Happy times are here again!!!  Really.  Yesterday was Handmade’s first group shipping since last March.  Chris, Ann and I did it.  Make sure you’re sitting down.  Here’s the numbers:  1,630 comfort scarves (and one youth blanket) to 34 shelters.  Wow.  But what was great wasn’t just the numbers.  It was working with Chris and Ann.  The team.  Almost like old times.  None of you were wrapping mountains of scarves in the dining room while we were packing the boxes, but there were the three of us.  Phil helped, as always, bringing in box after box of wrapped scarves from the shed.  Aside from working so hard, I think we all felt good getting almost back to normal.  Even the UPS man was happy. 

Of course, thanks to everyone who made such a wonderful day possible—yarn donors, box openers, measurers, winders, wrappers, knitters, crocheters, all of you.  We couldn’t have done it without every one of you and all that you did.  You know what I’m going to say next:  Give yourself a big pat on the back.  Your dedication means a lot to me personally and to all the abuse survivors we serve.

The shelters sense our dedication and love our commitment.  They sent me the most incredible letters requesting our scarves for their Mother’s Day celebrations.  I felt so inspired when I read them.  I want you to feel inspired too, so here are a few examples:

(Hillsides)  What a WONDERFUL email to receive. Thank you so much for including Hillsides. We would love to receive some of your "comfort scarves". Would 50 be too many?   Laura

(Good Shepherd Shelter)  Our moms will be so comforted to receive your Handmade Hugs! Thank you so much!!  Deana

(Coachella Valley Rescue)  We love you scarves!!! Not only do our mothers and single women get them, but we take them with our Outreach Teams and share them in the encampments on the street. We so appreciate them. I would like 100, please

(Union Rescue Mission)  The scarves are all very special to us here and indeed felt like hugs to us too.  They mean a lot to our guests... it's also a token of love for them. One time, one of them also commented,  how people who do not know them, care so much about them, and love them unconditionally through the scarves that they received. So... they do mean a lot for us here!  You can keep the count the same (250 )  Rebeka

(Building Futures)  It is so good to hear from you.  Thank you for sharing.  The ladies have always loved the hand knitted or crocheted scarves.  How about 35.  Joyce

(Downtown Women’s Center)  Your donated items help us create a safe, comfortable community for women experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles.  We'd be thrilled to offer your lovely scarves to the women we serve for this special celebration. You can ship 100-200 scarves.  Grace

(Gems Uncovered)  I love  ... "Hand Made Hugs"!   So beautiful and the hearts that made them.  We would appreciate 30.  Mary 

(Fred Jordan Mission)  You are all amazing.  We would love to give these out in our Mother Day Gift Bags.  I love the name: Handmade Hugs.  Yes, we do our best to build their self-esteem and to let them know they are not forgotten.  We are planning on putting together 150 gift bags.  Thank you and God Bless,  Cheryl

(Family Assistance)  I am so excited to hear this!! The clients always love and appreciate the scarves they receive from you and your group. I am thinking maybe 50 would do. . . Jobi

Remember, these aren’t the thank you notes.  These are the requests!  I’ll share the thank you notes as they come in.

Keep your needles clicking!

Love,

Leslye