Hand knitted donations for the sick & needy

Relief Share was blessed to accept a marvelous donation of lovely hand knitted scarves, hats, and afghans from a very special compassionate donor.  She is 93 years old and has knitted and donated 500 items that have gone to children’s homes, schools and orphanages.  She loves to knit and is happy that the things she makes can be used to help others.

What wonderful gifts of compassion and caring she has been making all these years.  Her love of knitting shows in how beautifully made the items are, and to gift them to the sick and needy is truly gracious.

We are grateful for these types of donations.  It is a pleasure to be able to give such beautiful hand made items to those who need them.  Instead of getting worn out used items to keep warm with, the donations of new quality items have brought a light to the sick and needy’s eyes as they realize someone, a stranger, loved them enough to care and create such beautiful new items for them.

Helping with much needed items is a way of our showing God’s love reaching out in answer to the sick and needy’s prayers.  We become worthy servants of God as we help be part of the answer to prayers for essential items.

One of the afghans was donated  to a young mother with a 10 month old baby.  When I told the mother that the beautiful afghan for her wee baby girl came from a wonderful donor to Relief Share, she said to tell her a very grateful thank you.  She was worried about the colder weather coming and concerned about what she was going to do.  Now her little one is warm and snuggly because of our donor’s generosity and caring

Thank you so much to everyone who puts their love in action and donates what is needed for us to distribute to those who are in crisis, sick or in need.  May God bless you as you bless others

President Carol Green
Relief Share
6078 Lundy Rd
Houston, MO 65483-2225
info@ReliefShare.org

Hand knitted donations for the sick & needy

Hand knitted donations for the sick & needy

3    Gerber Sleep n Play
3    Bambolina body suits
1    Carter 3 piece outfit
1    zippered Nursery Rhyme outfit
1    2 pce outfit, Baby Essentials
1    Garanimals onesie/shirt
1    froggie applique onesie
1    elastic band blue jeans
1    3 piece First Impression Froggie out fit – bib/shirt/pants
1    jacket and shirt set – UFO
1    Protection System jacket
1    Fisher Price sleep and play outfit – newborn – yellow
4    receiving blankets – animal theme
1    Fisher Price sleep and play outfit – newborn – blue
2    Gerber baby gowns
2    First Impression blue baby gowns
1    Heirloom wooden rattle
2    baby ballet church shoes – newborn pink
1    pr baby sandals – pink
1    pr newborn pink baby shoes
4    pr baby socks
2    pacifiers

There is a song that I love that goes like this:

Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.

Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?

I felt the need to reflect on my actions of the day. Had I helped someone? Had I helped to fill the needs of someone that could not help themselves? Had I made life better for those around me?

It does not need to be something huge, or some grand gesture to let the world know how good and wonderful you are, that defeats the purpose. Charity and honest affection for your fellow human beings is not about who can make the biggest splash and get noticed the most by doing good deeds. It is about the quiet moments of kindness and simple, unacknowledged goodness that make a life better because it was touched by them.

It’s about lifting those around you when they are too weary to take another step, be it physical or emotional. It’s about taking a moment to talk to that kid at the pool that drives everyone crazy by asking a million questions. . . . probably because he’s lonely. Or about smiling at the massive, scary, tattooed biker guy in the gas station aisle even though your knees turn to jelly. . . . because maybe he’s having a rough day and could use a friendly smile. (Yes, big, scary biker dudes have bad days too!) Or maybe it’s paying for the car behind you at the drive through at Arby’s, or dropping off some school supplies at a local charity.

It’s does not really matter what you do, so long as you just do it. And sorry, but this is not a “it’s the thought that counts” type of deal.

Actions speak volumes louder than words. What do your actions say about you?

Phly Jambor
U.S. Cybertek, Inc.
www.uscybertek.com

Blessing the lives of those who need help is Christlike.

Summer is here – there are manicures and pedicures to take care of ‘summer sandal feet’. You wouldn’t think that would apply to charity as it would seem to be a ‘want’ and not a ‘need’, but for the handicapped and ill, it is a serious need as feet and hands can get sores and cracks leading to infection if not taken care of.

Wheelchair bound patients with braces on their legs develop blisters and open sores that need attention.  Caring for those with these special needs takes love, patience and knowledge to give them the assistance they require.

Relief Share donated hygiene products and coordinated efforts to meet the needs of those who required specialized care for their hands and feet. Volunteers, who offered their time and services to give much needed manicures and pedicures, showed compassion and Christlike love to the permanently wheelbound and also patients recovering from serious surgeries as they tenderly ministered to them.

Spirits were lifted, hearts softened, hope returned to those who sometimes seemed forgotten and all were blessed as the spirit of service touched everyone.

We are grateful for our volunteers who blessed the lives of those who needed this specialized kind of help. We are also grateful for the wonderful donors who provided the funds and supplies that the volunteers put to use for the benefit of those needing personal care in these areas.

President Carol Green
ReliefShare.org
info@ReliefShare.org

Soft dollies, cuddly quilts - love in action for the children!

Being in hospital looking out the windows and seeing other children happily playing in the sunshine can be hard for little ones. One of our ongoing donors continues to spread sunshine and dry tears with her sweet donations of blankets, dollies, teddies.

Included in her donations are some very special preemie receiving blankets. She takes the time to carefully crochet lacy edges around the blankets to make them beautiful. These soft pretty blankets are used for the most precious of God’s children who need only one last blanket to be cuddled in. Those who are too perfect, too special, to remain here on earth for long are gently placed and wrapped in the blankets made with so much love and then they go on to God’s arms from ours.

Some of the little ones, born too soon or very small, are strong enough to fight and and stay here to continue to bless the lives of the families God has sent them to, and their blankets become a family heirloom.

We are grateful to R. M. for her love and continuing kindness to God’s precious sick and needy babies and children. She continues to reach out and bless the lives of strangers with love in action through her donations

Carol C Green
Relief Share President
info@Relief Share.org

Keeping children safe with donated car seats.

Its the middle of summer and most folks are having fun with their families and enjoying the pretty weather. In the midst of all the summer fun, there are families who are struggling to make ends meet and obtain basics like clothing, car seats, and essentials. It feels good to be able to help.

A little girl is now safely transported in her family’s vehicle with a car seat to protect her and has new clothing to brighten her day. It sounds like such a small thing, but makes a huge difference in her and her family’s life.

Essential Baby items

A huge thank you goes out to all our wonderful volunteers and donors who sent in items for us to distribute the past two weeks. Some of our donors prefer to remain anonymous so no names will be mentioned but we are very grateful for all the love and support shown to those we serve.

Donations in this week include baby quilts, blankets, burp cloths, rattles, toys, shoes, socks, bottles pacifiers, sewing supplies and equipment, fabric and much more.

Donations of machinery are very important to us and we are extremely grateful to be able to provide more items to a greater number of recipients because of the use of added machinery. Fabric is central to our donations as hospital gowns, xray shorts, baby clothing, quilts, diaper bags, toys, diaper covers, and much more is made from donated and purchased fabric. Kids print is at the top of our list, followed with chenille, minky, polar and plush fleece (soft on the skin) for our precious children and their families. Kids knit is hard to find and very much appreciated. Our volunteers can sew a much needed baby gown in under 20 minutes with rib knit for the collar and cuff and baby knit for the yoke and gown! Just think – supplies and 20 minutes are all that stands between a shivering baby and the gown they need – won’t you please help by sending the supplies we need to help the babies? Many other have and we are so grateful.

Something that we don’t mention much with donations is cash. There are some things that we can’t sew knit or crochet and don’t always have in our inventory room when it is desperately needed. The funds that are donated allow us to get formula, diapers, bottles and essentials for babies and food for families who are hungry. If you would like to donate funds to Relief Share through paypal, our paypal address is info@reliefshare.org

All donations are tax deductible and a thank you/tax receipt letter will be sent for each and every donation.

May God bless all the hearts and hands who serve Him here below in blessing the lives of His sick and needy who need answers to their prayers.

President Carol Green
info@ReliefShare.org

Donations out:

-  donation July 17, a nice large box of essentials to a baby soon to arrive of bottles, receiving blankets, burp cloths, toys, shoes, socks, rattles, washcloths, towel, diaper bag, quilts, blankets, pacifiers and more.  Baby’s Momma was very grateful for the much needed items.  With this economy it can be quite a jolt to the family budget to provide for a new little one.

- donation July 11 to orphanage of socks, shoes/booties, blankets, toys, pacifiers, crib sheets, receiving blankets, socks, burp cloths.

- donation July 18 to orphanage of baby quilts, receiving blankets, burp cloths, rattles, toy ducks, pacifiers, socks, booties, toys, bottles, teddy bears, bunny, birdie – 86 items.

- donation of essential items to local animal shelter to help displaced animals and also owners who can’t afford to neuter and spay their animals.

These are some of the items donated out this week.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers and donors who made these donations possible.

We delivered the first quilts on 4/30/2009 and the last quilts were mailed today.  We would like to thank everyone who made this large product such a wonderful success. Lucky Dollar Store in Licking gave Relief Share discounted pricing on all the fabric and batting purchased, a donation of yarn for tying the quilts came from the closeout of a knitting shop through E. Warner, Houston, MO, Grandmother’s Attic and USCybertek owned by Carol & Richard Green, RS Founders donated a great deal of the fabric, batting, sewing thread, gas and money for deliveries, T. Lund and J Stice made many of the quilts that were donated, T. Lund donated a great deal of the batting for the quilts and also some of the fabric, A. Mooney finished the edges of many of the quilts and donated a Mickey Mouse baby quilt that was sold on Ebay along with books to raise funds for supplies for the quilts.  A wonderful quilting shop in Licking, MO donated the time to machine quilt many of the quilts, and other quilting shops and guilds were also involved in helping.  A sweet lady who wishes to remain anonymous donated the machines we needed to get the job done!  There were so many people from all walks of life, economic situations and beliefs that came together to join in love to help the sick and needy.

Most of all, we would like to thank Shriners Childrens Hospital in St Louis for allowing to bless the children’s lives in this way.  All the volunteers in the world couldn’t make a difference if there was no one willing to accept our donations. Providing us an opportunity to help others is a wonderful gift that we deeply appreciate.

Motivation to help is found in each one of us.  There are many reasons to get involved in charity work and we would like so share with you why we were (and still are) highly motivated with deep gratitude to assist Shriners in their work for the world’s sick and needy children.  A picture can say a thousand words, 2 pictures are even better.  This is our precious granddaughter – she had a health care practioner dislocate her hip in a well baby checkup at 3 months old.  We rushed her to a specialist and they took ultrasounds that showed that the doctor had indeed put her joint out of socket but it appeared to be back in.  She got to be 18 months old and couldn’t walk – she would take a few steps and fall, so we took her back to the specialist who immediately called Shriners.

Until then we had no idea what Shriners did, only that they were the men in the funny hats in parades and occasionally had a monkey with them!  After a number of surgeries and many body casts to correct the problem in her hip that now affected her entire life – we are overwhelmed with gratitude when we tell you that no only is she walking – she is running and doing very well.  Her walk is not perfect, but she can now lead a normal life and walk and run like God intended her to do.

See for yourself…… Embry Claire, born perfect in every way – a bright life ahead of her. April 2006

This is Embry at her first stay in Shriners – the doctor did traction for two and a half weeks first and then surgery. Yes, she is supposed to be lying down with her feet elevated for traction but she was pretty good at sitting herself up when we looked away *grin*

The first surgery was on her affected hip alone.  Sadly, more surgery was needed to help her be able to walk.

Grandpa and Grandma flew Embry Claire up to St Louis for her surgeries.  You can see the donations we took up from Relief Share on the ground in the clear bags each time we went.  Her Mommy is stepping down out of the plane after unloading the delivery bags.

Embry Claire loves to fly, she wasn’t so thrilled when she figured out that surgeries were on the other end, but flying was a super treat for her.

Embry Claire watches another patient play a game in the red room at Shriners.  The surgery this time was on both hips and she can’t sit up with her body cast on.  We pulled her around in a little red wagon for a long time until the body cast came off.

Embry Claire using her walker.  Her hips ache but she is such a little trooper and she sticks with it.  I am so proud of her and stay right there with her.

THANK YOU SHRINERS AND DR SHOENECKER!  Look at her go! Embry Claire loves the beach! She is RUNNING!

– look at her now She has grown from that tiny baby and is now a beautiful 4 year old – walking on her own.

We would love to hear from you what YOUR motivation is for helping others.  Is it gratitude, a need to share, love for others, all of those and more?  Email us or reply to this blog

President Carol Green
Embry Claire’s happy and grateful grandmother.

info@ReliefShare.org

It’s going to be fun to see where the quilts will come from – who will be the first to get their quilts turned in for delivery?  Quilts are something that are always needed, we have a number of places that are waiting for donations and encourage everyone to finish working on their quilts and get them sent in to Relief Share 700 Hwy 17 N, Houston, MO 65483-2225.  For those who don’t sew, donations can be sent to the same address or to info@Relief Share.org through Paypal. To donate by credit card, please call 1-866-967-2011 ext 305.

A box of the cutest juvenile fabrics was received from a wonderful donor whose continuing help is a huge blessing to us here at Relief Share in our charity work.  Must of the fabric was already cut in to squares so our volunteers can simply start sewing them into quilts for Shriners and other organizations who require warm quilts for the sick and needy they serve.

Cotton prints donated in for making into quilts for the sick and needy.

Thank you so much to those who take time out of their busy schedules and funds from their already stretched budgets to help us to provide essentials for the sick and needy.  May God bless you as you bless others.

Carol Green
Relief Share President
6078 Lundy Rd, Houston, MO 65483-2225
700 Hwy 17 N, Houston, MO 65483
1-866-967-2011 ext 3

Relief Share founder, Carol Green, has been taking care of the area’s sick and needy since 1992 with a lot of love, work, and help from local businesses and volunteers. Our mission statement reaches out to encompass all of God’s children in a way that resonates in the heart of each of us. Artificial barriers are overcome through joining hearts and hands focused on the work. Race, creed, age, and diversity are not only not a problem, but celebrated as each of us brings our own special gifts and skills to the table as we can accomplish so much more together.

Recent donations out given by Relief Share include 235 twin size quilts for patients beds at Shriners Childrens Hospital in St Louis, some of our local children have been blessed with care at that hospital. Another important donation was received from Fabrics and More on N Bishop Ave here in Rolla. A donation of a treadle sewing table was received to assist in the created of the quilts given to the sick and needy. It is with everyone working together that the needs of area children and families are met.

Carol Green
Relief Share President
www.ReliefShare.org
www.ReliefShare.org/wordpress - blog

This is the owner of Fabric and More with the wonderful donation to help with the quilts for Shriners and other charity projects.

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Fabric and More Proprietor with donation to Relief Share

We were happy to share with them a serger that had been donated by a lovely lady who cares very deeply about the sick and needy.  We also donated 259 baby hats, 27 hat/bootie sets, 8 booties, 14 baby shirts, 30 pounds of red and blue material that has lots of spandex so it can be made into baby carriers for kangarooing, 145 large spools of machine knitting yarn, a play center with a tent and tunnels for children to play in, receiving blankets, stockings/socks/shoes, shorts, mittens, coats, purses, toys, fabric yardage, a box of sewing supplies such as snaps, ribbon, pins, etc, panties, dolls, pillows, pillow cases, bassinette and crib sheets, burial momento satin hearts and bracelets, burial layette sets, burial gowns, afghans, quilt pieces, diaper, washcloths, leggings, scissor pins, bags, dresses, blankets, clothing, pants, outfits, books, baby bottle lids, crochet hook, bibs, gowns, polar fleece kitty blankets, and more….

We are thrilled to be able to assist with the compassionate service  efforts of the wonderful folks at Newborns in Need and encourage everyone else to do the same.

We also just sent a large box of minky fabric to the West Virginia chapter for President Debra Cox.  She is a wonderful lady who is very helpful and giving and deserves support from her area.  If you live in West Virginia, you’ll love working with Debra to help the area’s sick and needy babies.

As we unloaded the vehicle, my mind mentally traced all the items in the donation to the volunteers who had given so much of their time, talents and hearts to make this miracle for the little patients at Shriners as possibility.  A pair of crutches that will now give the gift of movement to a child laid on top of the patchwork quilt that will snuggle a little one fresh out of surgery and needing warmth to heal.  Over to the right, many large clear plastic bags were filled with over 65 afghans, lovingly knitted and crocheted by those who put their caring into action.

Special teddies that are made with materials to combat sensitive bodies and noses waited patiently for little arms to wrap around them and a gaggle of cutie smaller teddy bears in tan and happy purple looked darling with all their smiles peeking over the edge of the box.

The box picked up next was heavy.  It was filled with 70+ boxer type shorts for the xray room so children would be able to wear modest clothing while getting xrays to determine how their surgeries were going.  The shorts were a fun treasure hunt for Ashley and I – we shopped in Springfield, Rolla, Cabool, Mountain Grove, Houston, and Licking before finding what we were looking for in West Plains at Shay’s store – a huge clearance table with just what the doctor ordered – literally – shorts for the xray room with comfortable elastic waistbands and in sizes all the way from xsmall to very large for the older children.  As we checked out, we told the salesgirl what the shorts were for and she called her manager to get us a further discount for charity.  What a wonderful thing for them to do and we were so grateful to get the shorts we needed for just over $100.  There were a few more we had picked up along the way at sales and delivering the box was a culmination of fun, shopping and a lot of love.  We didn’t have time to sew the shorts like last year so were delighted to find what we needed already sewn.

Another heavy box, this time filled with hygiene items – shampoo, conditioners, body lotion, face cleansers, toothpaste, mouthwash and more.  Saving all the little bottles when we go traveling is fun, much to the chagrin of my husband who hears me holler “Don’t use the bottles, I need them for the hospital” at every hotel room   We managed to find someone selling a large box of sample size hygiene items at the local flea market – H & K in Houston, MO.  That’s a lovely flea market and antique mall.  Nice and clean and filled with wonderful treasures and also basics.  The folks who own the flea market donate a booth to Relief Share to use as a fundraiser, many times we find what is needed at the flea market as we are there cleaning the booth and adding more things for folks to buy – usually from another de-cluttering episode at my house and the homes of volunteers.

Also in the donation is toys, books, blankets, clothing, and many more needed items.  Roughly a year ago we had a request from Shriners to make and donate 240 twin size quilts for their small patients to use on the hospital beds.  After the donation on Saturday we only need 5 more to make 240.  The quilts are very much needed, if you are reading this and would like to donate a twin size quilt to Shriners, please send it directly to them in St Louis (you can find their address on Lindbergh Blvd using google) and email is at info@ReliefShare.org to let us know you did.

We are so grateful to all those who made and donated quilts through us to Shriners. There are a lot of happy cuddled children there now.  We also sent a big box of toys from my www.GrandmothersAttic.net shop. Berenguer baby dolls just the right size for little hands, teddy bears, puppy dogs and more.

Here are a few pictures taken when we dropped the donation off:

Lots of love and smiles to unload at Shriners Childrens Hospital in St Louis for the children

Volunteer, Wayne, cheerfully helps us unload.

Bags of handmade hats and afghans – over 50 of them for the children in those two bags alone!

The gift of crutches will allow a child to be mobile.

Tigger talks - the children love that, and a puppy waits for snuggles

A warm quilt to cuddle a child in the recovery room.

Donations

I help get the toys out of the back of the Suburban

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Lots of love and work in the donation, now to get busy on the next donation!

I bought a really pretty quilt from the flea market in town that had a note on it that there were”no holes or wear on the quilt and it was in good condition”, so I never untied it to check. When I got home to wash it I found the colors had all bled inside and it was terribly stained.  A great disapointment, as I was going to take it to St Louis when I went with our next donation of shorts and personal hygiene items.  Wouldn’t life be a lot nicer if everyone was honest?

Shorts are needed in kids sizes  – S to XL and adult sizes S to 4XL.  The reason for the adult sizes is that Shriners takes older children that sometimes wears as large as 4XL due to medical problems. It is hard enough to be sick and in pain but even worse when there is nothing to fit.  We are also making larger hospital gowns for the older children.  If you would like to sew some hospital gowns or shorts, please do Fun kids print is the best choice for fabric.

Carol Green

President.

Her mother wished me  to express her deep gratitude to the volunteers to helped get things ready for the baby and the love shown her in this difficult situation.  Grandma is taking care of the other children, while momma adjusts to empty arms and reality sets in.  God will bless her with comfort and peace as time goes on, but it’s never an easy situation.

We are grateful for those who make and donate the beautiful little burial layettes for God’s tiniest angels that only need one last gown, bonnet and blanket to be snuggled in.

From selvedge to selvedge cut a 6″ wide strip for a small size diameter and an 8″ wide strip for a larger size diameter. Sew it into a tube, stuff it, and sew it closed. Place an elastic loop about 6″ down from the top on one end (I sew it into the seam so it doesn’t rip out). The elastic should be large enough for both ends of the tube to go through.

Form a circle with the tube putting the one end of the tube into the elastic on the other end, making sure that both ends are inside the elastic for stability.

Place a receiving blanket over the entire tube and place baby down in the center – like you would if you were taking baby to the swimming pool and were going to float him in an inner tube.

This positioning aid can also be used by doubling the tube up and placing behind baby to keep him on his side. Babies should not be placed on their stomach, ever, according to recent statistics from the SIDS Council, and laying baby on his back is best unless dealing with reflux problems.

A tube is a tube – you really can’t improve on that   We have made thousands of these, the hospitals love them and use them as rewards for mothers to take Lamaze and prenatal classes.  They are fun to make and your children’s group or our own kids might like to make them and donate them to your local hospital or crisis center.

Tip for stuffing.  Cut out the ends of a tin can with a can opener so you have a tube.  Put the fabric tube you have made down through the middle of the can and pull the fabric opening over the edge of the can.  Stuff the fabric tube, pulling the tin can further and further down it as you go until you are at the end. The tin can provides stability while you are stuff the nest

Carol

Info@ReliefShare.org

Supplies Needed for this darling Baby Quilt (make 2 – one for yourself and one to donate

Color One: 1/2 yard of 44-45″ fabric (1 yard for larger size)
Color Two: 1/3 yard of 44-45″ fabric (1/2 yard for larger size)
Color Three: 1/3 yard of 44-45″ fabric (1/2 yard for larger size)

Binding: Cut binding either 1.5″ wide or 2″ wide (your preference), and long enough to go all the way around your quilt – about 120 inches for the smaller size and 180 inches for the larger size (you may piece strips).

Batting: You will need a 28.5″ x 28.5″ piece of batting (or 42.5″ x 42.5″ if you are making the larger size).

Quilt Backing: 28.5″ x 28.5″ piece of fabric for the quilt back (or 42.5″ x 42.5″ if you are making the larger size).

Cutting Instructions

PRE-WASH AND DRY YOUR FABRIC before beginning, if desired.

Small Quilt – Baby Blanket Size (28.5″ x 28.5″) Cut strips of fabric 4.5″ x w.o.f. (width of fabric) For color one, cut three strips, each 4.5″ x 44-45″ (your width of fabric) For colors two and three, cut two strips of fabric 4.5″ x w.o.f. Cut strips into 4.5″ squares. For color one, you will need a total of 25 squares. For colors two and three you will need a total of 12 squares of each color.

Larger Quilt – Lap Size (42.5″ x 42.5″) Cut strips of fabric 6.5″ x w.o.f. (width of fabric)
For color one, cut four strips, each 6.5″ x 44-45″ (your width of fabric), plus one more square that measures 6.5″ x 6.5″ For colors two and three, cut two strips of fabric 6.5″ x w.o.f. Cut strips into 6.5″ squares. For color one, you will need a total of 25 squares. For colors two and three you will need a total of 12 squares of each color.

Sewing Instructions

Using 1/4″ seam allowances, sew the squares together. It is easiest to assemble the squares into one row at a time. You can create horizontal or vertical rows. After your rows are created, sew the rows together. TIP: Iron all squares before sewing them into rows. Iron the rows before sewing them together. It works best to press the seams in opposite directions. In other words, if row one has seams pressed to the left, press the seams of row two to the right. That way, when you sew the rows together, it is easier to match corners more precisely.

Quilting Instructions

You can now stitch the three layers together, either by tying with yarns or embroidery floss, hand quilting or machine quilting.

President Carol Green
ReliefShare.org
6078 Lundy Rd
Houston, MO 65483-2225
417-763-3288

Funds are needed to ship donations to recipients, please help by donating to info@ReliefShare.org through paypal or call us to donate over the phone with a credit card or check 417-763-3288. All donations are tax deductible as we are a 501 (c) 3 non profit charity.

Many times requests for help seem to be brought to us by an invisible hand.  Folks who would normally never connect do in an effortless way that seems to be fate.  Those who have love for others and want to help are ready to hear the still small voice who whispers to their heart and lets them know when to take action and when to wait quietly for promptings.

Have you ever had this kind of an experience?  You just felt that you should be somewhere, or call someone, or do something, and don’t know why, but you know you should so you do it?  What happened?

Please share your experiences with us by emailing info@Relief Share.org for us to share with others on our blog. When we share with each other similar experiences, we strengthen and validate our feelings, thoughts and efforts.

We can tell you from experience that great blessings for both the giver and receiver result from listening to God’s promptings to help each other.

No action was ever taken without it being a thought, first.  The scriptures say it this way: “for as a man thinketh, so is he.”  Have you thought about helping others but don’t know how or who?  Wondered which charity to join as there are so many and all have good causes? Making a priority list may help you decide where to focus your efforts.

PRIORITIZING, WISDOM & KNOWLEDGE

- prioritize your projects to make sure you’re working on what’s truly important instead of getting caught up in minor things. Prioritizing is logically thinking about how to spend your time.  Wisdom is knowing how to do that and knowledge is applying your wisdom to achieve the best results.

- you will want to make the greatest amount of progress towards your goals with the least amount of effort.

- for prioritization to have any meaning, it’s imperative that you have a clear objective. Can you visualize what you want to do? Can you see how accomplishing your goal will make you feel?  Are you passionate about helping others?

- effective prioritization is the essential skill you need to make the very best use of your own efforts and other volunteers.

CHOOSING WHERE TO PUT YOUR EFFORTS

One key to choosing a charitable activity is the reason for your motivation. Why do you want to help Relief Share? Has a need personally touched you? Do you identify with how Relief Share is addressing the need – such as working with Shriners Childrens Hospital to make warm quilts for the tiny patients, donating food for the hungry, or books to help children read? Does contributing your time, effort and goods give you a sense of ownership and partnership? Giving to a compassionate service effort you believe in, or share a common vision with, means so much more than giving just for tax purposes.

Your efforts should also be what is needed.  You should be convinced your gift would make a positive difference in the lives of the recipients. You should have no regrets, no afterthoughts, just confidence in your decision.  Ask questions via email to see if we are actively working on a project that your heart is in, and feel free to suggest a cause that you care about but be ready to be part of the solution to the need you suggested.

Currently we are working on twin size quilts for Shriner Childrens Hospital in St Louis – also hospital gowns and xray shorts for them.  We are also making and donating crocheted and knitted blankets, afghans and sweater sets for crisis centers and homeless shelters.  Toys for children in church nurseries, food for the hungry, supplies for community groups and the aged to help others, clothing for tiny babies and warm bedding for families in need – this is some of what we have handled this week.

“I love my job!” – Have you heard many folks say that about their job?  Well you hear it a lot around the Relief Share office.  We truly love our jobs, though unpaid, our pay is the smiles on faces who were sad, grateful hugs from little children now snuggled in warm blankets, messy faces on children who have food all over their mouths who, before we arrived, had their tummies growling.

Come join us – let us know if you sew, knit, crochet, craft or have items you would like to donate.  Email us, we would love to hear from you.  Input is always welcome!  info@ReliefShare.org

Carol Green
President
www.ReliefShare.org
6078 Lundy Rd
Houston, MO 65483-2225

We loved it when the movie – Pay It Forward – came out.  We love the concept of simply trying to do what we can, large or small, right were we are.

Our thanks go out to all the unnoticed and unmentioned angels of God who do what they can, when they can, with whatever they have to do it with, right where they are.  It’s all of us working together to make the world a better place that creates the synergistic miracle of love and hope.

If you have ever looked into the eyes of a child who has just been fed and given a warm blanket and toy after spending a frightening time in a strange place, in less than acceptable circumstances, and see the light of hope and love come washing over their face then felt little arms wrap themselves around you – you will know that every effort you make is very much worth it.

Outside we have items that are half the original prices and sales from GrandmothersAttic.net, a store located in the same mall, are also being donated to Relief Share to help.  We are hoping to have enough money from the fundraising to be able to purchase the material needed for the hospital gowns for Shriners, the x-ray shorts, and the twin size quilts for the patient’s beds.  We also have many other projects we need supplies for  – mama pads, diaper bags, diaper covers, bibs, clothing and quilts for sick and needy families.

Relief Share is blessed to have the Lucky Dollar Store down the road in Licking who has fabric at very reasonable prices and gives us a discount because it’s for charity.  Now that our local Wal Mart no longer carries fabrics (don’t get us started on that…), we are grateful for the Lucky Dollar Store and Mel Porter – the owner.

A huge thank you to Ashley Green who has set up, taken down and spend the entire time monitoring and running the sales.  She has been sunburned, tired, sore from dragging heavy items in and out of buildings and pressed into service more than she could ever imagine.  What started out as a weekend sale has now turned into three weeks.  She needs a medal and we are most grateful to her.  A thank you to all the wonderful people who donated their time and effort helping.

Today 100 baby hats were donated out to Tennessee for the babies there.  We pray none of them suffered from the recent flooding that has caused so much problems in that state.  We also donated out preemie clothing to a little baby born to soon and only lived long enough for momma to say goodbye.  A tiny baby doll was donated to baby’s older brother so he would have something to remember her by.  A large donation went out to an expectant abandoned mother for her little one.  Donations of household items to needy folks were given out and baby blankets and clothing were given out to a young family in need.  Yarn donations have gone out to volunteers who are knitting and crocheting for the sick and needy in their area – those donations were possible from a large donation of cone yarn from a shop that shut down.  Beautiful tiny baby blankets with gorgeous hand crocheted edges done by a very special volunteer were donated to the local hospital – thank you Roberta – your work is lovely and the hospital so appreciative.

For folks helping out with making bibs and other items with bias binding on it, there is a cheap easy way to make your own bias tape.  Now you can have a darling custom fabric bias to match the item you are making and you don’t have to pay a lot to buy the store bought bias tape!

We found this wonderful visual tutorial for DIY bias tape on the net and are happy to share the link with you!

Homemade bias tape maker

bias binding

When you find fun informative sites like this one, please email us so we can include a link to it on our site so everyone can enjoy saving money and having fun being creative!

Baby boy soon to be born to a young single mother whose boyfriend walked out on her when she found she was pregnant.  Scared and alone, she shared her situation with a friend who came to us for help.  This is what we donated to her and her son -  3 bottles, 1 box q-tips, outfit, rattle, 6 baby bears stuffed toys, soother, lotion, shampoo, baby oil, 4 receiving blankets, 2 shirts, 2 beautiful handmade baby quilts, polar fleece blanket with matching puppy dog toy, crocheted afghan, 2 ciapers, 3 sleepers, 3 socks, booties, and pants.

Baby boy to be born to young military mother, donation given – bunting, bottles, socks, outfits, hats, blankets, and quilts.

Young teen  – much needed household goods.

Many baby hats were donated out to the needy in Missouri and also through another organization in West Virginia.

Fabric, yarn and sewing supplies were donated to those who needed them.  A sewing machine and serger were signed out to a volunteer who is working on projects for us for Shriner Children’s Hospital in St Louis.

The local food pantry recieved many bags of household goods, clothing, etc for the sick and needy they serve.

Toys were donated to a church for their nursery, including large toy centers and food.

These donations were possible with YOUR generous donations!  Thank you. Please keep them coming.  To help, please send donations to:

Relief Share
6078 Lundy Rd
Houston, MO 65483-2225

Some of the items needed are basics like soap, shampoo, deodorant, household cleaning products, dog and cat food, basic food supplies, Wal Mart gift cards for basics, toothbrushes, combs, water bottles, bedding, sheets and pillowcases, dishes, and other essential household items.

Craft and sewing supplies such as thread, yarn, fabric, batting, scissors, needles, patterns, buttons, zippers, and other sewing accessories and supplies are always welcome.

Finding clothing that small – especially on a moments notice – is almost impossible, but not when you have Relief Share around We had lots of fun with Mom-to-be and Grandma-to-be picking out needed clothing, baby accessories, blankets, booties, and a lot more.  With her arms full of donations made with love, the Mom-to-be headed out the door to, hopefully, fill her arms with another kind of love tomorrow.

Our hearts and prayers go out for the Mom-to-be and her wee baby girl.  There is a lot of love knit, crocheted and sewn into the items she now has ready for her daughter.  A huge thank you to all the volunteers who made this miracle of filling a need special and calmed a worried Mom’s fears of not having anything for her baby.

- 3 quilts, 120 baby socks, 1 laundry bag for Shriners Childrens Hospital

- large rotary cutter and ruler, large craft organizer, bolts of fabric, batting, thread

- toys for needy children

- food for local church, toys and books for children through the church

- fabric and hospital gowns for hospital

- 27 baby afghans for local hospital obstetrical unit

- bibs for newborn baby

- clothing for adults and needy children

This information is timely and important.  It has been taken from an email from www.flylady.com Share the information with friends as this economy has even the most spendy folks now paying attention to nickels and dimes. Charities are being overwhelmed with people who would love to be self sufficient but don’t know how.  Here is a good place to start:

Going green doesn’t have to cost us green money. We are very bright and each of us has come up with great ways to save money, help the environment and FLY!

Everyone is feeling the pinch of the economy. Did you know that when you are FLYing you are saving money and helping the environment? I want to discuss some of these money saving green/purple
habits we can help you establish.

Decluttering 15 minutes a day! How can this save you money; I know you are thinking this? The act of decluttering makes you more particular about what you buy and bring into your home. This amazing thing happens because you begin to love yourself and the way your home looks. You have to really need something to buy it! Shopping becomes something you do because you don’t need a diversion from being at home feeling guilty about your clutter and all the stuff you buy because it is on sale. If you did not spend $20 a week on more clutter then you would have saved $1040 a year. This doesn’t even count the money you spend on the gas to run around and buy the clutter. Buying less reduces your carbon footprint. It also reduces your trash and landfills.

Picking out your clothes as part of your before bed routine! This simple action will give you more time in the morning so you can fix your breakfast and a cup of coffee before you head off to work. No more stopping for expensive drive thru breakfasts and designer coffees. You have to pleasure of a peaceful morning with your life under control along with your finances. If you spend $5 a day on a drive thru breakfast and a coffee then you could have saved $1300 in a year. Pulling out and trying on creates pile of clothes and those clothes get mixed up with your dirty clothes and then you use more water to wash them.

Planning your menus for next week and preparing a grocery list before you go shopping can help too. This keeps you from going to the grocery store multiple times each week. This alone can save you $50 a week. There is hardly anyway to keep from spending less than that each time you go to the store. If you are cooking then you are saving more money by not getting takeout from restaurants. That could alone could save you another $25 a week. This amounts to $3900 for a year. Then if you factor in the gas you save by only going to the grocery store once each week. Less gas used, buying fresh food instead of packaged also
helps reduce our trash.

Wearing good shoes for your feet help in lots of ways! Good shoes gives you more energy and keeps you from breaking toes and cutting your precious feet. More energy helps you to exercise more and take
better care of yourself; this saves on doctor bills. One co-pay for an office visit could save you $20 a month. A broken foot could set you back $1500 for an emergency room visit. Shoes save you more than you
would ever think about. $1740 is amazing when a good pair of shoes could runs around $50. What an investment! This doesn’t even count the money you save because of the energy you have to keep your home in order. More energy means more walking instead of driving.

Next let’s look at how much you save by paying your bills on time and not running up your credit cards. One late charge a month or an over draft fee is could run into $100 dollars a month. If there is one there are usually many. You are having to rob Peter to pay Paul. Stay on top of your bills and paying things on time is a major way to save money while FLYing! $1200 is a small amount to save when we examine what we really spend in those fees and interest rates. I haven’t even figured the cost of the fuel for all those extra trips to the grocery store, to pay a bill before the power gets turned off, doctor visits and fast food trips. Besides the more you go shopping the more you spend. Fewer trips to the store will keep your bills affordable and you have not put that gas into your car and the pollution into the atmosphere.

So you see with these five simple habits you can save lots of money and help the environment. $9180 is no chump change to me. That is more money than I made some years in my career as a furniture store bookkeeper. That is $176 a week. WOW! Now that will buy you a tank a gas with some money for savings and something simple for you as a celebration.

Donations out this month include a number of families who recieved items for their new babies – sleepers, outfits, bottles, socks, soothers, blankets, afghans, hats, shoes, socks, lotion, shampoo, diaper cream, toys, bedding, diaper bags, receiving blankets and more.

Food, clothing and beds were donated to a needy family with the help of a local food pantry who works with us from time to time to cover needs when we are out of what is needed.  We also donated to them this month with 5 suburban loads of household goods, baby clothing – much of it new with tags, toys, books, music, DVD, shoes, furniture, craft supplies, and a lot more.

A large box of newborn baby supplies was shipped to Florida for a little boy who is about to make his appearance.

A large learning center, toys, arts and craft supplies, food and books were donated to a local church for their nursery that was badly in need of items for the small children.

Lace was sent to a dollmaker who donates dolls dressed in pretty frilly dresses to needy children, embroidery floss was donated to another crafter who helps others.

Sewing machines and sergers were loaned out to those who needed to borrow them to work on much needed items – they have been returned in excellent condition.  Our lending library is a huge asset to folks who otherwise would not have access to sewing machinery and we are grateful for the donations that made our lending library possible for volunteers and those in need.

Bibs and mamma cloths were sewn and donated to families requesting them.  A wonderful volunteer makes lovely large bibs that are perfect for the toddlers

Books were donated to the needy, and precious preemie receiving blankets and afghans were taken to the local hospital and given out to area residents who lack the resources to provide necessary items for their tiny babies.

A donation of clothing and toys were taken to a local medical clinic to disperse to a needy family and toys were donated to be given to sick children to ease their traumatic experience when seriously ill.

Many more donations were given out this month, but this gives you an idea of what we are busy with.

We are grateful for all the donors and volunteers that make God’s miracles happen.  God’s many blessings usually flow through hands that serve him here below.

Love and hugs

Carol Green
Relief Share Founder and President.

Info@ReliefShare.org

The initial request from Shrines a year ago was for 240 quilts. We are delighted to say that as of today, 185 quilts have been hand made and delivered to the hospital!!!! That is a LOT of quilts in roughly a year. Many hearts and hands have been dedicatedly working hard to make this miracle happen.

55 more quilts are needed to reach the goal. We need your help! Flannel for the backs of the quilts is needed – white, cream, pastel blue, pink, green, yellow or peach. Batting is needed, and patchwork material for the tops. The children in hospital love the fun bright kids prints and also the pretty pastels in kids print. We add solid colors and pretty patterned fabric in mostly chenille, cotton, minkee, washable ultrasuede and soft touchable fabric that delight the children as they lay in bed trying to heal.

Please email us at info@ReliefShare.org if you need further information, or simply send what you can to:
Relief Share
6078 Lundy Rd
Houston, MO 64583-2225

Other supplies needed are thread, sewing supplies and notions, interfacing, knit fabrics, binding, PUL fabric, KAM SNAPS in any color size 20, and material to make the hospital gowns with. We also sew soft teddy bears for children in crisis centers and homeless shelters so can use batting and squeakers or rattles to put inside the bears.

The Piney Quilt Guild donated 3 quilts to be given to Shriners Childrens Hospital in St Louis to be used on patients beds – they are exquisite and will comfort and warm many sick children who have undergone surgery.

A donation of baby bibs that are lovingly made have been recieved and immediately donated out to babies that need them. They are wonderfully made and very much appreciated.

Donations of warm bedclothes and blankets have been donated out to a family in need who suffers from the cold. Food has also been given out this week to a needy family. Blankets, clothing and essential items are given out regularly to those in crisis or ill health. Thank you to all the wonderful donors and volunteers that make miracles happen and answers to prayers a reality.