Sewing for charity is a rewarding activity - both for the volunteers and the ones who receive the needed items.

Tomorrow is a big day. I was a bit worried about it but now everything is going to be just fine.

I have two big work meetings tomorrow and one of them needed more sewing machines than are available.  It is frustrating to me to see ladies waiting in line for a chance to help sew what is needed but not enough machines to go around.  The Lord knows what we need, who has it and who is willing to help his sick and needy children and take action.

Just in the nick of time, two sewing machines were delivered and will be taken to the morning work meeting so there will be enough machines.  I am so relieved and VERY happy. When I let the other volunteers know that two more machines arrived, they were so excited and now instead of not getting any sleep trying to figure out how to cycle the volunteers around on the machines better, I am happily looking forward to seeing the huge auditorium filled with hustle and bustle making all kinds of marvelous things tomorrow at the LDS Stake Humanitarian work meeting.

A huge thank you to our Relief Share guardian angel – I know the angels in heaven are doing high fives over her love and support for God’s most helpless children.  The morning work meeting is only once a month and now we have machines that the ladies can take home during the month to keep working.

The afternoon work meeting is going to be pretty thrilling, too.  When I went to the service room on Tuesday we had a serious shortage of fabric and yarn and NO batting for quilts.  One of the directors on the Relief Share board and myself worked hard last night to get a van load full of fabric and yarn ready for other LDS Humanitarian volunteers to pick up this morning and take over to the service room ready for tomorrow.  It cleaned out pretty much everything I had, even all the reserves, but its going to be awesome tomorrow to see the room bustling with activity and lots of warm hats, scarves, mittens, quilts, knitted balls, clothing and bedding being made. We also have volunteers with cars and trucks ready to do donation runs as the boxes fill up with finished goods.   The boxes that are shipped to Relief Share are distributed immediately to the most urgent needs.

I have to say that I am exhausted. It’s been full steam ahead since I hit the ground running when I arrived in Boise, ID less than a week ago after being in Misssouri for 4 1/2 months, and I am hoping for a wee break on Sunday as I sit in church quietly knitting and listening to more direction from God from the pulpit. I love getting my batteries recharged.  The little baby hat I knitted in church is already on a baby’s head being used LOL.

Charity work is marvelous and I am so grateful for all the wonderful donors and volunteers that make this world a better place.

One of the reasons why Relief Share is so effective is we work with other charities and the synergism is amazing – so many more sick and needy receive the help they need. One of our very favorite organizations we love to work with is LDS Humanitarian Services.  If you have activities in your area going on at the LDS Church, get involved.  It’s amazing what hearts bound in the same charitable service can do  – miracles happen.

If you want to help –

- donate to ReliefShare.org by sending a paypal donation to info@ReliefShare.org
– send a box of gently used or new items for babies, children and adults to Relief Share, 6200 N River Pointe Dr, C208, Boise, Idaho 83714 OR 6078 Lundy Rd, Houston, MO 65483-2225
- send a box of supplies for our volunteers to make what is needed.  Fabric, yarn, sewing, serging, quilting, knitting, crochet, tatting, embroidery and other supplies are needed.

All donations are acknowledged with a thank you letter and tax deductible receipt.

President Carol Green,
ReliefShare.org charity

Warn knitted hat - one size fits children and adult

This entry in our blog is bringing attention to the needs of those who are dealing with lack.  When we think that an item will be used for a specific purpose, those who have not may use it for our intended purposes, but also have the creativity and inventiveness to re-purpose it for other needs.

We were charmed to see what our knitted hat wound up being used for by a sweet little girl who innocently showed us that there are different ways to look at and use the same things.  Thinking outside the box allowed her to spend happy hours caring for her baby doll in a soft cuddly bunting pod, and when it gets cold, she can immediately pop the baby dolls ‘bed’ on her head for a cute warm hat to protect her head from the chilly weather.  I guess you could look at it this way – warm weather, it’s a dolly bed – cold weather, it’s a hat.

Attention to detail makes the hat fit better and look nicer

Cute soft baby doll bed, re-purposed hat by a little girl - smart thinking.

Just a few extra minutes with a crochet hook and adding a button really puts that 'touch of love' message to recipients.

If you would like to donate knitted or crocheted hats to help the  sick and needy, feel free to use your own patterns or email us at info@ReliefShare.org for our pattern shown above.

Hugs to you – may your heart always be warm, your tummy full and you be willing to help others when the spirit of God touches you to do so.

Carol Green
President
Relief Share
6078 Lundy Rd
Houston, MO 65483-2225

or

ReliefShare
6200 N River Pointe Dr c208
Boise, Idaho 83714

log cabin quilt

How does the title for this blog post hit you?  That tells you how long and hard I have been searching the net to find a very simple quick log cabin quilt block pattern  – one that beginners and experts alike will love.

This is a very fast and easy pattern to do.  The two best websites I found tutorial patterns on are these:
http://www.quiltingassistant.com/logcabinblock.html

http://www.cabins-r-us.com/log-cabin-quilt-block-pattern.html

This quilt can be made very easily with strips of fabric. If you want to do a quilt-as-you-go quilt, sew the block on a backing of muslin with batting on top and use binding to put the squares together. This method is used in the Quilt in a Day quilt books that can be bought on half.com – one of my all time favorite quilting books by Eleanor Burns, a marvelous expert quilter:
http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQprZ972661

Use a jelly roll (strips of fabric you can purchase at Wal Mart or other fabric stores) or use up the left over fabric you have from other projects.  Your serger and rotary cutter can make sewing this quilt even faster and easier.

Relief Share has been blessed with very generous donations of fabric and supplies this past week.  Ray Cox has sent many boxes of bolts of quilting fabric that are already being made up into quilts for the sick and needy.   Books and a rotary rulers were also included in his boxes of love honoring his sweet wife, Debra.  Her legacy of love for the sick and needy goes on through Ray’s continuing efforts to answer God’s call to help the helpless and lift up the hearts and hands that hang down from trial and adversity.  The smiles on the faces of mothers who now have warm quilts and clothing for their precious bundles are the badges of honor shining brightly to mark Debra and Ray’s hard work and dedication to alleviate suffering and bless the lives of the sick and and needy.

Our Relief Share angel, who wishes to remain anonymous, sent a lovely box of orange and red quilters fabric that our volunteers fell in love with.  This sweet angel seems to have a direct pipeline to heaven and manages to time her donations perfectly depending on what the most urgent need is.  A box of yarn arrived from Placentia, California that is just perfect for our baby hats, cocoons, and layettes.  Other donations of lace, ribbon, and sewing, knitting, crochet and serging tools also arrived to help us move forward faster with our charity work.

If you would like to help the sick and needy, please send donations to Relief Share, 6200 N River Pointe Dr., C208, Boise, Idaho 83714, also 6078 Lundy Rd, Houston, MO 65483-2225.  The greatest need is in Boise at this time so that is the preferred address to ship to.  Most of the need in Houston is for baby items and hygiene goods, in Boise we are helping families and a larger number of people.  All times of any kind – new or gently used is gratefully accepted.  Clean out your closets for a good cause.  All donations are tax deductible as Relief Share is a 501 (c) 3 non profit charity registered with the IRS.

May God bless you as you bless others

Carol C Green
President
info@ReliefShare.org

An emergency worker carries a girl out of Academy Sports.

http://www.godvine.com/Man-Sacrifices-His-Life-to-Save-his-Wife-From-a-Tornado-453.html

As we go about our daily lives, we need to remember those whose lives were torn from them in the tornado.  It’s not over for them. One step in front of the other, one minute at a time – they need our continued love and support.

Thank you to all of you who are sending batting, clothing, hygiene items and sewing supplies to Relief Share.

Our volunteers are working around the clock to make quilts to keep folks warm – in many cases that is all the bedding they have.

We are also making baby taggie comfort blankets and can use all widths of ribbon at least 4″ wide (a great way to use up the left overs from crafting).

Supplies needed: Quilt batting – queen size or larger (we can cut it down for smaller sizes when needed).  Fabric – cotton (great for the all purpose, all ages, quilts), knit, minky, chenille, flannel, velour (think soft and cuddly for the babies and small children), ribbon – wide, medium and narrow widths for burial gowns and taggie blankets for babies, sewing and serger thread, yarn for baby cocoons, blankets and hats, knitting and crochet needles, quilting supplies, hygiene items like shampoo, soap, deodorant, combs, brushes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc, tote bags for refugees, baby clothing, diapers, bottles, pacifiers (anything a baby needs).  Anything you send will be put to good use. All donations are tax deductible.

May God bless everyone and keep them safe and comforted.

Soft hugs,

Carol Green – info@ReliefShare.org – you can help!

donation shipping address:

Relief Share,
6200 N River Pointe Dr E302,
Boise, Idaho 83714
www.ReliefShare.org
www.ReliefShare.org/wordpress/

If you wish to donate funds to help with purchasing what is needed for the sick and afflicted, our paypal address is info@ReliefShare.org – please make a note of your email address so we can send you a thank you letter and tax deductible receipt.

LDS Humanitarian Work Room

Relief  Share maximizes our efforts by working with other established charities.  Many times we have what they need to provide for the sick and needy and there are many benefits to working together to be able to reach out farther and more efficiently to meet the needs of those who are in crisis, sick or needing help.

Recently Relief Share volunteers have been thrilled to work with LDS Humanitarian Services, and we invite all to come & enjoy the blessings of service at the work room in Boise, Idaho.  The work room is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm and is always filled with happy productive volunteers guided by the kind & knowledgeable director, Karol Stokes.  You will be sure to have a wonderful experience knitting, sewing, serging & quilting for the sick & needy.

Batting donation

We received two large shipments of batting recently  – the first donation was 90 yards of batting and was used within 1 1/2 hours.  The wonderful donors who gave so generously of their funds to relieve the suffering of those who need their help are such a blessing to the sick and needy.  Thank you so much to those who are putting their love in action.

Relief Share just delivered another large shipment of batting on Thursday and it won’t last much longer.  More batting is on the way…and we need more still.  With the tornadoes, natural disasters and needs of the refugees, homeless and those in crisis – quilts are very important.

If you would like to donate batting (90″ wide is best), please ship it to:

Relief Share
6200 N River Pointe Dr E302
Boise, ID 93714

Batting donation

If you would like to donate funds to purchase batting, we have donated coupons to get the batting at cheaper pricing. We accept cash, checks, money orders, credit cards and paypal.  Paypal donations can be sent to info@ReliefShare.org – if you need more information or assistance in making a donation, please email us at info@ReliefShare.org

Pictures speak a thousand words – here are the pictures of the batting donations we received and pictures of the LDS Humanitarian Work rooms where we love to spend most of our time working on behalf of the sick and needy.

Batting donation

Batting donation

Here are some of the volunteers and the quilts they have made for the sick and needy.  What wonderful caring people, it is a pleasure to work with them and feel of their love for all of God’s children.

Volunteers come in all sizes and ages!

Happily engaged in a good cause!

Unto the least of these....

Relief Share believes in ‘love in action’.  For many of us, that means a lot of different things.  Some of the ways we show love are by honoring those who we love and care for, doing good for them and helping them.  We show love to our neighbors by serving them and treating them as we would have them treat us – with kindness.  We show our love for our fellow men by setting a good example and sharing what we have with them.

Who is our neighbor, our fellow man? Acts 17:26 says “And [He] hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.”  God has made of one blood all of the nations of the earth, we are one family – our brothers and sisters and our neighbors.  Jesus has told us that we should ‘love one another’ and that we should even love our enemies.  This means to love everyone (though not partaking of their sins) but loving them enough to help when help is needed.

We learn to love by forgetting ourselves and by doing good things for other people. We learn to love those we serve.  Love is the sugar of life.  The more love we have in our lives and the farther we extend our love to others, the sweeter and more agreeable live becomes.

We would like to recognize some of the people who are the sweet sugar in the lives of those who need help. Their donations have been a huge blessing to many.

Janet  – your donation of supplies, fabric, yarn and ongoing support have helped the babies in hospitals, homeless shelters, crisis centers, medical centers, foster homes and refugee shelters. You have literally helped thousands of children, there is a special star in heaven for you.

Marianne and Michael – the beautiful little crocheted preemie blankets cover many tiny babies in the hospital.  There is so much love crocheted into every single afghan. What a blessing your kindness is to the babies and their families.

Natalie – 41 pounds of the most gorgeous cone yarn is being made into baby cocoons, baby blankets, afghans, chemo hats, layettes, soft toys and sweaters.  What a generous and much needed donation. Thank you so much.

Kathorine – gorgeous baby quilts, lovely soft warm cuddly baby cocoons, supplies, incredible alpaca yarn and fibre, drop spindles, amazing gifts of love. Some of the alpaca yarn you sent has been made into the most darling sweater for a little toddler, it is so soft and cuddly.  The baby items have been donated out to refugees from Haiti and Africa and to the local hospitals and shelters. So much love is stitched into every baby quilt, you are greatly appreciated.

Terry – gorgeous brand new snow suits for those who are shivering and cold.  It is a precious daughter of God who would think of those in other climates when our own climate becomes warmer, the 8 snow suits have gone out to Japan, where the weather turned colder after the tsunami and mothers huddled with tiny babies needing warm clothing.  Now you know that 8 of them are warm and snuggly because of your love!  The beautiful little preemie sleepers have been donated to the sick and needy along with the other gifts you have sent!

Gina – your pacifiers came just in time. A little girl was upset as her last paci went missing.  Tears turned to smiles as the pretty paci that was just the right shape was popped in her mouth and a huge hug of thank you given.  (I love it when I get the hugs from the children we love so much   The donated yarn and fabric is being made into dresses, diaper bags, totes, soft toys, blankets, quilts, baby carriers, cocoons, hats, jumpers and clothing for the children.  Some of our volunteers don’t have supplies or means to get them, but are happy to give service and sew, knit, crochet, tat, serge and craft for the sick and needy.

Jennifer & Kurt – the computer parts and laptop tote bag you donated was gratefully accepted by a sweet blind man.  Household goods, clothing and toys have been donated to LDS Humanitarian Services, Idaho Thrift Ranch, NAC, the hospital, and needy individuals.  Cleaning out your closets for a good cause and donating your excess is a beautiful way to share with those who need what you have. Thank you so much.

Kathleen – Not only did you donate much needed yarn, but you went the extra mile and sent squares for our volunteers to crochet together into afghans to snuggle the babies and needy in love.  What a wonderful thing to do!

Marla – Oh, Marla, you are so unselfish and kind.  Thank you so much for your ongoing love and very generous gifts that bless so many lives.  Words escape me as I attempt to express my personal gratitude for decades of service, support and donations.  I would pray that God would walk with you but I already knows he is there for every step you take.  Your donations of your mother’s sewing and craft supplies on her passing are such a huge blessing to so many people.

There are so many more donors and volunteers – it is impossible to thank them all, but know that each and every act of kindness and generosity is recorded by the angels and carefully noticed by our Heavenly Father who loves us all.  Please accept a very grateful thank you from all of us at Relief Share and know that we are glad you are on our team.

So many lives count on the kindness and generosity of others, each act of kindness is like a tiny drop of water that ripples out on the pond of life.  Know that God loves each one of us, know that YOU matter (even if your name was not mentioned here, it is certainly recorded in our records and engraved on the heart that matters).

What kind of help is needed?

Donations of yarn (all kinds) , sewing supplies, knitting needles, crochet hooks, tatting shuttles and needles, sewing machines, sergers, spinning wheels, yarn winders, scissors, cutting boards, rotary cutters, fabric (all kinds), patterns, craft supplies, beads, embroidery floss, unfinished kits (these are used to help teach the youth, young mothers and aged crafting skills).

Donations of office supplies – stamps (a big need), paper, pens, pencils, markers, post it notes, etc.

Donations of funds – this is used to help with medical expenses for the sick, purchasing supplies that are not donated, shipping and other urgent cases.

Donations of finished goods:  baby clothing, afghans, blankets, household goods, pacifiers, bottles, formula, diapers (cloth or disposable), hygiene items (soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair brushes, toiletries, baby diaper rash lotion, etc), diaper bags, tote bags, walker bags, lap robes, chemo hats.  Everything can be new or gently used. These are just a few items mentioned. There is no donation we turn away, we have a place for all that is donated in.

Donations of items for fundraising.  Please state that the items you are sending are to be used for fundraising.  Unless specifically stated, all donations are used directly for the sick and needy.

Questions or comments?

President Carol Green
info@ReliefShare.org

Recently we have received pretty quilted fabric from Gina, beautiful crocheted afghans and more from Roberta, baby clothes from Carolyn, baby items from Jennifer, and preemie baby afghans from Michael & Marianne.  Laura, Gini and Tamara also donated very much needed items.  Thank you so much!

It is lots of fun using all the colorways and different types of yarn to make into fun baby items. The sleepers Marla donated are already out and being used by two sweet babies who needed to be snuggled and warm., as is the baby items that Jennifer donated.  Donations come in and go out pretty quickly at Relief Share.

After the afghans are knitted, we wash them in Tide free and clear laundry detergent to make sure they are nice and clean for the little ones who will use it – each afghan has a matching hat for a newborn as well.

The yarn in this afghan was Caron Simply Soft, Red Heart and some other worsted weight yarn in pretty colors.

Look at all the pretty colors!

The interesting thing about this baby afghan was that I worked on it at night and thought I had matched up the greens in the middle of the afghan.

You can clearly see in the picture that the greens don’t match at all. One is a warm green and the other is a cool green.  I bet the baby who gets this afghan won’t mind at all

If you have left over yarn from projects, please consider donating them for us to work with to help the children and their families in the hospital, crisis centers, and homeless shelters. We are also working on projects for children in foster homes that we need donated fabric for.

All donations are very much appreciated and acknowledged with a thank you letter and tax receipt.

We accept donations of all kinds, types and sizes and love being creative in using it to the best advantage for those we serve.

Relief Share
6200 River Pointe Dr E302
Boise, Idaho, 83714

we also have a location in Missouri to send donations to:

Relief Share
706 Hwy 17 N (Box 421)
Houston, MO 65483

Jump right in, the more the merrier! Together, we can give relief through sharing. It’s our love in action

President Carol Green
info@ReliefShare.org

A beautiful donation of 3 lovely granny square baby quilts came in the mail from Marianne C.  for our sick and needy preemie babies we serve.   Marianne is a wonderful caring senior who loves to make crocheted preemie blankets.  Her husband visits her at the nursing home every day and when she had finished blankets to donate, he mails them to us for the babies.

Our sincere condolences to Marla P on the passing of her beloved mother.  Recently we received a donation from Marla and her mother of baby items and supplies.  In the box was a donation of diapers that Marla’s mother asked to be donate to a baby. Those diapers have already been donated out to a grateful family in need.  We are thankful for the blessing Marla and her mother has been, for years, to the sick and needy we serve.

The Houston Herald www.houstonherald.com published a wonderful article on Relief Share with 2 large pictures and a letter to the editor of a thank you letter from the local hospital in Houston, MO.

Two donations went out to the hospital of baby blankets, pacifiers, formula, baby cocoons, dolls and preemie receiving blankets.

Many donations for needy families were picked up at the local Relief Share offices in Houston, MO.

Relief Share is headed for Boise this week to participate in a baby quilt drive at a work meeting on Feb 22nd.  If you live in the Boise area and would like to attend, email info@ReliefShare.org for more information.

Donations for the next two months (at least) should be sent to our Boise location at: Relief Share, 6200 River Pointe Dr E302, Boise, ID 83714. All donations are tax deductible and a thank you letter will be sent out with the receipt.

Urgent needs:

Machinery – knitting machines, Kris Krafter garter bars, sewing machines, sergers, knitting machine claw weights, 8mm cast on combs

Supplies: yarn, sewing and serger thread, fabric – all kinds (most used is cotton or cotton blend woven, flannel, minky, ultra suede, knit, chenille, PUL, kids print – think soft, think baby)

Items: baby clothing – undershirts, onesies, sleepers, pants, tops, gowns, christening gowns, booties, socks, shoes, jackets, sweaters, etc
Baby blankets, afghans, receiving blankets, baby hygiene items such as shampoo, lotion, diaper cream, baby oil, baby gel.  Toys, learning items, rattles, combs and brushes, pacifiers, bottles, diapers (cloth and disposable), etc.

We are also collecting and donating sample or small size soap, shampoo, lotion, mouthwash, toothpaste, and other personal items that can be given to hospital patients or family members staying at the hospital with patients.  These type of items go to Shriners Hospital and shelters.  When you are traveling, please save the soaps, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and other toiletries you don’t use and mail them to Relief Share to donate.

Questions or comments:

Email info@ReliefShare.org

Mason at just 3 lbs 2 oz.

Ever wonder “how tiny is tiny” when we are talking about the preemie babies we make things for?  A picture speaks a thousand words and this beautiful baby takes our breath away as we see his Daddy’s hand measured up against him.  How tiny is tiny? REALLY tiny.  Really perfect, really sweet and this little one is no different from thousands of other teeny tiny babies in that he has completely captured our hearts.

In less than one second, eyes are riveted to the picture and hearts committed to helping clothe and snuggle Mason in warm clothing and blankets. That is the power of ‘baby love’ that drives the volunteers at Relief Share.

Thank you to the volunteers who quickly responded to the call to action.

A package went out priority post for Mason filled with all kinds of goodies:

1 preemie afghan
2 crocheted incubator/carriage covers
1 blue outfit
3 preemie tops
4 preemie sleepers
1 preemie jacket
1 preemie snuggler cape
8 washcloths/also used for burp cloths and change pads for preemies
1 baby gown
1 baby bracelet
a number of knitted preemie baby hats
2 teddy bears
1 pair preemie booties
2 baby swaddling cocoons
pkg of 20 preemie disposable diapers
2 to a pk of bottle insulators

There was a lot of love put into this package.

Mason's care box.

The crocheted incubator covers were made by a precious little old lady in a old folks home in Missouri.  Her husband travels 2 hours EVERY DAY to go see her and pick up what she has made to donate to us.  She loves the preemies and continues to crochet for them on an ongoing basis.

Mason's care box.

I made the cocoons from a gorgeous baby blue sweater (this president loves to roll up her sleeves and participate) donated by the local Food Pantry to help us with supplies through recycling. The soft cocoons will keep Mason snuggly warm and comforted as it is like being back in the womb again.

Mason's care box.

The gown was sewn by a volunteer and has a matching crocheted hat that another volunteer made, they are from West Virginia. The bracelet was made by a third volunteer and the white blanket and booties by another.

Mason's care box.

The preemie clothing is brand new from Wal Mart and bought by yet another volunteer. Everything was donated and worked on with love. Mason has a lot of Relief Share Grannies and Aunties that love him

It is a miracle how all the hands and hearts come together in love to bless the babies and families we serve. No one is paid, we are just happy to help where we can.  Now that our care package has gone out to help Mason physically,  we will keep him and his family in our prayers   He truly is a gift from God.

President Carol Green
info@ReliefShare.org

PS.  If you love babies and want to get involved, it’s as easy as 1, 2 3……

Mason's care box.

1. Get a cardboard box
2.  Fill it with anything a baby might want or need – either finished or purchased items or sewing, quilting, knitting or crocheting supplies.  Items can be new or gently used.
3.  Stick a label on it to Relief Share, 6078 Lundy Rd, Houston, MO 65483-2225 and mail it.

Ta da! Done! You are now one of us, a Relief Share donor and volunteer and also counted in God’s book of heavenly acts on earth

Some of the items a baby needs:

sleepers, gowns, onesies, socks, booties, soft shoes, hats, tops, bottoms, diapers (cloth and disposable), burp cloths, diaper bags, swaddlers, cocoons, blankets, afghans, quilts, stuffed animals, crib bedding (sheets, bumper pads, blankets), moses baskets, cribs, swings, activity mats, rattles, bottles, soothers (pacifiers or dummies), bottle liners and nipples, breast feeding items, breast pumps, diaper lotion, baby shampoo, baby oil,  baby bath, baby food, formula, shorties, longies, baby slings, baby carriers, car seats (for safely rules they must be new), play pens, baby music CDs, bassinettes, baby brush and comb, baby chair, bath items.  Can you think of more?

Mason's care box

Some of the supplies needed:

fabric – all kinds.  Minky, chenille, micro fleece, flannel, knit, cotton – think baby!
thread, scissors, pins, quilting rulers, rotary cutters, rotary cutting mat pads, cricut machines and cartridges for quilt appliques, sergers, sewing machines, knitting machines, knitting machine weights, Kris Krafter garter bars for Bond knitting machines, yarn, all kinds, colors and types, elastic, velcro, buttons, zippers, appliques, interfacing, wonder under, knitting needles, crochet needles, tatting shuttles and needles, patterns, pincushions, bias binding, trims, laces, etc.

Clean out your closet for a good cause.  Recycle the items you no longer want or need – sweaters and tee shirts become baby cocoons, hats, onesies, gowns and stuffed soft toys.  Cut the buttons off of old shirts – they are fun down the front of a sleeper in all colors.

Today, those special angels sent another Ultimate Sweater Knitting Machine and some gorgeous kids print fabric to Relief Share to benefit the sick and needy. The first knitting machine that was sent has been such a huge blessing to the babies at the hospital and in needy families in the Ozarks and around the nation. It’s been used every single day and making voluminous amounts of items for the sick and needy.

Be careful what you pray for – it can be very very good. Just the other day I made a comment that I really wished I had another knitting machine here at this location as I could do twice the work. My angel must have been listening because FEDEX brought a brand new USM – the look on my face must have been priceless when my husband opened the box. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but I did know to immediately ask God to bless my special Relief Share angel for her goodness and mercy to others.

Ultimate Sweater Machine - perfect for making baby cocoons and hats

There were two boxes. As I opened the second box, I knew God had a hand in the choices of fabric this angel had made. They were PERFECT for the children in the hospital and one of the prints was one I had been looking for all over the net and in every fabric store I was in for months and months.

There is a baby carrier/tote that I have been wanting to make for Shriners Childrens Hospital but couldn’t find the fabric.  I found this one at the flea market someone made and needed to find the fabric to make it out of.

Take a look at the pictures – the fabric that arrived today is so perfect, you couldn’t get any better! Look at the fabric squares of the little girls – I needed the little girls to match with a fabric square in similar colors below to make the little girl’s skirts. It sounds like it’s not important, but when you are stuck in a hospital bed in a full body cast, and sometimes for months, it is something that keeps your attention and makes you smile, especially if you are just a little girl that doesn’t understand what all the pain and restraints are. This tote bag has a pocket for a baby doll and a pillow for its head and then the tote back portion behind it holds books or toys, maybe a small DVD player and a DVD of something Disney, like Barbie to keep a small child’s attention off the pain and distracted with something else positive.

Baby doll tote bag

You just sew a tote bag and sew on a mini quilt on the front of it to make the pocket for the baby to slip in to. Add a piece of narrow elastic on the bottom of the pillow to slip over the baby’s head so it will stay put when being carried by nurses. You can use a soft stuffed dolly or a vinyl and stuffed dolly like the Zapf in the picture. I bet there are mothers or grandmothers on this list that might like to make one for their children

Marvelous donated cotton kids print fabric.

Can’t you just see the smiles on the faces of the children when they see the items made with this wonderful kids print?! I can

Thank you so much, I love my precious Relief Share angels for all they do for others and especially in helping me bless the lives of the sick and needy I love and serve. I can never tell them thank you enough.

They  are some of our precious members on the list, they wishes to remain anonymous, but in God’s book of life – their names are written in big bold letters as one of His most precious daughters who listens to the still small voice and answers His call to spread mercy and help where it is needed the most.

Very grateful hugs and happy thoughts,
President Carol Green,
http://www.ReliefShare.org- serving God’s tiniest children & families
info@ReliefShare.org

Relief Share
6078 Lundy Rd
Houston, MO 65483-2225

The past few weeks have been a flurry of activity, with a front page article in the Messenger Houston Herald newspaper sharing some of what we are doing.  When our scanner is working again (it’s just fine, I only need to upload the drivers), we will scan in the article to share.

The best and most wonderful event that occurred to uplift the lives of a specific family of the area was a donation from a sweet angel who sacrificed so the little family in need could be raised up from their suffering and worries to enjoy a blessed Christmas.

Donations have been taken to the Medical Clinic, Hospital, 911 office for a burn out family, Shriners Childrens Hospital in St Louis and to other organizations that help the families. Many boxes have been hand delivered and lots have been mailed across the country to needy individuals and families.

This marvelous donation came in today from our sweet angel who watches over us and provides a great deal of what is needed to help the sick and needy!

Relief Share is jumping for joy!  Our sweet earth angel is at it again, sending us much needed fabric to create the baby and twin size quilts we make and donate to hospitals, crisis centers, homeless shelters and sick and needy individuals around the nation!

Many of our volunteers live under the poverty level themselves, they understand the need for warm bedding and clothing for the children and their families.  Hours of selfless dedicated service results in snuggled warm healthier babies and families around the nation.  However, these volunteers are not in a position to purchase the supplies needed.  That’s where our sweet earth angel comes in.

This precious lady has been carefully and thoughtfully sending what is needed, right in the nick of time, for quite a while now.  There is a special place in heaven for her as she has gone over and above in caring for others with her generous donations of essentials for our volunteers to work with.  Machines, fabric, thread…….these are just a few of the items she has donated.

She wishes to remain anonymous, and we are careful to respect our volunteers wishes.  We would like to thank her publicly for all she has done, and is doing, for our precious and most helpless of God’s children and their families.  She is in our hearts and prayers daily as we work with what she has provided.

Many children in Shriners Childrens Hospital, other hospitals, and recipients through crisis center outreaches, as well as individual families have been blessed because of her actions.

May we all be more like her – aware of the needs of others, and willing to step up and help when help is needed.  May God walk with her and bless her every day of her life!  A huge thank you to her from all of us at Relief Share

—————————————————————————————————————

What do we make with the supplies provided to us?  Quilts, diaper covers, booties, onesies, sleepers, receiving blankets, cocoons, swaddling cloths, mama cloths, x ray garments for the hospital, hospital gowns, soft toys, diaper bags, totes, dresses, pants, afghans, hats, layette sets, sweaters and a lot more.  Some of our Relief Share board of directors  have expertise in knitting, sewing, crocheting, serging, embroidery, pattern design and are more than willing to offer their services in whatever capacity is needed at the time to take care of God’s sick and needy.

If you would like to donate items (new and gently used items are gratefully accepted), please send them to Relief Share, 6078 Lundy Rd, Houston, MO 65483-2225.  All donations are tax deductible as we are a 501 (c) 3 charity registered with the IRS. A thank you letter and tax receipt is sent for every donation so be sure to include your name and address

Bev Flowers donates two beautiful quilts to Relief Share

Relief Share, a non profit charity for the sick and needy, received 2 twin size quilts from Bev Flowers (shown in picture attached) representing the UMC Holy Tearers Quilt Group and the Piney River Quilting Guild. The donation was presented to Director Stephanie Little at the local Relief Share office in Houston, Missouri on Oct 19, 2009.

These quilts are a part of a large project being undertaken by Relief Share to fill the need for bedding for the children hospitalized at Shriners Childrens Hospital in St Louis, Missouri. Many children have been cared for by Shriners Hospital in St Louis at no cost. Since April 30, 2009, Relief Share has donated 99 of the 240 quilts requested by the hospital, 141 twin size quilts are still needed.

Richard and Carol Green, founders of Relief Share, have provided most of the many yards of fabric needed for the quilts, purchased from the Lucky Dollar store in Licking, Missouri at a discount given by business owners to help with the charitable efforts of the community. Two local sisters, who wish to remain anonymous, have purchased and donated most of the batting and spend hundreds of hours sewing and tying many of the quilts. Volunteers combine efforts to create the warm quilts for the sick and needy children being treated at Shriners Childrens Hospital.

All donations are much appreciated and put to immediate use. To donate to the “Relief Share Quilts for Kids” project, visit www.ReliefShare.org or call 417-967-3340 for more information. Fabric, batting and flannel backing are needed as well as those who would like to help sew the quilts together and either tie or quilt them. A total of 141 twin size quilts are still needed.

DONATIONS OUT

- 14 twin size quilts were delivered to our volunteer to take to St Louis Shriners Hospital for Children next week.

- 34 xray shorts were mailed to the hospital

- baby clothing deliveries were made to two organizations – quilts, receiving blankets, toys, etc.

- 2 families received assistance with vital essentials

- donation mailed out to DE of sewing supplies

- donation mailed out to MM of lace, ribbon, and decals for memory boxes for infant death

- donation mailed out to MA of cross stitch projects

- donation mailed out to LP of beads for her project she is working on

- donation mailed out to MG of plastic canvas items for her project she is working on

- donation mailed out to KM of a baby quilt and baby blanket for her little baby girl

- donation given out to KL of baby items for her new baby boy

DONATIONS IN

- we took our sewing machine down to Gammill Sewing Center in West Plains, MO and the wonderful folks there helped us for free and even donated some sewing needles that we badly needed.  They also digitized the logo we were working on for one of the hospitals.  They are super folks and we strongly recommend them to anyone who wants quality machines and unexcelled customer service.  Just ask for Frank or Joe and tell them Carol from Relief Share sent you.

- Kimiko of Bingles, Bangles and Babies Nursery generously donated some of the proceeds of her auctions on Ebay to Relief Share.  We are very grateful for her continued support.  If you love baby dolls, you really need to check out Kimiko’s babies – she is a very talented artist.
Here is her contact information: 
Website: http://www.freewebs.com/binglesbanglesandbabies/
Contact person(s): Kimiko Stallard
Email Address: binglesbanglesbabies@yahoo.com
They provide: reborn dolls, assorted other goods
Business Name: Bingles, Bangles and Babies
eBay Name: drifter1990

- we received a donation of wonderful embroidery patterns to be used on baby blankets and infant wear.

- Brian Jambor of US Cybertek is the designer of our wonderful blog.  We express gratitude for all the time he has taken to set it up for us so we can share with you!  He is an experienced professional that has been more than generous with his time and talents for us.  A good way to recognize him and thank him for his efforts on behalf of the sick and needy we serve is to visit his website and recommend his services to friends, family, acquaintances and office workers.

Click here to visit the Agent Success Website

The snap press is a huge boost in morale to our volunteers who actually sustained hand injuries sewing on the snaps to the gowns needed. There were 800 snaps that had to be either sewn on or put on with a pair of hand pliers and it proved to be very painful!  Now the snaps can be put on the items needed without any pain and very quickly (Yes, you guessed it, it was my hands that got hurt LOL).  I am grateful for the other volunteers who helped finish up the rest of the snaps on the gowns when I couldn’t anymore.

Now to get busy, the first order of business is 1200 snaps that need to be put on hospital gowns!

A very grateful and happy camper,

Carol Green
President
Relief Share.org

Exciting news! Our beautiful baby doll fundraiser on ebay brought $157.50. We are thrilled. Not only will the babies at the hospital get the help they need, there will be a happy new Mommy out there for this sweet little one. Thanks again to Sabriam Garcia at Eden’s Little Ones for donating the baby!

Relief Share - baby fundraiser on Ebay

Darlene Austins adorable monkeys

Darlene is a very gifted artist who creates the most darling little monkeys. Her ebay ABOUT ME page has wonderful information, there you can read more about her and how she creates her adorable monkeys.

Darlene is a wonderful asset to our Relief Share family of volunteers, donors and people that care.   She personifies love in action.   With her assistance we found the Snap Press we needed to put the snaps on the items we donate to the hospitals , links to the PUL fabric that will be used for the diaper covers and hospital gowns for Shriners Hospital and she went the extra mile of providing us with thousands of snaps for the snap press.

In her honor we are introducing our latest fundraiser. I bet you can guess what the fundraiser will be….yep, you are right….some of Darlene’s adorable monkeys!

Come see how darling they are!