The Handmade team is a wonderful group.  I always appreciate what everyone does.  Each participant does her best and tries her hardest to make our scarf project successful.  The abused women who have sought the protection of a shelter always appreciate our efforts.  I value all contributions but what happened today (and actually over the past few weeks) really deserves special mention.  Here’s the story.  Hope you have some tissues nearby.

At the end of July, Sally Flowers, at that time a would-be participant of Handmade, saw our bin at the Anza Barber Shop.  Here’s what she wrote to me:  I have had to move my Mom in with me as she has spent the last month in hospital. I have a lot of yarn and would like to know if we can donate that to you and your organization?

Of course, I told her Handmade wanted the yarn.  Much to my surprise, in addition to 5 huge bags of yarn, Sally included many partially finished projects started by her mother.  The projects were crocheted squares of cute images, birds, elves, gift boxes, roses, etc.  Because they were crocheted, I sent them to Joanne Garlick, a long-time Handmade volunteer who often crochets 100 scarves for us each month.  I didn’t know what Joanne would do with them, but I knew if they could be made into something useful for abused women, Joanne would do it. 

Today, our volunteers opened many boxes containing scarves, yarn, and the blankets Joanne made from the squares I sent her.  The newly made blankets were incredible.  I could hardly believe my eyes.  All “work” stopped so we could admire the blankets.   Usually, when I thank Joanne for each shipment of scarves she sends, I ask her if she can hear us cheering at the beauty and quality of her work.  Today, we called her so she could hear us herself.  What a moment.  All the volunteers shouted “Thank you,” “they’re beautiful,” and honestly, Joanne and I both were crying due to happy emotions.

Later, Joanne sent me this email: 

Thank you so much for the phone call and the cheers.

It was overwhelming to hear and know that my little effort was so well received.

I thank God for the talent that He gave me and the yarn you send so that I can be creative with all things.

Sometimes I get a few surprises in the boxes you send but God willing I figure it out.

Enjoy your time and a big Thank you.

God Bless You all and love, Joanne

AND, then later, I received this email response from Sally:

Thank you so much for the note... I read it to Mom and she is so happy that someone can finish the pieces we sent (if you get more photos that would be nice too) 

I know you will want to see the blankets.  Ann photographed a few this morning and posted them in our website's Photo Gallery.