Monday, August 29, 2016

Spread the Love! Project 19

Even though it is still warm and sunny outside, winter will creep up before we know it.  Those of you who participate regularly know that it is time to get out those crochet hooks, knitting needles, sewing machines and scissors!  Our annual project of...you guessed it:

HATS & SCARVES!

I know that many of you love this project and have heard rumor, that some of you even work on them year round. It seems like it doesn't matter how many times we do this, the need is still there. This time we will be giving them to two organizations, one for kids and one for homeless families.

Our first group of people we are helping are KIDS, and you know I have a H U G E heart for them, especially those in terrible situations, like abuse or neglect. So, we are going north again to the state of Oregon and partner with the Child Welfare Program, by providing hats and scarves (also, gloves and mittens if you are able) to these kids for their Christmas Celebration.

The agencies (Child Welfare Program) job is to assess children's safety when allegations of abuse and neglect are brought to their attention from the community. There are times when children are not able to safely stay at home. Each year the office puts together a holiday celebration for the youth in foster care so they have an opportunity to celebrate with family. 

We were contacted by Sarah, who works for the State of Oregon and volunteers at Sparks of Hope...I couldn't say no.

~~~

The second group of people to receive our labors of love are the homeless families that utilize the Twin Lakes Food Bank, in Folsom, CA.  We have done this for Twin Lakes before, but this time they will be set aside for our homeless folks (another population I have a HUGE heart for). Since I will be taking the lead on their homeless outreach, I may get to give them out personally.

So...let's get started!


Scarves can be any type, crochet, knit, no-sew fleece, sewn, anything!  Kids, men and women are all in need, so get creative and have fun with this.

When you are finished, please send us an email, leave a message on our Facebook page or contact me directly and I will make arrangements to collect them. Thank you so much. ~~Robyne

Deadline:  November 10th.

Monday, August 22, 2016

We're Back!!!

I know Craft 4 Change has been on hiatus for a long time, but to be honest...I needed a break from a lot of things and unfortunately this was one that I needed to put on the back burner for a while. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Craft 4 Change, but felt that I wasn't giving it the attention it deserved, so decided to take some time off and regroup. I was trying to do too many projects in a year and felt I was rushing them and YOU.

I want to be more intentional with the projects and mindful of YOUR valuable time. By this, I mean that I will only be selecting projects and organizations that truly are on my heart, instead of just trying to come up with things to make and charities to help. I hope that makes sense, as I feel it will be much more meaningful and productive.  I am planning only doing 3 projects a year, beginning in 2017.

There are a few things that truly break my heart so I will be concentrating on those groups of people in the future. It's not that I didn't before, but I think that I was just trying to help everybody instead of really thinking too much first.  What this means, is that we might be repeating projects or organizations. (as we have in the past).  We might not choose a local group, as we have gone beyond our state lines and borders before and you didn't seem to mind. It will depend on the need. I hope you understand where my heart is coming from and continue to support and participate in our projects. I can't do this alone and appreciate each and every one of YOU that step up and help...you have no idea how much you all mean to me.

Love you all,

~~~ Robyne ~~~

So, I betcha' wondered what happened to all of those pillowcases, scarves and hats we made LAST year, right?

Sparks of Hope Update:

Stripes, checks and stars. Flowers, cowboys and cars!  Just some of the colorful and creative pillowcases that were delivered to Sparks of Hope this past November...just in time for their Winter Camp. I can only imagine the smiles on the faces of these very special kids as they got to choose "just the right pillowcase" for themselves.

I am once again, blown away of how generous YOU are when it comes to our projects. Once again, YOU came through for kids in a very special camp for survivors of abuse.  Are you ready to find out how many?  Drum roll please...


101 pillowcases!!





Loaves & Fishes Update:

Knitted, crochet and no-sew fleece scarves took over my kitchen island, along with hats, gloves and even socks! So many beautiful colors, patterns and styles...it was amazing!  Plenty of love went into making these treasures. Our local homeless folks were truly blessed by your caring hearts and generosity.

Sister Libby at Loaves and Fishes was so excited to receive these gifts of love.  She works with our homeless community, or as she calls them, "guests" on a daily basis and knows each one by name. Each person is treated with respect and dignity.

Oh, how many? 

191 scarves and 43 hats!

In front of Loaves & Fishes

So many beautiful scarves!
Creative and beautiful hats

Sister Libby and Robyne


So, now that you have been caught up on all things Craft 4 Change, look for our newest project real soon!  (hint: one of our favorites!)

God bless you all!

~~ Robyne