SHOULD NEVER BE IMPOVERISHED...

2009-07-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

So many have tried to make it, they really have, but, with the stagnate wages for the under-educated, under-skilled worker, of which there are more than you realize, and the cost of living ever rising, it just isn't enough to make ends meet. Thus, millions are finding themselves homeless, hungry, and feeling as if life will never be much more for them...

I struggle to understand how the supposedly most advanced nation can expect its citizens to live on $7.25, or $8 an hour. After taxes, that leaves about $275 a week, IF the person is working 40 hours, and then, house payments, or rent is going to eat up most of that, plus, utilities are ever rising, then, necessities, insurances, and other such, leaves $0 for food, clothing, transportation, child care, etc. It is simply redundant that no one in position can see this trend of not being able to make ends meet. It is baffling, and it is outrageous!!!

Mothers with 2 or more children, are not going to be able to survive, though, desperately they try. They cry themselves to sleep at night, knowing that their fate is not going to be good. It is not due to lack of effort that they wind up in the streets, or at the mercy of the State, it is because their wage does not come CLOSE to what it costs to live these days. It is not right, it is not fair, and no child should wind up in dire straits because the cost of living is higher than the wages earned, no child deserves this, and Lord only knows, what kind of mentality some of these children will develop as they grow in these conditions...

Everyone keeps saying to educate yourself, or to retrain. Point to be made: it costs money, and TIME to do this, which few Mothers can afford, and also, it would mean even more money for childcare as they went to classes. While it is, and always has been a noble thought that people should do this, it is not always optimal at the time, or practical when it comes to the extra expenditure(s)...

I don't have answers, except ideas, such as communal living for some of these women. If 2 or 3 women could get along, and live together, they could find ways to help each other. Many foreigners in America, have lived in this fashion, all adults in the household work, for whatever they might make, and 1 woman stays home to care for the house, the kids, and other such. In a few years, these people own restaurants, and other businesses, so, I would have to say, it is a great option, and certainly better than the streets...

Such things tear at my heart, and I spend hours worrying about the conditions our country, and others are facing. I seek answers, solutions, and refer to my own struggles years ago. It just doesn't seem fitting in this late date that ANYONE who works should be forced to live in the streets, or go hungry, or other sufferings which come from impoverishment. People who work should NEVER be impoverished, it is such a contradiction of terms, and of effort!!!

VACATION TIME!!!

2009-07-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

I am going to be on vacation for a few weeks, and am so excited!!!

This means fun, relaxation, and lots of knitting in the mix! I am so loving the world of knitting, and am looking forward to creating things which are unique with my own flava, know what I mean???

Well, I will post a time or two, I am sure, during my vacation, but, mostly will simply enjoy life as Summer is slipping by quickly, and there is much to see, do, and gather for memories...

Blessings, love, and PEACE to ALL:))))

THE CONDO STITCH & ME...

2009-06-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Oh wow! I love the condo stitch, it is a great looking stitch, and working with 2 different sized needles is very fast! I am so glad I stumbled upon this, it is awesome! I am doing a multi-colored scarf which is like purples, fuschia, and a blue-green: it is looking very nice...

Someone said I should add fringe to the scarves, and I totally, totally disagree, for this reason: these are going to people for warmth, who might have limited sanitation, and are going to absorb the carbons of the streets, etc. A fringed scarf might cause more problems than not, and so, if I do anything, I might weave trim the scarves all the way around, just to make them look more pleasing, but, to retain good functionality. They should all be in dark colors too, as they are going to get dirty quickly, no doubt about that. I am not deciding what people should wear, I am thinking in practical terms, and of the conditions in which they are living, know what I mean???

I should add like little potholder sized washcloths to the list, as they might come in handy here and there, for a variety of reasons. So much to consider, and I am trying to keep myself from going overboard, or worrying too much about what people might need, because then, I go bonkers trying to figure out ways to help. Very little is easy, but, I vow to keep this as simple as possible, and stick to my original thoughts:)))

Somehow, I get the feeling that this is going to become a lifelong mission for me, and that I will be actively involved in ministry to the shelters, etc.; I just feel I am being moved in this direction, and so, onward I go, in faith, in courage, and in the form of one being called to service...

If I can do 2 scarves a week, I can do 104 a year, which for one person, is substantial, although, I would really love to see this spread across the world, and for all kinds of people to become involved. I can only hope:)))

Well, I am off to knit for a while before I go to sleep. I love the feeling of it, ya' know? It is truly a great advantage to finding peace, relaxation, and a togetherness of body, mind, and spirit. Blessings, PEACE, and love to ALL:))))

NEW STITCHES, NEW WEEK...

2009-06-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

Scarf #2 is completely finished! I made this one more narrow, and long, as is the current style, but, I did it 1 row of knit, 1 row of purl, and it is kind of odd looking, though, it is kind of interesting too. Oh well, I am still in the learning stages of all of this, and even the most imperfect can find usefulness somewhere along the line. This one only took me a few days of part-time labor, so, that means I am getting faster...

I have found lots of cool patterns for scarves, one of which I am now going to try; it is called the Condo Stitch, which uses 2 different size needles and only knit stitch. I am interested to see how it will turn out...

Scarves are going to have to be all I can produce right now, as being a novice, and wanting to provide some warmth before Winter sets in, I have to do what I can to produce the most I can, in the shortest time feasible...

My niece told me that she will help me out with this project to the extent of providing yarn, and perhaps her niece will help out with knitting, so, there you go, my first helpers, which makes me really happy:))))

I am thinking of forming a handcrafting club of sorts, I think it would be interesting and fun to do. It all depends on the extent of involvement, and time it would take to do so. I did not realize so many people knit, crochet, needlework, sew, weave, and so forth; it is amazing how many, and who is doing so. Wonderful!!!

Next, I will be adding more sites to these pages, and trying to involve some of the authors of the sites to even the slightest extent, as I REALLY feel deeply about this cause, and will do what it takes to get some hope, some warmth out there for the rest of my days. Besides that, some of these sites are so helpful, so full of information, and I like the feeling of them, so, they are worth sharing regardless of their willingness to participate in this humble project, know what I mean???

YAY!!! It just came to me how I can tie up the items, I am sooooo happy about this, and, I got my note of hope drafted/printed. Life is good, as *GOD* is good!!!!

Well, time to get ready to go and care give for the afternoon, and get another scarf knotting on the needles. Have a beautifully blessed day:))))

KNITTING ON...

2009-06-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

I finished my first scarf completely the other day, and am half through with another one, although, I have 3 more in making. I was proud of myself, especially after teaching myself to knit, recently, that I was actually able to cast off in pretty decent form. It was tough going, but, it is a decent looking item, and it means that much more to me, as it was my first. I did it all in knit, just for a different look, which was difficult here and there, but, came out good enough...

It is amazing how addicting knitting is. I have barely begun, and it is like my hands are glued to projects. I have tons to learn, but, I am sure I can do it. Each week, when I go shopping, I buy 2 skeins of yarn, so that I am building up a supply. Some are super sized, some are normal, but, I rarely spend more than $9 for the two, though, could spend only $5, it just depends on the type of yarn you want. To me, this investment is nothing, especially to help others out. I don't have much cash myself, but, this is like so minimal, it is really easy to afford, making it all the more enjoyable, and pleasurable to do...

Curiosity inspired me to wonder why scarves are usually certain lengths, when people are different sizes??? I mean, some men are well over 6', and some women are under 5', so, there should be lots of lengths, don't you think??? Anyway, I am going to make each geared towards a man, or a woman, or a child, and bag them accordingly, that they actually DO provide protection from the elements, and warmth, just something I think is necessary...

Still working on trying to put together a heart tie to bind the scarves for distribution. Have some good ideas, just have to check on some materials/costs/etc...

LIST OF ITEMS DESIRED FOR DONATIONS...

2009-06-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

List of items I would like to see come forth:

Scarves for men, women, and children (this means different sizing)
Gloves, mittens
Caps, hats, earmuffs, ear warmers, headbands, hood type scarves
Prayer shawls (these can be worn over coat for added warmth)
Blankets, especially for children, as they get cold so easily
Vests
Sweaters
Slippers (can be used in shelters, and in dire conditions, can be slipped onto shoes, boots, etc.)
Bags for carrying personal items in

Just place yourself in the shoes of another. Imagine what it would be like to have to live in the elements with your small children, or to be elderly. Imagine how cold, how terrible it would be...

As stated before, why not donate the items you have already made, but, feel are not perfect? My creations are far from perfect at this point, though, they are getting better, but, for helping others, why waste when they can be put to use, good use???

Providing a little hope, warmth, and love does not require much, but, can go SO very far in reaching out to those who have all but lost everything...

Blessings, PEACE, and love to ALL!!!

THERE ARE LOTS OF SOLUTIONS FOR THE HOMELESS PROBLEM...

2009-06-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

According to reports, officials are scrambling to negate, or defy the homeless situation, ever rising in numbers, across the USA. There are alternatives, ya' know? I mean, there are abandoned buildings everywhere, some which just need some maintenance, which the homeless themselves might be able/willing to contribute to. There are ways to help these people help themselves. Part of the problem lies in the way they are treated. Some of these people were doing fine before the financial crisis began hitting 10 - 15 years ago, and try as they might, many, many single Mothers with smaller children just could NOT make enough to make ends meet, so in the 1ST place, these officials need to rethink the type of people who now comprise the new homeless, or 'the new poor'!!!

Seriously, every town, every city, every state has many abandoned buildings, just sitting there; if they could find a way to screen people, to separate the ones who have suffered from unjust causes, such as lack of work, from those who like being homeless, such as the drug addicts, and so forth, then, they could make makeshift housing, of which many of the homeless themselves, could manage and oversee, like a communal type living where responsibility is a part of the housing. In providing means, then there can come growth, dignity, and for sure, more health, which, if left as is, will cost taxpayers much money, for these people are sure to wind up in ill health living as they are forced to do now. This just ticks me off that intelligent people cannot see simple solutions when they are right there. Sure there are glitches, there is to everything, but, one thing is for sure, SOMETHING has to be done, especially for the elderly, Mothers, and the children, as it just isn't fair to them, and surely, isn't right!!!

MUSING...

2009-06-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

I am researching ways to find sponsors to donate materials, and supplies, that those who would like to help in this ongoing project can simply receive what they need to do so. It seems that most sponsors donate money, but, seriously, I do not want to deal with finances, as there is just too much involved, especially when it is for the good of others. I just want to help people out in the way of usable items...

I was wondering if I should offer incentives/prizes/gifts to those who would like to contribute; at least farther down the line?!? Knowing me, that is probably how it will play out, as I like people to feel special when they are working for the good of something, know what I mean???

So, I am going to be drafting letters/appeals to certain companies, such as WalMart, Jo-Ann Fabrics, and a few others to see if they can find it in their hearts to donate needed materials for those who would like to participate in this project. So many things to consider, and do...

Anytime you do things a bit differently, there are lots of irons to be cast, but, that is all good too, think? As I said before, and will repeatedly, I am sure, IF I have to go this alone, so be it, but, I would truly appreciate any participation for the end goal of helping out those who need it most:)))) Blessings, love, and PEACE to ALL!!!

I am halfway through with 2 scarves, and a 3rd one, is almost complete, I have been knitting like a crazy person lately. I just love it! It is so interesting, and with common sense, I have learned how to do things without any instruction whatsoever!!!

CURRENT/FUTURE TRENDS IN HOMELESSNESS...

2009-06-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

So many refuse to acknowledge the growing crisis of homelessness, impoverishment, and their far-reaching effects, especially the Government. I urge you to read the following article Homeless in Tent City, USA, and to find more such related articles, as in this economical crisis we are in, with unemployment rising, rising, and rising, we can surely expect much more of such...

This is a major reason for this org. I have set up; such conditions should not exist in such a country as the USA, it is simply beyond comprehension, and as is stated in the above article, many of the new arrivals are Mothers, with children. How very disturbing, how very sad, how very indicative of the times we are living in...

Another fact, many of us are just paychecks away from the same fate, it is undeniable in this time, and is indeed, frightening, plus, many, many Senior citizens will surely fall into this state as well. Danged shame, isn't it???

And so, I feel like this, I cannot do much, but, I can do SOMETHING, that is for sure!!! It is important that we help each other, that we provide what we can, that we offer hope, solutions, items, and whatever we can that a few lives, if not more are enhanced during this horrendous crisis into which many are being sunk into, don't you agree???

CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING...

2009-06-12T21:12:00.001-07:00

I am working on ties to attach to created pieces, such as a heart with yarn ties, which beneath will have paperwork, stating With Luv to Keep You Warm (Anything 'IS' Possible), and a message of hope, perhaps a poem. My idea is this, to roll up each scarf (I am washing all I create), and tie with a heart tie, note, and then place in a bag of some sort, nothing fancy, just something to keep the items fresh, and the inspiration warmer, know what I mean??? I will try to create something, and scan it later on...

I am thinking that each creation should have a human touch, and a name attached, that each recipient is aware that people actually CARED enough to create such work for them, with great detail, and compassion. Yeah, I know, there will be those who don't give a hoot, but, if only a few are touched, moved, or inspired, then the effort was worth it, think???

Also, I am getting ideas by the minute, such as having certain places, like a relatives business, have a drop box for handcrafted items, that way, when someone is moved to donate, they can conveniently drop them off, with their name, and # attached to the items, that they are given due credit, and well, this could lead to awarding prizes, publicity, and all sorts of other areas. Yep, the mind is flowing, flowing, f l o w i n g, and it is all good, baby, all good...

I feel the need to share much of this with the world, as we can all learn together, know what I mean???

Some of these posts will serve as a basis of reminders for myself, and so I can refer to certain ideas which spring forth of nowhere, should be interesting to see how it all comes together.:))))

WHEREAS WE GIVE, WE ALSO, SHALL GATHER...

2009-06-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

This endeavor cannot fail, as, even if I am only able to donate by myself, I have done my part! So many wonder how they can help others, while feeling restricted in the ways they can help: I KNOW, I have felt this way too, which is WHY I have created this org.! You see, it is the effort after the thought, which makes it happen, and here is the key, it DOESN'T MATTER how much impact your contribution makes, it is that you ARE contributing, see what I mean???

Oh, I wanted to state this, and before I forget, those of you who are into handcrafting items; those ones you might feel are less than perfect, are perfect for donating, ya' know? Why let them lay around, or why throw them away, when they could be used by someone???

All of my life, I have tried to help where I can; it doesn't matter if it is just a man who needs a meal, or a Mother who needs some encouragement, it just NEEDS to be done, as often as possible, by as many as possible, think???

You see, my life has not been an easy one, although, these last few decades are way better than previous ones, that is for sure. Lots of people helped me in dire times, in many different small ways, and while I never saw most of them again, I knew that I would find ways to repay them through the circle of life, and so, I have tried as I can, even when I, myself, might not be able to. As I said, and will say frequently, in this circle, we are all bound, and what goes around, will come around. I will not, nor cannot forget the times I have survived, as well as the small acts of human kindness which helped me, provided hope for me, and so forth; it grew like a seed in my soul, and from there, has expanded to as many branches of my being, outward to the leaves which comprise the circle, know what I mean???

Hope given inspires hopeful living! Hopeful living can lift one up from the depths of many situations, believe me!!!

Hopelessness induces oppression, which can all but destroy a life!!! It is not how it was intended to be, and, in my opinion, can be greatly alleviated via human compassion, and kindness...

And so, from the circle, I project a cause which could make a large difference for many people. I am doing my part, and will carry it alone, if I must, but, I would prefer that many others join in this cause, with reason of love, with reason of compassion, with reason of understanding that this could be anyone of us, and, whereas we give, we also, shall gather...

ONWARD I GO...

2009-06-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

This will be an ongoing building process, just so you know, as there is lots to synchronize, implement, contacts to be made, and lots, lots more...

I will be in need of certain people to be coordinators for their particular town/city/area/state, to be in charge of collecting items for donations, and contacting perspective places to deliver such goods. This also will more than likely be ever changing, as there might be areas of the country where more items are needed than others, in which case, there will have to be shifts of where they will be sent/delivered. Oh, so much to work out, but, I am placing my faith in the ONE who directed me to doing this in the first place...

There are too many homeless, impoverished people in really, really cold climates, such as Chicago, Detroit, and all along the Eastern coast. Chicago is overloaded with the severely impoverished, and could use lots of help. It is like this, even if a homeless/impoverished person has a scarf right now, after a bit of wear, it is no longer clean, nor effective against the cold, and so, there should be in place, a source for them to find scarves, gloves, mittens, shawls, hats, earmuffs, ear warmers, even slippers, that they can better survive the elements. Shame isn't it? I was appalled the times I have been in Chicago, from having witnessed the many homeless/severely impoverished gracing the city streets, begging, and crying, and well, it wore me out the first time, from grief, and so, I vowed that I would from then on, do what I can to make someones, any one's, life a bit more pleasant, IF I can, regardless of how minor that might seem...

An act of goodness towards another is an act of goodness to self. This is way more true than you realize. Life is a circle, and in that circle we all exist, it is like extending ones self, through others, if that makes sense, and we all know, what goes around, comes around. One of the most important things we can learn, and embrace, is that we are all in this together, and we should help where we can...

Hope is so imperative when you have nothing else, and where there is no hope, there comes an end to living, in many ways, which is why I feel it extremely important to make sure some hope is spread through this meager campaign to share the warmth of heartfelt warmth, via some people who have the ability, and inclination to do so. I hope some will join me in this quest, it would be a wonderful contribution, and would ignite a spirit of hope which might burn evermore...

THE REVELATION OF HOW TO HELP OTHERS, WITHOUT STRAPPING MYSELF...

2009-06-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

I am the type of person who likes to help others, it is a way to give back to life, and to repay those who helped me along the rough roads of my own life. One night I was thinking of how people can help each other in ways which might really make a difference, and the idea of With Luv To Keep You Warm (Anything 'IS' Possible), was born...

Born of the idea of hope, not only for those who NEED it, but, for those who would like to OFFER it! You see, in this world, we know that lots of our donated monies never reach the actual cause, and so, many are sceptical about donating; also, many would love to do 'something', but, do not have money, time, resources, and other, and so, if people can MAKE something in their spare time, especially in a joined effort, then, those who are in need can have actual items in their lives which will enhance their lives somewhat. You never know what one handmade scarf, or pair of gloves, or hat might do to warm someone from the soul out, inspiring them to keep on keepin' on, ya' know what I mean???

On this night of this 'calling', I decided that I would teach myself to knit, and guess what? I did it! I am halfway to finishing my first scarf! I am so excited about this, for many reasons! It wasn't easy that is for sure, and I had to start, over, and over, until it came to me, but, I DID it!!!!

What is really cool about this type of org., is that it doesn't cost much to help out at all, PLUS, if you keep records of your supplies, they could be tax-deductable, depending on how much you spend a year. A skein of yarn is relatively inexpensive, especially at WalMart, Meijers, and other such places. So, outside of initial costs of needles, and so forth, which came to less than $20, I pay about $2+ some change to make probably 2 scarves, which is wonderfully inspiring, as it won't HURT me to invest the time, nor the small amount of cash to help others, see what I mean???

So, I am seeking anyone who would like to help in the least way. And, also, looking for sponsors to donate products. If anyone would like to learn more about learning to knit, or more information about helping, let me know, I will be glad to share what I can with you. Please, consider this, hope is about all those who are down have going for them, and often, that hope is trampled on day in, and day out, so, if such people realize that there are people who care enough to generate some hope, even in the smallest way, for them, that could be the determining factor in their future direction. Don't forget, there are lots of Mothers, with their children, who are down, and out, and suffering in many ways. Can't we join together to give them even the smallest bit of heartfelt warmth, and hope???