Chose Joy.....

If you are looking for inspiration in life, you will find it at Lil Blue Boo - a wonderful blog written by Ashley, a young Mom who knows how to live life.  She has a link on her site for the Cancer Chronicles as well ad Chose Joy.  You don't want to miss either and you will come away with so much love for Ashley that you will want to tell everyone you know about her quest.  She is an extraordinarily joyful young women especially considering the circumstances she currently finds herself in.

Ashely has definitely taken her challenge to heart and I believe we can learn volumes from her.  She lives each day to the fullest and accomplishes more than most and does so with grace and love and yes.....JOY!  Take a minute to visit with her - you won't be sorry you did. 

Throwing Darts in the Dark....

Today I was watching something on television - not really paying attention but hearing something and it struck me that helping others is sometimes like throwing a dart in the dark - seriously.  We keep aiming at what we believe helps and sometimes we get it right - we make that all allusive bulls eye!  I have a passion for babies and children and for someone my age, kids are inclusive of young adults.  I dabble in all sorts of things and excel at none but I feel a passion for all that I do.

 For each of us there is a gift that we can offer - even if you don't sew, knit, crochet or any of that crafty stuff - you have something to offer, much to give.  I was once told that sometimes we have to just do something, even if it is not the right thing - do something.  Get involved, look around and seek to find out what the need is and how you can help to provide a solution.  Even if it is way left of the bulls eye - it can still hit the board - even in the dark!  Give it a try and the joy you will feel will warm your heart and give you so much more than gave!  Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.

Care Bags 4 Kids

If you haven't heard of this group you definitely need to visit their web page at www.carebags4kids.org!  This a wonderful group formed by Annie Wingall in 2000 when she was only 11 years old.  They are a 501 (c) (3) not for profit and the provide Care Bags filled with new essential, helpful, fun, safe, and age appropriate items for children/youth (ages baby-18 yrs.) who are in need.  It is so easy to get involved with this group and it takes very little time and effort to make such a difference!
Here is a note from Annie about a fund raising project they are working on.  Please help if you can - it only takes a minute!

"Care Bags Foundation is in the running to win a monetary donation in a charity contest sponsored by Integrity Cleaning & Restoration, L.L.C! If we win by getting the most “Likes” on Integrity Cleaning & Restoration  L.L.C’s. Facebook page, they will generously donate $1 to us for every “Like” up to $1,500! Right now we are in the lead with 233 votes, but we still need your help!
Here is the link to their Facebook page where you can vote and see how many people have recorded their "Likes".To place your vote for us,“Like” Care Bags Foundation. We are the third charity listed on their Facebook page. Just click on the “Like” directly below The Care Bags Foundation listing to cast your vote. (Comments do not count for a vote, only “Likes”).
You have one week left to vote and can only vote once, so place your vote now! If you’ve already “Liked” us, a BIG thank you to YOU! Since each vote equals $1, you can still help us by getting your friends and family to vote too! You have until 10:00 PM on December 20th to vote!
Spread the word and be a part of helping Care Bags Foundation win funds that will go directly back to helping us help deserving kids in need!
Thanks for your kind and loving support!
Annie & Cathy Wignall"

The Binky Patrol

We have talked about the Binky Patrol here before but I can't seem to say enough.  ;o)  This past year, the founder of the Binky Patrol, Susan Finch, was recognized by the Red Dress Society in her hometown of Portland, Oregon.  This is a wonderful tribute to someone who has not only formed a wonderful organization, but she has given so many of us an opportunity to make a difference in our own little part of the world.

Not only does Susan run a very busy chapter as well as the headquarters for this national organization, she has set forth a business model whereby anyone who is willing to network and put in some effort, can run their very own Binky Patrol Chapter.  This gives each of us an opportunity to find the needs in our own area and build a chapter that can work to fill those needs.  We launched our chapter in West Columbia, South Carolina last February.  We are the only chapter in our State and we are so excited to be reaching our first anniversary on the 28th of this month.  The Binky Patrol is all volunteer - we work with donations of fabric and materials and ready made quilts and blankets as well as many other items such as hats, booties, socks, slippers and more.

For years, I had dreamed of having my own non-profit to do just what the BP does.  I was able to set up our chapter and get going without all of the expense of starting a non-profit on my own and therefore all of our efforts have gone into the results - making comforting covers for kids in need and so much more.....   You cannot imagine the true bliss of doing something like this until you have participated.  We are a young chapter and have many ideas and dreams of growing but none the less, we have had a wonderful year and though small, we have accomplished much.  I cannot thank our little group of talented women enough - Anita, Andrea, Nancy, Jill, Ruth, Linda and Sandra.  We are very excited about what 2011 will bring and so enjoying adding love to each and every item we deliver.  As said by Deepak Chopra, Love without action is meaningless, Action without Love is irrelevant.  Take action today and contact a chapter near you and get involved.  www.binkypatrol.org

Help Save Ivan

 Please take a minute to visit the blog below.  The story of Ivan is included there as well as pictures of this sweet little boy.  Ivan is loved by a family and they would like to adopt him and save him from being in an institution for the rest of his young life.  You won't soon forget his story.

http://saveivan.blogspot.com/

One Million Pillowcase Challenge

The One Million Pillowcase Challenge is another wonderful example of "Being the Difference".  The information is below - check it out.

make a pillowcase
make a difference

Calling all quilters, sewers and crafters! American Patchwork & Quilting is challenging you to join our efforts to Make a Pillowcase, Make a Difference. Every pillowcase can make a difference in your community. A pillowcase can provide comfort for a cancer patient, hope for a foster child, encouragement for a battered woman, or beauty for a nursing home resident.

To participate, find a shop hosting One Million Pillowcase Challenge events in your area. Once your pillowcases are complete and donated locally, log on below to enter how many pillowcases you made. Help us reach our goal of ONE MILLION Pillowcases.

God's Tiny Angels

This is a group that I interact with personally and it is run by a wonderful lady - Danette Lemaster.  She does all the work of cleaning, packaging, coordinating and shipping of the items donated for the babies.  She is aided by a wonderful army of ladies and one gentleman who craft for her and enthusiastically create everything from hats to blankets and booties as well as burial items and more.  Below is information about this wonderful group.

Every day across the world there are babies born ill or in need. Some of God's babies have little more than a tiny diaper. Imagine what you could do to make their new lives a little warmer!

Our home on the web has been blessed by others that have sewn, crocheted, quilted, knitted and even went out to yard sales for the little ones.

Gods Tiny Angels is an all volunteer group that provides items to Cabell Huntington Hospital in WV and elsewhere across the country, free, to the parents.

Help make a difference today. Tomorrow will bring more of God's Tiny Angels.

" Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday."
"God took care of yesterday, why not let Him take care of tomorrow?"

You can find them on the web at  http://danettesangels.tripod.com/home.html

 

Heartmade Blessings

Heartmade Blessings

---

This is another wonderful group I found online that is working to make a difference in the lives of those who have suffered a loss or crisis.

Heartmade Blessings is a world-wide group of volunteers dedicated to providing hand-crafted items to those people suffering a loss, tragedy, or going through a rough time that need to be reminded of the simple fact that people care.  Our organization was founded in March, 2001.

Heartmade Blessings come from all the wonderful people who donate squares for afghans and bearghans. They are also made possible through the efforts of the warm, caring people who donate their time in assembling and organizing the distribution of these items to those in need. We truly believe these people are nothing short of a "blessing" themselves.

Heartmade Blessings does not accept monetary donations.  However, our members provide their own yarn and mail squares and Comfort Afghans, Bearghans at their own expense.  With this in mind we do accept postage stamps and yarn donations.
In addition, our supply of crocheted squares is always low due to the number of Comfort Afghans sent to various people and organizations. We are always in need of volunteers to send us squares, to assemble the afghans for us, and to donate their time and love in whatever way possible for each person.
For more information or questions, go to
Heartmade Blessings does not accept monetary donations.  However, our members provide their own yarn and mail squares and Comfort Afghans, Bearghans at their own expense.  With this in mind we do accept postage stamps and yarn donations.
In addition, our supply of crocheted squares is always low due to the number of Comfort Afghans sent to various people and organizations. We are always in need of volunteers to send us squares, to assemble the afghans for us, and to donate their time and love in whatever way possible for each person.  If you are interested in helping this group you can find them at http://www.heartmadeblessings.org/Aboutus/Aboutus.php

Stitch A Wish Program

Stitch a Wish is another great program for those who like to craft for a cause.  The link is below and a blurb about they do is also below.  Check it out if you are looking for a place for your handmade goods.

Stitch-A-Wish volunteers sew for hospitalized children. The program provides the patients with colorful, child friendly pillowcases that brighten their rooms; medical play therapy dolls that help patients learn about and understand the medical procedures they undergo; telemetry bibs that allow toddlers mobility even while attached to heart monitoring equipment; saddle bags that give bed ridden children a sense of independence by providing them with easy access to their favorite things; preemie clothing for the tiniest infants to wear for their long awaited first trip home. These items, and many others, are utilized daily throughout the medical center for comfort, therapeutic play, arts and crafts, and safety.


http://www.dfwstitchawish.com/stitch/default.aspx

Dolly Donations

I found this wonderful site today and it is well worth taking a look.  Sarah has a passion to help others and if you are looking for a wonderful crafting cause, this is a great one!!!  Free patterns are available and lots of other information.  See what Sarah has to say below:

"My names Sarah. I’m a mother to a beautiful daughter, a wife to a brave fireman, and an artist who has a passion for sewing.

My mission is to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, especially orphaned children around the world ....... to provide them with a source of comfort ...... to send them love, one dolly at a time!"

DollyDonations at gmail dot com
http://dollydonations.blogspot.com/2010/01/adorable-knit-dollies.html