What it is all about...

Spring 2005

For the last 6 years Bank of America has been having a yarn drive for us.
This year Lisa Eisenhart has once again headed the very successful
drive. All Bank of America branches were involved. We thank them so
much for all their
hard work.

* * *

The year was 1999 and one of my favorite people was told he would have
to have chemotherapy. After his first treatment
he called and ask if I would make afghans for the patients at the
treatment center. In the meantime Caron International
Yarn Company heard what I was doing and sent me some yarn that was new
to me called Simply Soft. It was inexpensive, machine washable and
perfect for what I needed. Several months later I received a call
telling me that I could no longer send the afghans because of the Georgia
laundry laws. I was livid. When presented with a brick wall
one has two choices. Go over or around. Since then we have sent hundreds
of afghans to various cancer organizations,
Bosom Buddies and cancer patients all over Georgia.

We learned of an organization called Angel Flight in 2002. There are
private pilots that transport patients, mainly babies and children, from
many states for medical treatment. We supply a blanket for each flight.
We really love working with this worthwhile group.

We started working with Scottish Rite and Children's Hospital of Atlanta
in 2004. To day we have sent them more than
300 blankets. I have been told the parents as well as the children
really love our blankets.

The Center for the Visually Impaired received blankets and toys made of
yarn for their babies and toddlers.

About two years ago we started working with a local Kidney Dialysis
Center. The patients get very cold during their four hour treatments.
They are all given of afghans to take home. We have supplied over 600 to
6 different centers. We receive books and magazines that are sent from
all over the city and then forwarded to the centers.

* * *

I was contacted by Susan Roc of New York. She is starting group similar
to ours. She is a very bright, articulate woman. A real go getter. We
wish her much success.

Pat Jackel called us from California. She will be relocating to Florida
after the hurricane season is over. We look forward to working with
her.

Deborah Eliss in Macon, Georgia called to tell me she has an organization
called Huggs and Stitches that is nation wide. Her group will be joining
us on a project yet to be decided.

* * *

I recently received a call from an old friend that taught my girls in the
first grade. Her daughter, Holly Lawrence, graduated from Vanderbilt
University and is now a kindergarten teacher at the Prairie School in
the south side of Chicago.

One of Holly's students, Desiree, lived in an apartment with her Mother,
three year old sister and one year old brother.
Their apartment burned down leaving the family with nothing. They need
clothing and toys. Anything you can do will
be most appreciated.

Holly's class is in need of books for 5 year olds. So if you have any
books that you no longer need, she could really use them.. Her e-mail
address is holly.lawrence@corps2004.tfanet.org.

* * *

One of our hardest working, most productive volunteers. Rose Robbins, met
the man of her dreams last year. This
May they were wed. We wish them much joy and happiness.

.* * *

None of this work would be possible without the volunteers all over
Georgia and other states that continue to send beautiful blankets. My
most sincere appreciation for all your hard work. Till next time. Ever
Ellie