Union Bank donated $1,000 to Handmade.  Jake Richards, manager of the Long Beach branch (which is home for Handmade’s account) presented the award at our July 20 wrapping party. 

Now we have actually received the $$$$ so we are even happier and want to share the news with you. 

We will use this generous gift to defray the cost of shipping our finished scarves and other items to the 70+ shelters for abused women that we serve.  We recently sent stuffed animals and baby items to 20 shelters who requested them.  In September, we will resume shipping comfort scarves to the shelters. 

Comfort scarves are a big deal at the shelters.  Many of the women who receive them have never before received a personal gift.  Yes, I wrote:  NEVER.  They are very down-hearted, sad, worthless, and feel they have nothing to look forward to.  They are amazed when they receive our scarves that people they don’t even know have made something so beautiful for them.  That has a big impact.  It gives them hope that maybe they can have a future without abuse.  Directors at the shelters use this moment to encourage them to begin the education and therapy that will change their lives. 

That’s not to say that receiving a comfort scarf always has this result.  And I'm not saying that the women finish the course of therapy and education the first, second, or even third time they try.  But receiving a comfort scarf helps them start.  Our needles are very powerful. 

Thanks to all Handmade’s volunteers for making beautiful comfort scarves that provide hope to abused women.  And Thanks, Union Bank, for providing $$$ so we can ship them to shelters for abused women. 

Thanks for keeping our scarf project going. 

Love, 

Leslye 

PS  If you want to donate yarn, scarves, $$$, please send them to:

Handmade Especially for You c/o Leslye Borden

30065 Grandpoint Lane

Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275

Handmade is a 501(c)3 charity so your donations are tax deductible.