Tidal wave victims

[Ambersafghans]

I'm sure that most of you have heard about the 44,000 people killed by Tidal waves. 44,000 dead (http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=365647)
Well, I had an idea but was a little hesitant to post it, because I doubt I could organize it all. But someone might be able to so here it is.
With over 500 members here at crochetville, it would be possible to make a few comfortghans for some of the people that have lost all they have. (Home, family members...) And maybe we could make some special afghans that could be raffled or auctioned off (maybe on ebay) and the proceeds could go to helping the people that were effected. I'm thinking mostly of simple squares afghans. Maybe some other easy patterns. We are here at crochetville from all over. If we had an afghan or two to auction off, maybe we could get it advertised on the radio. Any thoughts? Or am I totally off the loop.

Amber

[HollyM]

It's not crazy at all, I've been wondering the same thing. Obviously monetary donations are the most immediate need, but in the coming weeks "things" will also be needed.

Is there anyone involved in missionary work that might know what are the most practical items to make for that part of the world? I was trying to look on Bev's site but some of the links were giving my computer fits <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/banghead.gif" />

Holly

[Ambersafghans]

That's in Asia right? I sponsor a missionary in Asia. I'll check, but I'm not sure what hand made items could be used. Which Is why I thought auctioning off afghans that we all make might work. (It would be quicker than us each individually making an afghan) I'm glad you don't think I'm crazy.
Amber

[Ambersafghans]

I am checking it right now. Gospel for Asia (http://www.gfa.org) Is already bringing relief to people hit by the Tidal waves. I'm going to email them and ask what if any crocheted items they think could be helpfull.
I hope a lot of the over 500 people here are interested!
Amber

[rebeccav]

i hope lightening doesn't hit the house for this... but, for right now... i'm concentrating my charity efforts on the US soldiers abroad :usflag

i do hope that you have plenty of volunteers for your projects :w-angel

[threeolivemartini]

rebecca... lightning shouldnt hit your house you are doing something GREAT.. I am with you though and as selfish as this might sound.. I am doing the same thing I am working on stuff for our boys over seas and their families..



i am sure other people might be interested in this though.. i dont see people in thailand needing afghans...its a tropical place....

[Ambersafghans]

No Lightning Rebbecca. :) That's great. There are a lot of places to put our service to, and we all have to choose which we will do. That's fine.
I'm not sure what the temps are at all, but it was a large area hit. And if they lost everything, they might need a blanket or two. Anyway I'm checking into that.
But does anyone have any thoughts on making a few to sell?
By the way, I just heard that the death toll has gone to 52,000. :(

[emeraldmoon]

Rebecca
You dont have to worry about lightning hitting your house..Your doing a good cause. I my self am way to busy doing a charity drive here in my home town.. I am making HATS FOR THE HOMELESS..
If you really think about it, we always are doing more for other countries when they are in need, food, clothing etc, but we never seem to help out our OWN ppl.. And the ones that always do always make for newborns, well what about the homeless, senior citizens, and teenagers. They are always the ones that are forgotten. Its always the newborns and the military..
Not that I am saying that its not good to help them as well. But 95 percent of charities that are about are for the military and the newborns.. So I have decided that hats for homeless is a good start. I plan on getting 100 made by the end of January. If I get more made than that, it will be wonderful. but other wise I have my goal.. And than will start on blankets for next winter..

[Julie]

I totally agree Cathey. That's one reason why in the Hat Swap I stated I would send hats to anysoldier.com if anyone wanted to donate them, but by all means it was fine to donate them anyplace else that seemed to need them. The point was just to get some made; every one that goes out and helps someone stay warm is all that really matters.

[Julie]

Here are a couple of different links with lists of organizations which are trying to help with the disaster relief.

International Organizations (http://tsunamihelp.blogspot.com/2004/12/international-aid-organizations.html)

How to send help from the USA (http://tsunamihelp.blogspot.com/2004/12/how-to-send-help-from-usa.html)

[mythunderbird]

amber, i think you have the right idea, but am not sure how to go about it. maybe we can start work on the comfortghans and then if it isn't what someone needs there(those poor souls i am praying so hard for them) then we can find a way to auction them(somehow, but i am not sure how we could do it) unless we did it indivually. rebecca, lightening isn't going to strike your house!!! you are doing a wonderful job with the helping the soldiers. i am trying to do a few more thing too, so maybe can do a little of both. bought some more cammo yarn today at walmart to make the skull caps for the troops. but i would also like to somehow help the poor victims. we can all help in whatever way we choose with whatever charity we choose, the key word is HELP OTHERS!!!! god bless all of you for helping those in need.:grouphug vicki::ty :ty

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

You know I've been watching all the coverage and thinking about how I can help, and obviously they need money. Comfortghans would be nice , also how about teddies, pillows or something that could comfort more people , something small just to hug and give a little encouragement. Just some thoughts.It's just so many people that are affected:cry it's very difficult to sit in my comfy home and not do something.

[antara]

Luv2crochet, I think pillows and stuffed animals are a great idea. You're absolutely right, sometimes, when you're going through a difficult situation, it's so comforting just to hug something to you. I also think comfortghans are a good idea. I would be more than willing to make squares for some, if we decide to do that. You guys have a lot of good ideas, whatever you decide, I'm sure I'll love to help out.

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I actually thought of it because of the teddies for tragedies post. I'm in whatever is decided I need to do something.

[mythunderbird]

hi thats a great idea, you sometimes just need something to love and cuddle with. i think i will make some bears and stuff for the children (parents too!!!)(adults too!!!) does anyone have a address where we can send the stuff once it is made? take care and thanks for caring about others. your all very special!!!!:sun vicki

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I don't know anything just yet. It's very chaotic there I'm sure so it will give us enough time to find a place to send them.I know as soon as I'm done making the berevment gown I'm doing now I'm gonna get cracking on some little bears and other little cuddlies.

Here's a good bear pattern I've made it before using lots of diff kinds of yarn.

irenecrafts.com/patterns/...e_bear.htm (http://irenecrafts.com/patterns/littlebear/little_bear.htm)

[Pridemom]

I don't know if anything I could make will be helpful, but we belong to a Southern Baptist church and the Baptists are already helping there. We'll just give through our church since 100% will go for disaster relief. I know that Amazon has a link to donate to the Red Cross, but a large percentage goes to administrative costs with the Red Cross. My heart breaks for those who've lost loved ones. :cry

[Ambersafghans]

I got a reply to my inquiry email and this is what it said.
Hello.
I was wondering if any crocheted items ( Afghans, shawls, scarves, baby
blankets...) Could be used to help the Tidal wave victims.
Thank you.


"I'm sorry it would not. The victims of the tidal wave will the them asap. It would take months to get those items over there. To give to the Tsunamis relief fund. Please call 1-800-WIN-ASIA to give by credit card. If you would like to give a gift by mail. The mailing address is Gospel for Asia, 1800 Golden Trail Ct., Carrollton Tx 75010.
Blessings to you.
"

So, comfortghans, pillows and bears would be good for afterward healing I think. But does anyone else think that we could "throw" and afghan together to auction off and send the money to help?
Amber

[antara]

I think that's a good idea. If we got enough people interested, we might even be able to make more than one. Maybe people would be more willing to bid for it since it would be for charity. Also, I wonder if there are people who would be willing to make some other items to donate to the auction, like hat and scarf sets or something.

[Ambersafghans]

I had thought of that because they would be smaller and easier to make. Alright. Let's get some ideas in here.
Amber

[bkellya]

I think the bears for the children are wonderful ideas. Hospitals are always passing out these sorts of thing to give comfort to children, my son has been the recipient of a few a nd it is amazing what a stuffed animal can do as comfort to a child who is confused and scared. I've never made a stuffed animal, but I'm going to give that pattern a go. I'm sure we'll find somewhere to send them!

[threeolivemartini]

these LAMBS (http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/Crochet_StuffedLamb_10012004.xml) are fairly quick to make ..

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I just finished w/ the inspired lace scarf I'd love to donate it to an auction. Plus anything else we think would sell well.

[Ambersafghans]

Oh that's great! lv2crochet, do you have a picture posted somewhere? I'd love to see it. That's so nice of you! That kind of thing I think would be good.
And I think stuffed animals for children would be great. I don't know how long they would take to get out there, but unfortunatly I think there will be plenty of kids in the hospital for awhile after this. I hope the sickness doens't take as many as the tidal wave did.
Okay. Last night and this morning we had guests, so I was preocupied with that. I"ll do all that I can to help organize this though. And if anyone else wants to step in and take charge let me know.
So we'll make stuffed animals for comfort and things for auctions. Any ideas on how we should do the auctions? I think it would be neat to have it advertised on local radios that we have somethings on ebay for the tidal wave victims. I've heard them telling about weird things on ebay before. Maybe in papers? If anyone knows of any local raffles they might be good as well. Okay, I"ve rambled on awhile.
How many people do we have that are interested in participating?
Amber

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Me for sure I've just been needing to get involved w/ helping in some way:thumbsup I need to post a pic my camera isn't cooperating w/ me all my pics are blurry I'm gonna try again though.I posted on the charity along hat post that we could make some fancy hats and try to auction them for this, and even if they didn't sell they'd still go to good use.

[Ambersafghans]

Meaning that we would send them the actual hats if they didn't sell?
Amber

[antara]

I'll be making some scarves and whatever else I think of to donate to the auction. Are we going to do a comfortghan? Because if we are, I'd like to make squares for it. It's a good idea to contact the media, Amber. Not only the radio, but maybe local newspapers or tv stations as well. Are we going to set up a special ebay account just for this? Should I send all my items to somebody to post on the auction? I don't have a digital camera, so I can't post pics myself. Okay, I'm gonna stop blabbing now and get to work.

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Amber I know on the charity hat along we are sending hats to shelters or anysoldier so all I meant was whatever doesn't sell could be donated to someone wherever it's needed.Certainly the monetary is the most helpful in asia right now since they're having trouble getting supplies shipped in right now.

[Ambersafghans]

okay, got it. Yes that's a great idea. Any things that don't sell can still be put to good use.
Oh Thanks Antartichik! I"m going to ask my Dad his oppinion on this, and then brainstorm. I have had a little experience with ebay buying and selling (More buying, and actually, listing. Not yet selling :))
Question. Would it be worth it to send all the items to one place so that one person can answer questions on items, or would the extra shipping not be worth it?
This is sounding great! I just watched another broadcast on the Tidal Wave. the number is over one hundred twenty five thousand! Oh it feels good to be doing (or starting) something.
Amber

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I would think sending items to 1 person would be good. It does cost to list things on ebay though:thinking2 and then to ship the packages out as well Gosh I'm just not sure how to start this maybe we could get a website together and post things on it and we could each be responsible for shipping out our items then all the money could go in the same paypal acct directly.I'm deff willing to pay a nomimal shipping fee but of course we could take that out of the price.Gosh so much to think about:thinking2 .

[antara]

A website! That's a great idea. It would really help me out to send my items to someone to post, because I have no way of posting pics. If I had a digital camera, I would just post them myself, but.... Would it be possible for me to send one of you ladies my items? Of course I would be paying for the shipping to get it to you, but then, if any of them sold, I would reimburse you for those shipping costs as well, and also any listing fees, if we decide to go with ebay. And when do we want to have our stuff done by? Or will this be an ongoing project? :thinking2

[Donna]

If you are planning to list on eBay, you have to abide by their charity auction rules: pages.ebay.com/help/policies/fundraising.html (http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/fundraising.html). On that page, it says that "charitable fundraising is a highly regulated area subject to numerous state and federal laws," so if you are going to do a web site instead of eBay, I think you will need to check into whatever regulations there might be.

[Ambersafghans]

Thanks for that info Donna. I"ll look into it.
I'm consulting my Dad as to whether or not I would be able to organize this. I think it would be easier to get a new ebay acount, so that if needed the organization of it could be passed on to someone else. We will be starting school full blast this upcoming Monday. So, I'm not sure yet. I'm doing all I can to get a quick answer, but not too hasty. Anyway, that doen't have to hold anyone up on making things to auction. (Stuffed animals, scarves, doilies.... )
While I"m at it, is there anyone else who thinks they could organize this? I'm going to be gone for a few hours, and then we have plans for tonight. So I might not be back on until tomorrow.
Happy New Year's!
Amber

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I looked at the mission fish ebay program and well I'm just not sure about this ebay thing.For 1 person to be responsible since you need a credit card and such:thinking2 . I'm thinking I'm gonna make some bears , toys and little pillows and possibly soon there will be a way to send them :fc .

[threeolivemartini]

my two cents.. i dont think you would get as much on ebay as you would say a raffle or some sort of thing like that..

[Ambersafghans]

Threeolives, I have to say that is probably correct. But, I'm not sure if we could do something else.
Hey! I just started looking at that link Donna left, and guess what!?! There is already stuff set up for the Tsunami relief and we could sell things through that on ebay for the Red Cross! I don't think I said that well. Anyway it might be a lot easier than I thought. I'm checking it out.
And if anyone knows of any raffles, that would be great.
Amber

[Julie]

Today and tomorrow Stitch Diva is donating the proceeds from her pattern sales to the International Red Cross to help the tsunami victims. So go get that pattern you've been debating about for the last couple of weeks. It's the perfect excuse!!

Stitch Diva (http://www.stitchdiva.com/)

[Ambersafghans]

Okay, so if we are ebay sellers, we can get an acount with Mission Fish (http://www.missionfish.org)
And you can pick a nonprofit organization that is listed ( The Red Cross is Listed) And then list things on ebay to sell. That way the money is pledged to that organization. (You pick what percentage goes to it, but it has to be at least $10. )
Listings like that have a ribbon at the to let people know that money will be going to a charity.
Does that sound better? For everyone to list their own things? I'm sorry if I didn't explain it very well. I'm tired and we are still supposed to play monopoly tonight. Oh well, give me your thoughts.
Happy new Year!
Amber

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Got it Amber That's what I was thinking too. If anyone would still like to sell for charity then you could do it all the time, why wait until there's a disater to give.I'm thinking about trying it, but in the meantime I'm just gonna give a little cash.
I read on someones blog to just not buy 1 ball of yarn and give that money , could really make a difference.

[Ambersafghans]

Every little bit counts.
I was looking on ebay, and it doesn't look like a lot of scarves are selling very well. But there are a few, hooded scarves that were doing well.
Hey Donna, wasn't it you that made those care bears? Where did you get the pattern?
Was anyone other than Antartichik and lv2crochet interested in this? I think it would be neat to post what items you are putting up and how they go. Anyway I'd better run now.
(I just saw that they are getting rain and flash floods in Asia. :( )
Amber

[mythunderbird]

hi amber, it was me that made the carebears. got the pattern from annies attic, but hershners has it as does mary maximes. i am going to try and make little carebears as the big ones take awhile and a lot of yarn. so am going to try and adapt them down. hope that helps you knowing where i got them, they were 10.00 for all the patterns.i think there were 10 bears in it. :hug vicki

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I was just watching the nightly news and some people were donating shoes and clothes and stuff. I realize it's probably gonna be hard to get anything there for now but I still like the idea of making something to give some comfort:hug , it would take time to make anyway.They're gonna need support for a very long time.

[mythunderbird]

i agree, and we can all do something no matter how big or small, if it can bring some comfort to those in need, then i say DO IT!!!! blessings on all of you for wanting to help. vicki:grouphug

[Ambersafghans]

Thanks Vicki. I'll try to find the pattern. Were they hard? I"ve not used a lot of thread before.
Lv2crochet, I don't know how long it would take to get something there, but probably long enough that we shouldn't wait if we were going to start one!
So who wants to do a comfortghan? I"ve not done one before. How was the one for Jordon done? granny squares of just single crochet squares? I"ve got to run. Be back later.
Amber

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I've never done 1. I'll make a few squares if yall wan't to do that:yes Does anyone want to make bears or lambs or any little toys to send as well ?

Alisha :tex

[antara]

Toys would be perfect for me, as I could just send them to wherever, and not have to post them.

[mythunderbird]

hi amber, my carebears are made with yarn, and nope they were easy. i wish i could send you the pattern, but with copyright laws it is impossible. as for stuffed toys , there are a lot of patterns on the net , that are pretty easy to do. lambs i have seen also elephants ect. i think this would be a great thing to give. children need something to cuddle as do adults. my mother-in-law loved my carebears so much gave her one for christmas. now it has a place of honor on her chair right beside her:rotfl :rotfl anyone elese think of anything? :grouphug vicki

[Nashville Crocheter]

We could also make the teddy bears in another link...Teddies for Tragedies to send to the tsunami victims.

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Yep the teddies for tragedies is where I got the idea.I think if anything is a tragedy this is it. So Me I'm in :yay2 I think the toys we could whip up alot between us all. They lost everything so the kiddos need something to cuddle, so let's get started:yay2 .Let's also post some pics and our progress of what we have done.

:tex Alisha

[Ambersafghans]

Alright. I'm going to post a pole so that we know how many people want to help. I"m still trying to figure out how a comfortghan should be done. Anyone with experience available to help? But I think that toys would be great to start on.
Amber

[Ambersafghans]

Does anyone know of a local raffle that would except items for the Tsunami victims? I've not had great experiences with selling crocheted items on ebay.
And anyone who is interested in whipping up a fast blanket, you can actually buy granny squares on ebay by the 50 or 100s! Some of you might already have seen those, but I was a bit surprised.
Amber

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Here's a couple of bears I made I'm going to change the eyes on the red white and blue one to stitched instead of the beads

img.villagephotos.com/p/2...grbear.jpg (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-10/857771/grbear.jpg)

img.villagephotos.com/p/2...blbear.jpg (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-10/857771/rdwhblbear.jpg)

[Ambersafghans]

Oh nuts, I have to submit those links before I can see the pictures. :( I'll see them. I'm sure they are really cute.
Amber

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Sorry Amber I don't know how to post them any other way:oops :thinking2 I'm not the brightest when it comes to computer stuff:oops

[Ambersafghans]

Oh no it's nothing you did. Actually links are the best way for me to see pictures. I can't always see them if they are just posted. But I can see them on websites. (Weird) But I have to submit those websites for characterlink to review. And then I can see them.
But, I'm not very technical either!!!
Um, do you think that items for warmth (comfortghans) could be used in Asia? It doesn't seem to me like it gets cold there, but I don't know what the temps vary to. So, maybe we should stick with smaller comfort items (animals and such) and anything else to sell? I'm glad you are in this Alisha, and Chelsea too. I'm just a little disapointed that that's out of over 500. But, I know a lot of people are helping other charities.
Amber

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Amber I'm so happy to help somehow. I've been praying for someway to give back and here's an opportunity.

Should we give our project a name maybe Comfort Cuddles.I think anything we can make that can be cuddled:cloud9 is good.

[Ambersafghans]

Sure. :) I don't know how much of a group we will be, but throw out ideas! I've not been able to totally figure out what I will do yet. I'm trying.
Amber

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Every little thing helps and maybe some more folks will join in:fc .About comfortghans maybe we could make smaller ones so we could do more of them:thinking2 .

Have a good afternoon Friend:hug

[Nashville Crocheter]

From all I am hearing on the news now, it seems that they want money right now. I really don't want to send money.

So maybe we go ahead and start making the toys and comfortghans and other things so we will be ready to send them when they start asking for other things.

Maybe somebody here will know of a missionary group that is going over there to help. We could give our items to a group like that so they can give them out.

I will check with my church tomorrow to see if they know of any groups.

Barbara

[Tiffany]

Amber, although your idea is a great one and I'm glad that others are joining in, I am choosing to donate money through reliable charities. At this point, they need help right now to help with medical supplies and getting the infrastructure back into place so that more lives are not lost due to disease.

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I found a link for some cute little toys:))

www.sarahanns.com/crochet...imals.html (http://www.sarahanns.com/crochetworks/animals.html)

I really can't decide which one I like most I really love the robin and owl but the racoon and the:thinking2 well they're all too cute :)h

[Nashville Crocheter]

OMG those are too cute! I'm working on a teddy bear now, but when I'm finished, I may start on some of those animals.

Barbara

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Aren't they though :)h I don't know which 1 I'll try first.

[emeraldmoon]

I am with you.. They need the money way more than they do toys, comfort ghans etc.. Plus my girlfriends husband is related to the family from salt lake.. Anyways they said that they dont want to see clothing etc sent to them, because right now they need the money to rebuild etc.. Also the cost of shipping is going to be outragious.. So the amount of money that your paying to ship off a box over there could be more money for supplies that they are in MORE need of..
The idea is great, but the money would be a heck of alot better to send..
I suggest to use your ideas for the toys etc for the ppl here in our own country that will appreciate and want or need more.. Making things like that and donating to your firestations, police stations, social services would be good places as they will give them to children who can use and love them more.

SO my suggestion would be instead of spending that 5 dollars for the yarn to make the items to send, plus the money to ship a pkg that might or might not get there at all(and say if it does get there, it could sit there for yrs till something is done with it) Send the cash to a charity that will go directly to them so that they can have it now and use it for what they are needing at this point..

[mythunderbird]

hi i agree with cathey, i see pretty much every where there are palces asking for donations. even costco today, so thats what i did, made a $$$ donation. was wonderful to see that so many people had already given, saw alot of 20, 50 and yes even 100.00 bills in there.:woohoo :woohoo help is coming people:woohoo vicki

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I'm deff not spending money on yarn I've been crocheting long enough to have wads of yarn that is just sitting around.I've donated money allready , but I just don't feel like me giving money is doing enough :shrug If the toys can't get there there's alot of places they can go here but for me and I can only speak for me I like thinking that I'm doing something more, there's just so much suffering:cry . Plus lots of folks can't financially give money especially after Christmas but most crocheters probably have a yarn stash that is just sitting in a closet.Yes give money if you can a few dollars whatever you can afford , just give something.

I'm frustrated now :worried :( I guess this was an unpopular idea

[HollyM]

It's not an unpopular idea, just one that has turned out to be a little impractical <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/grouphug.gif" />

Please don't feel discouraged. My first gut reaction was Ok, I can send $$, but I want to *do* something also. I think a lot of people felt that way.

Unfortunately, as the enormity of the situation there unfolded, it became pretty clear crochet items aren't the way to go. It will be months before they will be able to deal with item donations from "regular" people. Right now they can't even get food to people.

As far as auctioning off items, you can certainly try it, but Ebay isn't really hot on home made items like that. I often see things close with no bids or hardly enough to cover the yarn & listing costs.

Please don't let that discourage you though. There are plenty of local charities that can use any items you choose to make. After September 11th, I know many domestic charities were hurting because peoples money & efforts were channeled toward 9/11 charities. I think the same thing will probably happen now. So even though you might not be able to send crochet items over there, they will be considered extra helpful over here <img border=0 src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/spin.gif" />

That people choose different charities isn't really the important thing. It's doing anything good for any group is what counts. In a pollyannish touchy-feely way <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif" /> IMHO, it all comes around in one big circle. The hat you send to a soldier may help him sleep better at night which allows him to focus better on his mission. That little bit might help things come to a resolution faster in that part of the world, which would mean the Red Cross would have less work to do in the Middle East which would allow them to do more in the Tsunami area.

The hat that is donated to a homeless shelter, well, that might keep one person warm & healthy, maybe preventing them from being hospitalized for pneumonia at tax payers expense.

See, I told you I was a loon <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/cutewink.gif" />

I'll hop off my <img border=0 src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/soapbox.gif" /> now

[Seneca and Scooch]

Please don't feel discouraged! :hug
Follow your heart. :heart I so admire what you are doing and I would love to help out with a comfortghan. And even though I haven't been very successful in making Teddy Bears in the past, you have inspired me to try again. :)) Maybe it will be awhile before you can send your cuddles over there but maybe we could find out how to get in touch with a family here that has lost relatives over there and they would find some comfort with a gift such as yours made from your heart.
I will send you my e-mail address.
:hug

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Thank you Holly and Seneca and Scooch :hug :)h I just felt like wow everyones knocking us here telling us that we're doing something wrong when all of our hearts are in the right place:)h . I' mean just because they can't get stuff there now easily doesn't mean that in 6 months or even a year that somehow we can't give a little comfort to someone:hug2 .I say everyone give what they can if your hearts in the right place how is that wrong.Please be aware when you tell us to save the money for shipping costs and yarn you should look at how you're spending your money as well. The price of a cup of coffee for a week or eating out would make a good donation.

I have been so touched by this situation seeing the smiling little faces on tv even though their whole world has been torn apart.I've been really aware of spending money I have not been buying anything but food and meds. Most importantly I haven't been to walmart in 2 weeks:eek2 .I know this will change but I just can't be selfish at a time like this:sb .

[Seneca and Scooch]

Amber :))
Big hugs to you! :hug
You are the one that started this post. :)) On the Today Show this morning they had a little girl on that sold hot chocolate to raise money, they also showed little girls who make necklaces or bracelets and I thought of you and your generous heart. :heart I would love to help out with a comfortghan and as I said earlier, I am going to attempt to make a Teddy Bear. :cloud9
Let me know what you need and I will try to hook you up.:))
(Excuse the pun! :rotfl )

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Seneca I think Amber got upset I don't blame her:worried but she's not been here for a couple of days. She may just be busy I hope that's it I'd hate to think she got hurt since all she wanted to do was help:)h !! :hug Amber big hugs Hon we miss you.

Seneca I tried to send you an email but it came back:shrug ??

Alisha :tex

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Please read this I found at Bevs country cottage very inspiring :)h


www.bevscountrycottage.com/one.html (http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/one.html)

[Nashville Crocheter]

:sb
I have plenty of yarn to make little stuffed animals. I really don't want to donate money. Sounds like they have tons of money right now.

A group here in Nashville is getting ready to send medical personel to the countries hit by the tsumani. I called today to see if they could or would want to take our crocheted toys to the children they treat.

They took my number and hopefully someone will call me back tomorrow. The people who are going are staying 2 weeks at a time. Then another group goes. So we could send a batch every 2 weeks if they want them.

I would be glad for ya'll to send them to me and I will take them to the charity to give to the people who are leaving every two weeks.
I think we have a good idea, it is just that everyone is so focused on the things needed to stay alive. Believe me, the children will appreciate the toys if we can just get them there.

Barbara

[mythunderbird]

:cry hi i think that it is going to be hard to get anything to these kids right now, from what i am hearing on the news, even the food and medical supplies aren't getting in. i donated money and while i would like to help the children too, i am just going to keep giving my bears to the police and firefighters here, who give them to children tramatized. they also appeciate it. if it becomes practical to send stuff to the victims i will, but until then. am going to keep doing what i am doing. it is a great idea, wanting to help, just sometimes it becomes impossible to do. if the relief workers can take the stuffed toys to the children, that will work, but odds are that they won't have the room for them. don't mean to dash anyones hopes, just putting my:twocents in. vicki:cry

[Seneca and Scooch]

Barbara,
That is so sweet of you to offer. :hug
Keep us posted on when they are going and I'd be happy to send what I make to you. :))
Coralie

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Barbara that would be wonderful:)h :angel :fc I would also love to send my items to you :mail . Gotta to hit the sack my benadryl has kicked in:yawn

[pidot]

whatever the group decides I'm one with all of you here. It still breaks my heart to see all of the victims of the tsunami. Thank God the Philippines was spared, my country is just located northern of Indonesia.

I have also been trying to figure out how I can help and last sunday when I went to church there was a second money collection intended only for the tsunami victims here in Asia.
I continue to pray for all the victims of the tragedy.

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Thanks pidot :hug I think most of us are making some little toys to cuddle. Also I think Ambers idea of comfortghans is great. Maybe make smaller ones though so more folks can get them.Who knows we may never find a way to get them to those poor people but they'll find a good home somewhere.

Also I know that most groups that make toys for children sew the faces on so there aren't choking hazards.

Thanks so much Hon I'm glad the Philippines was spared to :cheer2 Theres so many lost and suffering allready it's just unbelievable :cry

[Nashville Crocheter]

Well I heard back from the group here in Nashville. They say they cannot take the stuffed animals now.

I NOT giving up on this. :) On the TODAY Show there was a lady whose son is in helping medically in Sri Lanka and she has collected many stuffed animals and is sending them to her son (who requested them). So I am going to try to find out how to get in touch with her to get an address.

I'll still try to find a group here in Nashville too.

Barbara

[MiCountess]

Just a thought and my :twocents - Have you thought about the American families that are here, that have lost loved ones from this disaster. Maybe something can be done to help those families. Don't know what we could do. But just a thought...........

Michelle

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Yes Michelle that has been mentioned and it's a very good idea. I think we're all just crocheting away :crochet and when we get enough done we'll find a place for them.:yes

[Ambersafghans]

I'm Back! And no I didn't get mad. Thanks for the comments. :)
My Dad sprang a Computer tear down on me and instead of lasting only a day or two, it's been almost a week. but we now have the connection back! I don't have all my emails and favorites yet, but it's coming. That's why I was gone.
I see a lot of sense in all the comments. I'd like to help, but I also want to help the way they need help. I"m normally pretty good at organizing some things, but for some reason my brain isn't kicking in. I would like to try some of the animals, but I'm not sure how much I'll be able to do because I'm still running a bussiness.
I hope to try selling things through ebay, but I need to figure what that would really sell. (I just got some new yarn! Cha cha, bernet Galaxy and Paton's Devine for scarf "experiments". Actually, one is for my Aunt, if she gets back with me, and one for my brother. Whatever I have left will go to be sold. I'll try selling anywhere I can, but I think selling face to face is better.
So what I'm saying, is that I don't know how much if any I"ll be able to crochet for this. :( (which is why I hesitated to post the idea) But I"ll try.
Anyway I'll go see who all wanted to help with the comfortghan and see if we can get that going. But, maybe it would be easier to make the comfortghans for people in the U.S and smaller items to send out? Any thoughts on that?
Thanks Alisha for wanting to help and backing me up! Thanks Barbara and Coralie and all those I can't name. And to whoever said they were going to donate to known charities instead, that is perfectly fine with me and I am not at all mad. God bless you all for caring and helping however he shows you to help!
Amber

[Seneca and Scooch]

Amber :)) Glad you are back :bounce
I tell ya, you are one amazing, well spoken teenager, or I should say young lady. Just the fact that you want to help with all that you have going on with homework as well as other obligations means a lot. Whether you can donate one dollar, one square towards a comfortghan or one teddy bear, it is the thought that counts. :)h
Coralie
:))

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Very well said Coralie:yes Amber I commend your hard work and , wanting to help so much. You have such a big heart:heart

[pidot]

Hey I was glad to hear the news yesterday night that the filipino forensic team volunteered to take samples of the dead bodies that haven't been recognize yet. :clap People there had already been advice to leave the areas where there are still a lot of dead bodies found to prevent from themselves from catching any disease.

I think that our gov't here hasn't been donating a lot of money :hee but i'm sure that a lot of individuals here are sharing their blessings to the victims of the tsunami.
But above all, we are still glad knowing everyone is helping out. :sun

Fe

[Ambersafghans]

ah thanks! I don't know how much I can do yet, but I do want to help. Thank you all for joining me!

Amber