Your left over scrap yarn makes wonderful afghans for sick and needy patients in the hospital. Our volunteers love to work with your yarn.

It really makes a big difference to the volunteers when they come to work meetings to have nice supplies for them to work with. The saddest thing I see is folks standing around because there are limited supplies to work with and only so many machines to work on. That’s when I grab a handful of knitting needles or crochet hooks and start encouraging folks to do hand work while they wait their turn on the sergers.

We were out in the garage inventory tonight getting ready for tomorrow’s work meeting and folks even tracked me down out there to get help for a little 4 month old baby.  I had toys and formula bottles to give but no clothing for her as she takes 3 to 6 mo size and will be in 6 to 9 soon – she is a big baby   I am going to have to see what I can do to get some clothes made for her tomorrow in between working on baby burial layette sets, quilts, blankets, afghans, etc.  We only work at the work rooms from 10 to 2 so there is a lot of work crammed into the day.  I may just have to see what I can get sold on ebay to get her some clothes. She is okay for a few weeks and that will allow me time to sell something and find some sales.

I love this work, I love helping others and it’s fun to have the challenges of finding the need, organizing the work, working with the volunteers and seeing the fruits of our labors bless the sweet babies and their families.  I am so grateful to volunteers for their donations of supplies.

We are washing a bunch of used toys to go to the hospital tomorrow in cocoons.  The babies get a warm cocoon and a toy, too – mostly teddy bears and dollies

I get asked all the time what the most urgent needs are.  The simple answer is:

FABRIC – flannel, flannelette, soft, minky, chenille, velour, cotton, cotton blends, PUL, muslin, broadcloth, kids print, decorator fabric, felt, sherpa, polar fleece, micro fleece, corderoy, quilters cotton, any kind of fabric.

YARN – wool, cotton, acrylic, blends, all weights and colors, eyelash, fancy, solid colors, variegated – we use everything

SEWING SUPPLIES – serger and sewing thread, scissors, pins, needles, machines – serger and sewing machines, books, patterns, sewing tools, sewing birds

KNITTING & CROCHET SUPPLIES: knitting needles (we use circulars the most), crochet hooks, stitch markers, spinning wheels, yarn winders, swifts, felting supplies and tools,

SMOCKING SUPPLIES – pleaters, thread, patterns, pleater needles, batiste, etc

TATTING SUPPLIES – shuttles, needles, winders, thread, patterns.

BATTING – oh yes, please.  We are always running out of batting.  Queen size is best and we also need baby quilt batting and twin size, too.

Donations are tax deductible and can be sent to:

Relief Share
6200 N River Pointe Dr C208, Boise, Idaho 83714

Please be sure to include your address so we can send you your thank you letter and tax receipt.  If you want to help us save money on postage, include your email address and we can email you the letter We are also happy to mail you your letter if you would like a hard copy on file.

Thanks for being part of our Relief Share family.  You are an important family member to help this old world be a better place!

Hugs

President Carol Green
info@ReliefShare.org

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

2012 is going to be a banner year. Relief Share volunteers have rolled up their sleeves, opened their wallets, filled their schedules with charity work and the results of dedicated love for the babies is showing up in a plethora of donations to where it counts the most!

Donation out to Texas County Food Pantry and Crisis Center, January 12, 2012 delivered in person by Relief Share Vice President

1 receiving blanket
3 pair mens pajamas
4 baby bibs
7 baby sleepers
4 coats
4 pants
1 roll masking tape
4 tops
2 baby onesies
1 pr mittens
1 dress
2 pr socks
1 dog bed and pillow

Donation to Newborns in Need, Springfield Chapter (run by a very lovely lady, President Judy McDuffie) Mailed Jan 10, 2012
4 baby afghans
8 baby bibs
5 shirts
10 crocheted children’s soft balls
16 knitted woven children’s soft balls
3 knitted hats
6 crocheted hats
2 pr pants
1 baby sleeper
1 pr baby shoes
1 toddler blue jean jacket
12 preemie hats
1 toy
7 baby onesies
1 baby jacket

Donation to local Church for needy in area.
2 large shelves full of warm adult sweaters – many large garbage size bags full. Thank you to Susan and Phil for delivering those items to where they are needed the most.

Donations to individuals needing items the first two weeks in January 2012:
Baby cocoon for little girl
Baby clothing and accessories for little baby boy
Warm hats to needy family
Sewing supplies for grandmother to make items for grandchildren
Sewing supplies to make items for chemo patients
Toys for needy family

Snuggly, cuddly receiving blankets for baby.

Today was a wonderful day here at Relief  Share.  We were very busy in the morning getting a donation ready to go to the hospital made from the gorgeous flannel that arrived in a donation box from our Relief Share guardian angel (who wishes to remain anonymous, but is very much loved by everyone).

The flannel is darling – little dalmations romping over soft fuzzy flannel in pink and yellow, cute ducks that make you smile when you look at it. Other flannel from our inventory room was also used – in fact, we just used up ALL the flannel on hand so the hospital will have enough receiving blankets this chilly winter for the precious babies.  Firemen puppies, cute green dinosaurs, pink check, white and orange polka dot, pastel plaids, cute kids prints – all cut out to 36 x 45 with rounded corners and carefully serged.

We love using the wooly nylon to make the flannel receiving blankets look more store bought and professional when we have it. So much love sewn into the baby blankets….

A large box came in to the office of baby clothing and accessories and it’s already been delivered to the crisis center, along with another box that came in from a wonderful reborner, Kimiko Stallard, who sends boxes of books, childrens clothing and accessories regularly.  She also donates part of her ebay auctions to Relief Share and we appreciate her.

This afternoon we took the donation to the hospital and they were so pleased with everything in it. Thank you to all who help us help the sick and needy

If you are trying to keep your New Years resolution of losing weight, we have some suggestions that might help

1.  One day a week fast for one meal (or two) and donate the money you would have spent on those meals to charity.   Give it to your church, your local food pantry or send it to Relief Share, 6200 N River Pointe Dr, C208, Boise, ID 83714.  If you would have eaten something you already have in your home in your food storage – take the cans or boxes you don’t eat to your local food pantry, or donate them to a family you know could use them.

2.  We all know exercise helps us lose weight.  Get off the computer, stop watching the TV and dig out your sewing machine, knitting machine or serger and make some baby blankets or receiving blankets – perhaps a quilt or two to give away.  It will stimulate your heart and mind at the same time and bless the lives of the sick and needy.  If you prefer to hand knit or crochet – I bet there are some chemo patients that would love a hat to keep their heads warm or a prayer shawl or afghan to keep them snuggled and warm during the long hours of laying there getting chemotherapy for cancer.

3.  Gaining weight, for some of us, comes from comfort eating, do something else instead! Bad day – chocolate, upset – ice cream, family party and feeling good – Grandma’s famous peach pie, special occasion – root bear floats and birthday cake…well, you get the idea. Good or bad, we tend to reach for food to complete the situation.  Space abhors a vacuum.  Instead of reaching for food eating food, try doing something nice for someone else.  It’s hard to fork more pie in your mouth if your hands are busy sewing quilts for the crisis center and you can’t reach for the jelly beans at home on the counter if you are giving your neighbor in his wheelchair a walk in the sunshine for a much needed outing. Attend a local charity work meeting, volunteer time at the local library, or keep your hands and mind busy doing another productive service for someone – like weeding their garden when they can’t.

4.  There are good weight loss products to help boost your efforts (and there are many bad ones).  We recommend a supplement that compliments your efforts, not one that shocks your body into unhealthy weight loss.  After a great deal of research, we found that America’s number one health weight loss supplement is HCG drops.  Not all drops are good for you, though, depending on what the manufacturer has put in the bottle.  The most productive, safe, and cost effective can be found at www.herbalhealthco.com – you must stick to the diet suggested, but if you do, it works well.  HCGslim can help you get the body you want, healthy, strong and trim.  The company also donates to Relief Share – we are grateful for that.

Good luck! We would love to hear how your New Years resolutions are coming. Please feel free to respond to this post and share!

They were very appreciative.

Thank you letter from Shriners

Precious child of God.

You know, it is always a wonderful experience to take donations to where they are needed.   We love to go to Shriners Childrens Hospital in St Louis as there is a good feeling at the hospital and it feels marvelous to know that the children there get the help they need at no cost to them.

This time we thought that perhaps the hospital would be inundated with donations because of Christmas.  Surprise, surprise – not so.  When we took our donation, the bags were immediately gone through as personnel searched for warm clothing and blankets for children in ‘same day’ surgery needed them.  Families who had very little needed warm blankets to take their children home in the cold weather.  It really made us appreciate the need for our donations and glad we were there to help.

Here is what we took this week – personally delivered by the President – who loves to be knee deep in all the charity work with the volunteers!

SHRINERS CHILDRENS HOSPITAL – ST LOUIS donation
Baby quilts – 5
Baby blankets – 7
Full size Quilts – 2
Games and toys – 2
Children’s pants – 7
Baby bibs – 2
Baby washcloths – new in packages 52
Socks – 1
Little girls hairbands/bows – 15
totebags/diaper bags – 2
receiving blankets – 2
fleece throw blankets – 2
soft stuffed animals – new with tags  – 26
children’s shirts – 2
baby lotion – 3
doll pillows – 3
hand knitted hat – 1
baby powder – 1
body wash – 1
shampoo – 1
musical pull toy – 1

We strongly encourage folks to donate to Shriners.  You can find their address by typing it in google. Simply put what you want to donate to them in a box and ship it.  Items should be NEW.  Their most urgents needs are for quilts – all sizes – and blankets or afghans.

Thank you to everyone who sent donations and made this gift to the sick and needy children possible.  If you would like to help with donations to Shriners and other hospital and centers, please send your donations of new or gently used clean items to:

Relief Share
6078 Lundy Rd
Houston, MO 64583-2225

OR

Relief Share
6200 N River Pointe Dr C208
Boise, ID 83714

All donations are acknowledged with a thank you letter/tax receipt mailed out to donors, so please include your name and address in the boxes you are shipping

Lots of love and hard work going out in this donation

When you want to talk to God, pray. When you want God to talk to you, read your scriptures….well, most of the time. Actually God can come in loud and clear just when you need him through friends and good neighbors from all over the world.

Today, God reached out and blessed us at Relief Share in a very good very welcome way. Funds are a bit tight (that is the polite way of saying non-existant) and we were getting pretty frantic about how to get donations out to where they were needed the most.

We always try to use volunteers, or ourselves at the Relief Share offices, to personally deliver the beautiful items our donors and volunteers have been working on and sent for the sick and needy. Most of the time, we are pretty effective at doing just that, however, this wonderful *cough,cough* economy has put a damper on donations this Christmas season. Folks hearts are in the right place but their money tree has had salt poured on the roots and many family’s money trees just not might make it much longer.

Relief Share is mainly funded by public donations, our Ebay auctions, flea market booth, personal donations from the Founders, and picking up quarters in the Wal Mart parking lot if we happen to see them lying there (no kidding).

Today as we realized that the winter cold is getting colder and the Relief Share bank account wasn’t matching the need to get the warm clothing, bedding and essentials to where they were needed, an angel dropped a text message in on our cell phone and asked if we had checked our account recently.

Our hearts were full of gratitude as we saw she had put a sizable amount in our paypal account so we could start shipping the waiting donations immediately. What a marvelous blessing she is to the babies and families we serve. What a wonderful boost of Christmas cheer she has given us to enable us to do what God has called us to do.

God loves everyone and encourages, through a still small voice, our action to help the sick and needy, our love in action is very much needed. There was one more donation that came through later that day from another sweet angel with enough to ship more packages to where they need to go.

Donation going out

Thank you so much for ALL of your help. It takes donors, volunteers, nurses, doctors, crisis center managers, and very precious sweet angels who continue to support this work in a myriad of ways to make miracles happen.

So, what are we sending out?

Here is a small sampling! We would post more, but are busy packing boxes and putting finishing touches on items to go!

Donation 1: (hospital donation for the obstetrical unit):
preemie baby blankets with crocheted edgings – 7 blue, 4 light pink, 1 camo pink, 2 green, 1 blue print, 21 bottles, 1 baby book, 4 baby afghans, 20 baby hats (preemie to newborn sizing), 9 baby booties, baby cocoons, hygiene items, and baby clothing

Donation 2: (County Crisis center):
Large amount of – Shoes, craft supplies for residents, toys, blankets, baby powder, pants, shirts, sweaters.

Donation 3: (Pregnancy Crisis Center)
Boxes of blankets, hats, booties/shoes, receiving blankets, pillows, socks, heart and scratch mitt sets, onesies/tshirts,  baby vest for NICU, baby cocoons.

May God bless you this wonderful Christmas season and may he allow miracles to happen in your life.

Merry Christmas to you from Relief Share!
Relief Share – love in action
6078 Lundy Rd,
Houston, MO 65483-2225

info@ReliefShare.org

God calls us to help his children. Will you?

Waiting for others to do something about the world’s pain and suffering…. something we don’t have time for at Relief Share, as our time is spent knitting, crocheting, sewing, serging, and making items to be donated out. When that is done we must take the donations to where they need to go.  Think we are done? Nope.  That’s when we have to ‘fill the pipeline’ and get needed supplies to do it all over again.

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?  Supplies or donations?  The answer – both.  With no supplies, there aren’t any donations and with donations not being given out, there would be no need for donations.  What creates the need at all?  The sick and needy.  What if all the sick and needy were taken care of and our efforts weren’t needed?  The Bible tells us that the poor and afflicted will always be with us.  What that means for us is we need to pick up our feet and work harder, longer, more productively and faster.

Sounds like a lot of effort? You betcha.  But…it is worth it and it is fun and rewarding.

Do you want to help?  It’s really easy – pick one:

- send donations of supplies or finished items to Relief Share, 6078 Lundy Rd, Houston, MO 65483-2225 OR Relief Share, 6200 N River Pointe Dr C208, Boise, Idaho 83714 – there are volunteers at both locations immediately putting your donations to good use and getting them to where they are needed most urgently.

- rev up your sewing machine, knitting machine, knitting needles, crochet hooks or crafting skills and create the items that are needed.  There are lots of free patterns on our blog. If you don’t  see what you are looking for, email us at info@ReliefShare.org and we will send you a pattern. What is needed?

Here is a list of the most urgently needed items.  You can either make them, ‘find’ them in your closets or a friend’s closet while de-cluttering, or buy them and donate by popping them into a box and mailing it or bringing  it by one of our locations.

1.  Baby bedding – quilts, receiving blankets (if you are making them 36″ x 45″ is marvelous, 45″ x 60″ is wonderful and any size is great), crib sheets, cocoons, anything to keep baby snuggly and warm

2. Baby clothing – onesies, shirt, outfits, sleepers, gowns, socks, booties, shoes, hats, etc

3. Baby accessories – diaper bags, tote bags, toys, nursing pillows and covers, hygiene items (shampoo, wash, diaper cream, conditioner, etc), diapers – cloth and disposable, pacifiers, boppies, bumbos, baby baths, high chairs, cribs, playpens, exersaucers, carriers, wraps, mobiles, toys, books, CDs and DVDs – anything baby.

4.  Items for families – food, clothing, hygiene items, books, learning items for homeschooling families or those augmenting public school learning such as workbooks for preschool and grade school, art supplies, pens, pencils, coloring markers, paints, etc.  Pots pans, dish cloths, and basic household items as we help the homeless and those in crisis centers.  We love to accept donations of prayer shawls and hats for chemo patients.

5.  Items for displaced animals – we help animal shelters, individuals that foster displaced animals and can use dog and cat food, veterinary supplies, equine supplies, small animal supplies – cages, flea and tick collars and liquids, milk replacement, dog and cat beds, scratching posts, collars, leashes, and more.  Those old blankets make really nice animal pads as well.

5.  You fill in this blank. Do you have it and don’t need it? Do you want to de-clutter your house and help someone else?  We take anything you want to send and give it to where it is needed the most.  Please send items that are clean and in good condition.  (I really didn’t want to say that but after having to get the office fumigated because of bugs sent in a large donation of really nasty condition, I have to).  Here is your mini lecture – the people who need your help are God’s children.  Only send items that you would give to the Christ child, himself. Nuff said.

6. If you want to help with fundraising (this said while lifting our eyes to heaven pleading for help),

- please consider donating part of your ebay auctions to Relief Share.org – we are listed with Mission Fish on Ebay and run charity auctions through GrandmothersAttic.net (for FREE – the time and expense for the ebay auctions is from our family owned business and many items you see offered on ebay are donated from our family store – we put our money where our mouth is) – just choose us from the drop down list on ebay when you list auctions.

- Consider making a donation through Paypal to info@ReliefShare.org – just click on the donate button on this page.

- Drop us a check, money order or cash (accepted but not recommended in the mail) to Relief Share, 6078 Lundy Rd, Houston, MO 65484-2225.  We have been at this address for over 20 years doing charity work and will always be here (barring unforeseen catastrophes that have not been penciled in on our calender so not likely to happen!  We will be old and grey and in a wheelchair still here working hard for many years to come.)

- Donate stocks or bonds  We have a wonderful stockbroker we work with who will be more than happy to process your donation.

- Donate  inventory or goods – many times you can write off the full value for tax benefits.  Have a car sitting around, an airplane, a house, closing a business?  Talk with your tax people or book keeper – you may find out it is cheaper to donate the items you have than sell what you have and don’t need or want.  We have had donated entire inventories of craft and general merchandise stores as the work of trying to tell the left over inventory from a store closure brought a lot less in value that simply donating the inventory and claiming the full value than just pennies on the dollar.  We have warehouses and garages to store the inventory as our volunteers quickly process the items to get them to where they are needed the most.

How do we get ‘it’ all done? Folks have asked us that before.  It’s easy.  We network with other charities and organizations to leverage volunteers and supplies so we are able to respond quickly and effectively to disasters, crisis, and pleas for help from the sick and needy.  There is no corner on charity and no need to get credit for what we do.  Networking is good for everyone – you included. Network with us to bless God’s children.

Jesus shows us how to be kind & loving. It is up to us to follow him and put our love for others into action.

Relief Share Founder, Carol Green, commented:  “We don’t care who gets credit, as long as the need is taken care of.  If we all work together, everyone is helped. The only one that really needs to get credit is God. Give ALL praise and glory to God, our Father,  as He is the real source of all blessings.”

Having said all this – we want to you consider donating to your own community first.  What? Yep, that’s right.  Yes, we desperately want what you have to donate to us to share with the sick and needy, but if you donate locally first and strengthen the community you life in – this creates a better world for everyone.  Strong caring supportive communities make a better world.  So, please consider first what you can do locally, and then, please help us.  We need you.  The sick and the indigent need you.  Please do something and do it today.

Hugs to you for reading all of this, and bigger hugs when you act on it. Thank you so much to all of you who have made miracles happen for those who are in need.  Together we are making a wonderful difference in the world.

So now you have items gathered and want to send them, but need to know where they should go.  Consider this information and prayerfully consider where you want your donation to go:

Carol C Green and her husband, Richard, are the Founders of  Relief Share.org and  NewbornsInNeed.org

A comment on Newborns in Need (NIN) from Carol Green:  ” My husband and I are the founders of NIN.  It is our first ‘baby’ that we helped untold numbers of babies through and our friend, Connie Edwards, took over the reigns when my genetic blood disease  got the better of me for a couple of years.  She is running NIN as a large successful charity started from the first baby item cut out at my kitchen table.  Last year she handled over 6 million dollars in donations.

True to the dream we envisioned when we started Newborns in Need – no one is paid in all of our 50 chapters across the nation and none of the board of directors are paid – it is a work of the heart, not of the wallet. Knowing Connie, there are probably more chapters than that now.

Please check out the NIN website and find a chapter nearest you.  They need your help. Now that I am back on my feet and running ReliefShare.org – I expanded my charity mission to include more than just the babies we all adore and promote both ReliefShare.org and NewbornsInNeed.org – find the locations nearest you and help today!”

Knitting a cocoon on the USM Bond machine

http://tracykm.blogspot.com/2011/02/baby-cocoon.html

Here is a wonderful tutorial on the net for making a baby cocoon on your knitting machine with an updated feature – you can seam the cocoon as you go!

Have fun and enjoy and be sure to tell them we sent you.   It’s nice to know when you are appreciated for the hard work in putting up a blog post and the gal that put up that tutorial is very much appreciated.

Danny Wright at his piano.

Healing through music – a true gift from God to all of us through Danny Wright who is an international concert pianist. He has sold over 6 million albums since his debut in 1986, he is also my favorite pianist! I just have to share

Danny Wright Releases 35th Album SOUL 2 SOUL and

Launches The Danny Wright Foundation of Music.

Danny Wright’s all-original contemporary piano music interprets healing stories in the purest of ways. The best-selling pianist’s new Danny Wright Foundation of Music will provide music to critically-ill children and seniors, while also supporting musical education in Nevada’s schools.

Las Vegas, NV (October 4, 2011) — International concert pianist Danny Wright’s impressive thirty-fifth recording Soul 2 Soul (released on White Lyte Music, September 26, 2011), sets the bar high for creative and all-original music for contemporary solo piano. Wright’s lifelong training and seemingly innate ability to create moving, magical, and unprecedented aural pieces of art, are represented in this new album. A native Texan, now based in Las Vegas, Wright’s command of musical textures and tones on the wholly-instrumental Soul 2 Soul crosses contemporary, new age and Christian genres.

“This is one of my most heartfelt albums,” Wright said, “My wonderful fans have been asking for a simple solo piano album for years, and the time was just right for these songs to pour out of my soul, inspired by the beautiful people I’ve met through my music.”

On Soul 2 Soul, nearly twenty-five years of music-making has culminated in classic, inspirational and memorable melodies that flow effortlessly through the air. As producer of Soul 2 Soul, Wright – along with co-producer Cheri White – commissioned recording and engineering services from Hyman Stansky at Harbor House Studios in Keller, Texas. A year in the making, Soul 2 Soul is Wright’s first all-original album in twelve years. Wright’s previous release was Walking in Faith (distributed by Inner Knot) a collection of faith-based songs for solo piano recorded in memory of his parents, contributing to his total album sales of over six million copies worldwide.

The inspiration for Soul 2 Soul is vast, drawing from various fans’ and listeners’ stories—whether joyous or painful—and from a range of different Internet sources, concert meetings, and personal friendships. In response to their emotional stories, Wright created compositions to honor their memory or to celebrate their life, either overcoming physical obstacles or comforting those in times of need. Keep in mind, Wright creates these musical landscapes with nothing more than a Steinway piano. All vocals and additional instrumentation are set aside to allow the piano’s “voice” to tell the stories.

The sweet melody of “Adriannes Heart,” most certainly evokes Valentine’s Day imagery with love, faith, and hope for better days to come. The galaxy-titled “To the Moon and Stars and Back” is not necessarily space music, except for the fact Wright’s playing resonates beyond borders, cultures, and, perhaps, planets; this track solidifies Wright’s international (and extraterrestrial) appeal. “Friends are Friends Forever” is a celebration of friendship with a sweeping melody that carries the listener off into another world. “Sweet Jewels” is a tantalizing track with a softly-played melody; but Wright knows how to tickle the high keys in such a manner as to evoke the sparkling characteristics of gemstones tumbling out of a bag. The tragic result of a son’s motorcycle accident and his eventual awakening from a coma is the subject of “Have Faith.” “Where There’s A Will There’s A Way” is titled after the name of an inspiring baby (Will) born prematurely with developmental disabilities and autism effects. “At Peace” is a tribute to co-producer and album cover artist, Cheri White, whose husband passed away in his sleep. The events, though seemingly somber, offer catharsis and healing through Wright’s uplifting musical spirit throughout the album. Other tracks include “Tara’s Theme,” “I Found You,” “Carole’s Odyssey,” and “White Lyte,” all expertly ordered and arranged to offer the type of healing and loving experience that has endeared Wright to his fans worldwide. Surely, listeners will find companionship in these spiritual interpretations of challenging events.

White’s contribution to the cover album artwork illustrates the therapeutic side of painting with a flowing stream in the middle of higher, autumn-colored bluffs and hillsides. In a way, the music flows beautifully in the middle of the natural environment, as well as between individuals. The water imagery serves as a creative flow of musical ingenuity that showcases Wright’s way of giving back to the people that inspired the new work.

As a Steinway and PianoDisc artist, Wright celebrates the sounds of piano, while steering close to fellow contemporaries Tom Barabas, George Winston, Dave Grusin, David Foster, Billy Joel, and Barbra Streisand. In fact, Streisand’s passion for music and Wright’s emotive piano compositions have inspired fans to draw parallels between their music. Recently, Wright was delighted when one of his fans told him “You play the piano like Barbra Streisand sings.”

In addition to recording Soul 2 Soul over the past year or so, Wright also co-founded the Danny Wright Foundation of Music, which produced a star-studded benefit event at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV on September 18, 2011. The foundation’s mission statement is “Healing the Planet one Heart at a time.” Essentially, the foundation will provide instruments and instructors to sick children in hospitals throughout Nevada and by supporting music programs in schools. Moreover, ten-percent of all proceeds from Soul 2 Soul and other albums will be donated to the Danny Wright Foundation of Music when purchased at the foundation’s website. (www.dw-foundation.org)

Soul 2 Soul is available for purchase via iTunes and Amazon, and at fine music stores everywhere via distribution by Inner Knot and E1 Entertainment. White Lyte Music is also reissuing four of Wright’s best-selling albums including An Intimate Christmas, Real Romance, Keys From My Heart, and Walking in Faith; all albums will be available both digitally and at brick-and-mortar retail stores.

Links:

Official Artist Website: http://www.dannywright.com

CD Review: http://michaeldiamondmusic.com/2011/10/08/soul-2-soul-by-danny-wright/#more-1152

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Danny-Wright/e/B000AP9O84/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel

Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1622935260&ref=ts

Danny Wright Foundation of Music: www.dw-foundation.org

VNR: http://Wrightwright.com/dw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=125&Itemid=174

About Danny Wright
Danny Wright is an international concert pianist who has sold over 6 million albums since his debut in 1986. Wright’s talent stems from musical training from age 4, studying with some of the best piano instructors in the world. He has been named twice by Billboard Magazine as a Top 10 artist in his genre, with three of his albums in Billboard’s Top 10 New Age Albums for three consecutive years. He is currently represented by White Lyte Music LLC in Las Vegas, NV, and is founder of the Danny Wright Foundation of Music.

About The Danny Wright Foundation of Music
The Danny Wright Foundation was formed to help people through the power of music. The Mission Statement is: “Healing the planet one heart at a time. Dedicated to the enrichment of the lives of All People with the understanding and appreciation in the healing power of music. Helping people the “Wright Way.”

Patches fused in place on jeans getting mended

Your favorite pair of blue jeans (or your son or daughter’s) doesn’t have to be thrown out because of a tear or hole.  Here is a fast, quick and easy way to mend your jeans.

I had a pair of jeans that needed patching and after searching the net for quite some time, I was frustrated with the lack of instructions to fix the holes and tears in my blue jeans.  I did find an expensive repair place that you could send your jeans away to for fixing (no thanks, I can buy a new pair cheaper) and I found some tutorials that left the jeans looking pretty sad and homemade with the patching – also the jeans would be pretty stiff with all the sewing they wanted you to do.

This is a pretty easy no sew fix, and you don’t have to use the stiff patches you buy at Wal Mart to fuse on the knees of your jeans.  You can make your own patches that are softer and a closer color to the jeans as I wanted an almost invisible fix.  I didn’t want it to look like they were home made patched.

The picture shows the patches ironed on to the inside of the jeans – they are soft and flexible as they are made from flannel and the fusible web is also soft and flexible, comfortable to wear.

For those of you who are searching the net and need to fix your jeans so they look nice, here is what you need to fix it:

1.  an iron – I used a small Clover mini iron for convenience, but any iron will do

2.  a pair of scissors

3.  a matching color piece of fabric – I used blue flannel because it is soft

4.  an ironing board or other surface that is heat resistant.

5.  Steam a seam (double stick fusible web) or any other fusible product like Heat N Bond, etc.  I used Steam a seam because it can be fused to the fabric, then fused to the jeans.  Some of the other products must be fused to both the patching fabric and jeans at the same time, making the repair process a little bit harder.

Here we go

- Wash and dry your jeans and don’t use any fabric softener.  Turn the jeans inside out.

- Cut a patch out larger than the hole or tear, and fuse the Steam A Seam to it by removing the paper from the web on one side and placing on the patch.

- Hold the iron long enough for the fusible web to adhere to the patch (I used the cotton setting on my iron).

- Trim the patch so the edges are rounded – the patch will last longer and not pull away from the jeans at the corners.

- Pull away the cover paper on the Steam A Seam and place the patch over the hole or tear. Fuse the patch to the inside of the jeans over the hole or tear by pressing the iron on the patch until the web fuses all layers together.

-Turn the jeans inside out and run the iron over the jean material to make sure the patch is fused.

- Let the patch cool and wash the jeans on the cold setting on your washer and tumble try.

mended jeans - it just looks like distressing now.

Enjoy using the jeans for a lot longer.  If you like this tutorial, please respond to the blog with a comment, and feel free to add any hints or tips you would like to share on this subject   As you can see, the tear simply looks like it was done on

Soft comfortable mend, now looks like chic distressing.

purpose, like the more expensive jeans you buy now with the distressing.

Knitted baby cocoon pattern – http://www.reliefshare.org/wordpress/index.php/2010/10/26/knitting-for-baby-cocoons/
Knitted braided woven ball – http://www.reliefshare.org/wordpress/index.php/2011/06/07/braided-knitted-ball-for-charity-pattern-children-love-these/
Sewn baby cocoon pattern – http://www.reliefshare.org/wordpress/index.php/2010/11/30/free-baby-cocoon-pattern-to-sew/
Infant demise sewn pattern – http://www.reliefshare.org/wordpress/index.php/2011/08/20/relief-share-infant-demise-burial-gown/ – http://www.smocking.org/files/nt7n_weecare_program1.pdf

Hugs,
Carol Green,
ReliefShare.org charity
Ebay – dec2057 auctions
Fine-Air.com blog
GrandmothersAttic.net store

Hospital donation

It always warms the heart to see the gorgeous donations of handmade and purchased items flood in for the sick and needy babies we serve.

Today it was my great privilege to assemble the donations together and personally take them to the obstetrical unit of the Texas County Memorial Hospital.  In the donation were beautiful scarves made for the mothers of the babies to keep the cold out, soft plush blankets to snuggle new tiny babies in, hand knit stretchy baby cocoons in pretty colors to swaddle baby, gorgeous crocheted baby booties for the babies (some of them to be used for the burial layettes that are unfortunately, needed), bottles, rattles, baby books, toys, and lots of luscious plush soft sleepers in preemie and newborn sizes.

Donation to Texas County Memorial Hospital:

Donation for TCMHospital

6    baby booties
1    sweater
12    hats
4    blankets
1    bottle
3    nipples
1    cocoon
3    buntings
8    sleepers
1    outfit
2    rattles
1    toy
3    books
4    scarves

We have been donating to that particular hospital since 1992.  There have been nursing supervisors and nurses come and go but the hospital is still welcomes us and is grateful for the donations we bring.  In the past we have provided free pictures of babies to new families who can’t afford baby pictures and quickly sewn up layettes overnight for tiny preemie babies.  We provide them with everything for baby as we have it available – diapers – cloth and disposable, bottles, nursing pillows, blankets, afghans, socks, booties, buntings, cocoons, hats, onesies, t-shirts, diaper bags, pacifiers, baby lotion, shampoo, baby wash, diaper ointment, baby quilts and a lot more.

If you want to help the babies, please send your donation of either purchased, handmade or gently used items to:

Relief Share
6078 Lundy Rd
Houston, MO 65483-2225

OR

ReliefShare
6200 N River Pointe Dr C208
Boise, ID 83714

Carol Green
President/Founder
ReliefShare.org

Getting into the Christmas Spirit - NEED vs GREED

I have been reading and pondering the list of “I wants” for Christmas that have been hitting the internet and the circumstances around them with some folks justifying their requests for ‘help’. I wonder how many of them Christ would have approved of.

Asking for help to bless the life of a baby, who no fault of their own, has a dire health situation thrust upon her that needs serious attention and help is a sweet, selfless kind thing to do.

Asking for MORE presents because you don’t feel that efforts of mooching has gotten enough freebies for your kids or yourself who are already getting presents at Christmas is simply not Christ-like.  I am referring to a mother stating that her kids were ‘only’ getting a few presents each from Toys for Tots and that just wasn’t enough!  To make it worse, she and her husband work, but she decided to ask for more Christmas presents from the public anyway.  (that sound you just heard was my jaw dropping at the ingratitude and blatant greed).

What has me in such a knot? As most of you know, I run a charity. I see the worst of the worst and the most helpless and serious cases of lack. It really makes me sad to see essential donations siphoned off because of greed, when they are desperately needed.

The truth is there are people who have zero food, they aren’t even asking for a traditional Christmas dinner (though there is nothing wrong with that, food is essential) – they are asking for anything – a little bit of bread and clean drinking water. Yes, there are areas in the USA that people have to purchase their water as the drinking water is not safe. Imagine that – just wanting some water to drink and not getting it because someone decided that ‘Santa’ needed to be more generous with them and their already taken care of kids.

Let’s turn these negative comments I just made criticizing people for being greedy and selfish (yes, I admit I did that out of sheer frustration and indignation) into something positive.

If folks really want to make a difference this Christmas, here is the start of a list of some things that are actually needed and wanted:
- bottled water, food, multi-vitamins, bread, milk, fruits and vegetables
- body soap, shampoo, conditioner, dish soap, cleaners
- clean underwear, a basic outfit – a sweat suit or something warm, a coat, gloves, hats, mittens
- basic baby items like diapers, blankets, sleepers, hats, pacifiers, etc.
- a toothbrush ( and if you are feeling really frivolous, some toothpaste
as well).
- blankets, sheets, pillows
- a Christmas card. Oh, you don’t think this is an essential? Ask the folks in the old folks home whose kids – living off the money they are taking from their aged parents and going on beach vacations – never come to see. The ones the workers in the less reputable old folks home drug to make them easier to take care of and dampen their sadness and upset.

Take these items to your nearest homeless shelter, crisis center or church to donate out. Those folks, like me, work with the sick and needy all the time and know exactly where the items need to go. We stand anxiously waiting for donation boxes to arrive to immediately get the life saving food and water and clean clothing to those who have nothing.

It is best for folks to donate locally to save on shipping – the money spent shipping items can help more people, but when you have taken care of those in your area, please consider donating to other charity.  There are folks in the US who desperately need your kindness and help so step up this Christmas, lengthen your stride, and please, please do something. Anything. Send essentials and whatever else you would like to send and do it wholeheartedly with your love and prayers.

This is a wonderful horrible time of year. Wonderful if a miracle happens in your world and terribly horrible when it doesn’t and suffering happens. Somehow everything is magnified at this time of year – happiness, sadness, love, hate, joy, sorrow – you can be the difference in your life and someone else’s life, if you choose to do so.

If you find this post overwhelming, please just delete it. Sometimes we need to withdraw from life to catch our breath, and that’s okay for survival, but if you are feeling able to help – do something, give something – even if it is just a kind word, a smile or a little help. One pacifier send in a package will just cost a few dollars, but to that mother whose baby needs it, it is very much important. One box of Mylicon drops for baby’s gas from Wal Mart (the generic Equate is a lot less and just as good) makes the difference between tears of joy and tears of sorrow for a family who just doesn’t have the money to get any.

If God has placed you in a position to sacrifice to bless someone else’s life and you can give more, let me share with you a secret of the universe. What you send out in love, returns back to you many times over.

Service and charity blesses the giver just as it blesses the receiver. We can be both givers AND receivers at the same time. That’s the secret and the key to happiness. The world says it like this: Spread the joy. And I say, please do.

May God bless all of you according to your actions, and may you be worthy of great blessings.

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

Relief Share Director Richard Green loading up a much needed donation - everyone at home office is directly involved with helping.

The weather has turned colder and the need for warm clothing and bedding, especially for babies and children is urgent.  Thanks to the hard work of volunteers and donations of supplies and finished items, Relief Share was able to make a donation of a large box of essential items for families in the Ozarks who would otherwise go with out and suffer with the cold.

The donation for the Crisis Center contained:

BABY & TODDLER ITEMS
shirts – 3
pants/overalls – 13
outfits – 13
socks – 11 pair
shoes/booties – 13 pair
receiving blankets – 16
baby blankets – 6
bottles – 5
tops – 11
rattle – 1
onesies/undershirts – 6
pjs/sleepers – 9
snowsuits – 1
crib sheet – 1
jacket – 1
1 ladies sweater as well.

A huge thank you to the donors and volunteers that made this donation possible. It is everyone working together that makes miracles happen.

Carol Green
President
ReliefShare.org

Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven.

Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven.

In today’s world it is hard to keep your nose above water.  What floats your boat?  What makes you do what you do and think what you think?

Well, the short answer is ‘decisions’.   Decisions are affected by two forces, and two forces only.  Faith and fear. If you think you can, you can, if you think you can’t you can’t.  It really is that simple.  Decisions made with faith can be empowering and beneficial to everyone – those are the kind of decisions that lead to volunteering to help charities, offering to give assistance to a neighbor, smiling at strangers out of sheer happiness and wanting to share joy.

There are many many children who don’t have decent parents and many without any parents at all. I see a lot of the sad side of life because of the two national charities my husband and I founded.

It is good to always seek for happy productive people to have in your circle of friends. The sad and bad is out there, but life is a choice and reaching for peace, joy, love and happiness is always the way to find more. What we think about and seek is what we will find as our thoughts become actions and actions create our environment.

Want to be happy and have a seaworthy boat that floats?  Volunteer or donate today to a charity of your choice!

If you choose to help us, our address to send donations to is:

Relief Share
6078 Lundy Rd
Houston, MO 65483-2225

and

Relief Share
6200 N River Pointe Dr C208,
Boise, Idaho 83714

Urgent needs:

Baby items: recieving blankets, baby quilts, clothing, diapers, pacifiers, lotion, etc

sewing and crafting supplies – yarn, fabric, thread, knitting needles, crochet hooks, etc.

Carol Green
President
ReliefShare.org

Pillowcase construction style quilt

Material used for quilts could include cotton, cotton blends, knits, polar fleece, flannel, etc. Any and all types of quilt battings are suitable. In the past we have used high loft, low loft, regular, all cotton, thermolam, down, and polyester batting. We have even used old blankets, towels, and old bedspreads for the middle of quilts when we ran out of regular batting. We prefer to use new batting but we will not let a baby go cold simply because we temporarily ran out of batting. Try to use something that washes well, will stay soft and not be stiff or too heavy.

We are thrilled when we receive pieced quilts, they are so beautiful and they really show the love and effort that went into them. We also love the whole cloth quilts that are so cuddly, warm and quick to make. It is your choice as to what you would like to make. Relief Share makes many different types of quilts for the babies and families.

Instructions for “pillowcase construction” quilt.
- Place top fabric and bottom fabric right sides together with batting on the bottom. Top, bottom and batting should all be the same size.
- Stitch around all four edges leaving a gap of approximately 8 inches unsewn.
- Turn quilt inside out with the batting now in the middle (some people call this the pillow case way of making a quilt).
- Whip stitch the opening closed.
- Sew approx. 1/2 inch top stitching around the edge of the quilt to stabilize and secure all three layers.
You are now ready to hand quilt, tie, or machine quilt the quilt. Tied quilts – ties should be no farther apart than 4″.  Ties should always be a square knot, never just a stitch or a knot that will come out, hospital laundry is really harsh.  Ties should be 1 to 1 1/2 ” depending on what you are tying with.  Hand quilted quilts – try to keep your stitches fairly uniform and smaller. Tiny fingers can catch “loops” of thread.  Use quilting thread for strength.

Machine Quilted Quilts -
A walking foot for your machine is nice but not necessary. Quilts can be tacked, sewn in a grid pattern, or any other design.  Make sure there is enough sewing to hold the three layers together securely without the batting shifting after repeated washings.

Baby cocoons also make wonderful gifts for 'little mothers'. This is our youngest ReliefShare volunteer helping us with pictures of the latest cocoon we made.

This week has been fun with darling hand knit baby cocoons donated out to sweet new babies.  One cotton/acrylic blend solid pink cocoon with a flower was donated out to a darling new little girl.  Another cocoon in purple and blue swirl was donated out to a precious little baby soon to be born.  Three hand knit stripe cocoons in blue and brown were donated out to the hospital in Gilbert, Arizona for babies born to families in need.

The most urgent needs right now are for baby items -  quilts, receiving blankets, knitted baby cocoons, booties, baby afghans and baby clothing.  These smallest of God’s children are helpless and have no way of providing essentials for themselves.

Baby cocoons are requested by the hospitals.  One hospital, alone, has asked for 300 baby cocoons.  We have been able to knit and donate 100 of the baby cocoons for them thus far for them and another hospital just asked for 100 more.  Cocoons are a great item to knit while you are on the go or using spare moments during the day as they are done on size 7 – 16″ circular needles and is very quick and easy.  For preemie/newborn sizes, cast on 70 stitches and knit for 16″ then decrease.  For newborn size cocoons, cast on 80 stitches, knit for 18″ and decrease.  The matching hats for the cocoons are done by casting on 60 stitches, knitting for 4″ and decreasing.  Here is a link to the pattern http://www.reliefshare.org/wordpress/index.php/2010/11/15/350-baby-cocoons-for-the-hospital-are-needed/

Relief Share could also really use help with making burial layettes.  These are very precious layettes that have a burial gown, bonnet, blanket, and memorial item.  The sewing on these special layettes need to be paid special attention to as this is the last little gown that baby will be snuggled in before returning home to Heavenly Father.  Here is the pattern: http://www.reliefshare.org/wordpress/index.php/2011/08/20/relief-share-infant-demise-burial-gown/

When the Lord touches your heart to help, many times he guides you to what is most important and will bless your life as you create the items needed.  Finding joy in service brings many blessings to the giver as well as the receiver.

Carol Green
President
ReliefShare.org

.

At Relief Share we receive many packages of love and caring. Some are sewing, knitting and crochet supplies, some are finished items and some are notes that express the desire to help others with a few dollars tucked inside.  All packages are signs of compassion, nurturing and wanting to make this world a better place for all.

Recently we received two sewing machines from a very special source.  Debra and Ray Cox are long time followers of Christ and show their love for others through years of service by helping the sick and needy.  Many times they put their own needs aside to take care of others.

True unconditional Christlike love is a hallmark of the very elite who understand how love is at the very center of a peaceful productive life. Through Ray and Debra’s excellent example, many others followed through the years to work with the charity chapter they ran to help hospitals and other organizations with essential items for the sick and  needy.

Debra has since ‘graduated’ and returned home to live with Heavenly Father.  We love her and miss her but know we will all be together again on our ‘graduation’ days as we follow her home.  Ray continues her legacy of love through service, dedication, donations and caring.

May God bless them for all they do for others and may we follow in their footsteps to be better, kinder and more compassionate.

Carol Green
President
ReliefShare.org

Wait, did you catch the last idea? Shopping? Yes, we meant to put that in. We have wonderful donors who LOVE to shop.  Our marvelous talented shoppers take their ‘fun money’ and go shopping thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales, outlet malls and clearance isles to help others with items such as baby blankets, clothing and accessories, hygiene items like soap, toothpaste, hair brushes, diaper ointment, shampoo and conditioner. Boxes of books, videos, toys, diaper bags, large print books for the elderly, movies to keep children in hospital peaceful and happy, and makeup for teens in Shriners Childrens Hospital who have spent months in hospital – many times years filled with many hospital visits and need to feel ‘normal’.  That eyeshadow or lipstick on sale for .25 many not make much of a dent in your household budget, but it could mean the world to a teenager who has been staring at the hospital wall for months, stuck in her body cast and feeling left out of the world.

Children’s videos are extremely important.  We have watched children who are in a great deal of pain and have had surgery after surgery settle down and calmly watch a Disney movie and let their bodies heal instead of fighting the nausea that haunts them and focusing in on the pain that washes over their days endlessly.  You can give them the distraction they need by providing a toy, book, video, coloring book and crayons to allow them at least a few stolen moments away from the constant pain and drudgery of hospital life. Will you?  We do hope so.

A few extra moments of your time, a couple of extra items in your shopping cart – you could be the angel of mercy for those who are suffering, sad and needing your help to feel God’s love through the gift from a stranger who cared.  Please don’t wait – the pain and loneliness for the children in the hospital and the aged in the old folks homes doesn’t wait.  Do something now, today.

If you only have a moment and no time to go shopping or pack a box for the sick and needy, then please just take a minute to click on the link to donate a few dollars through Paypal to Relief Share.  We have volunteer shoppers who would be happy to go shopping on your behalf and take the items to those who need them.

The last donation of funds was given by a beautiful kind lady who wanted to help us with yarn.  She donated $50 through Paypal.  We were thrilled that she would be the answer to prayers for those who need the baby cocoons that the hospital requested to distribute to the most destitute of their patients.  Because we are a charity  and have a non profit status, often times we can get the needed supplies and items for a lot less when donations of money come in. Her $50 bought far more than if she had gone to the store and bought it herself.  Both Relief Share volunteers and the donor were thrilled!

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

or

ReliefShare
6200 N River Pointe Dr c208
Boise, Idaho 83714

Soft woven knitted balls

One of the items that we love to make and donate is our knitted woven balls.  These soft fun balls are loved by children and adults alike. Hospitals can use them to help patients who are in rehabilitation from eye surgery, burns or need hand to eye coordination activities to toss and catch the soft knitted ball without getting hurt.

The re-purposed function of the knitted woven balls are that the centers are hollow and you can put things in them without them falling out. We use the plastic containers that the knee high pantihose come in from Wal Mart – we put a jingle bell inside the round plastic containers, permanently glue the small container shut and insert it inside the ball.  This makes a baby rattle that moms and babies love.  The old folks love to use our balls for their animals to play with, providing hours of entertainment for shut ins.

Relief Share donates to locations all across America, we also donate  internationally through other organizations as our combined efforts saves us on shipping and helps them to help others.We like to wind a ball of yarn (you can get whole skeins of yarn wound and fitting inside the balls) and insert them in the balls. When the balls are sent out, particularly to regions of the world who are in short supply of essential materials for necessary goods, the yarn can be taken out and used to knit or crochet mittens, hats, baby layettes, crib blankets, etc and the balls use for play or children, babies and curious adults.

Warning: making the balls is fun and addicting. They are like potato chips, you can’t just eat one.  The first one you make will seem frustrating and complicated, but once you get the first one done, they are quick, easy and a pleasure to make.  The pattern is free and so are the smiles.

If you would like to help by knitting or crocheting soft balls for the sick and needy, please email info@ReliefShare.org for the pattern.  You’ll have fun and will bless the lives of others as well.

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

Cherie Blessing by Vivian Woolum of Heaven's Little Gems Nursery Boutique

This sweet baby is truly a work of love.  Created by Vivian Woolum of Heavens Little Gems Nursery Boutique, she was lovingly created and “born on 9-25-1022 at 12″45 pm.  Cherie Blessings weighed in at 5 lbs, 4 oz and is 18 3/4″ long.  Vivian donated Cherie to help Relief Share with our charitable efforts.

Reborn babies have blessed the lives of many – collectors, mothers, hospital workers and patients.  Holding Cherie in your arms, you wonder at how real she is.  Every little hair on her head was hand rooted, as was her eyelashes.  She has a ‘real’ baby skin complexion that takes your breath away and any second you expect her eyelashes to flutter and her eyes to open.

Vivian packaged Cherie with a beautiful hand chosen rosebud soft blanket and dressed her with love in a gorgeous one piece outfit. Cherie is wearing a lovely sweater and booties that keep her snuggly warm.

Included with Cherie is pacifiers, a Birth Certificate, darling shoes, a tummy plate, diaper, beautiful smocked bonnet, precious little polka dot knit outfit trimmed with tiny mini pink bows, a hooded sweater and sweet pink booties, and a lovely cream Early Birds one piece outfit over a tiny onesie that is just perfect for her size.

This sweet baby will be used for a visual aid in lectures, work meetings, seminars and presentations.   She will also be used to test sizing for the hospital and new mothers baby items as Vivian has made her just the perfect size, weighted like a real baby.  The nurses at the hospital enjoy visits with the ‘real’ babies and can use them to help education young mothers on baby care and even help ease the suffering of parents who have had to say goodbye to their little one before even saying a proper hello.

In honor of Vivian Woolum, and with gratitude for her generous donation of Cherie Blessing and her accessories – also the wonderful trims for the little burial gowns that we make for the hospital for infant demise,  we have added an name on the birth certificate for  Cherie Blessing. She is now ‘Vivian Cherie Blessing’.

The name she shall be called by henceforth will be “Vivian”.  Each time we say her name and allow her to be used for charitable purposes, we will express our gratitude through using her name for the lovely lady who saw the need, filled the need and blessed many hearts through using her God given gift as a master reborn artist to help others.

Many times we are asked for the source of our donations, as folks want to purchase a similar item.  We are pleased to share with you Vivian Woolum’s contact information so you will be able to have a reborn baby doll of your very own, made by an expert in the field.

Heaven's Little Gems Nursery Boutique

Unconditional love in action - charity work.

Relief Share has been very busy week this week.. It is wonderful to see donations like the tide, flowing in and out with a beautiful rhythm of love.

Donations out -

Donation 1 (organization that helps sick and needy)- 260 sweaters and t-shirts, 60 preemie afghans, 600 items of baby clothing, 100 bottles and nipples, 200 pounds of fabric, afghans, blankets, hats, booties, burial layettes, buntings, gowns, washcloths, cocoons, toys, 6 baby quilts and sewing supplies.

Donation 2 (for a family) – barrel of wheat, toys, puzzles, books, office supplies, clothing, suitcase, books, figurines, blankets, sweaters, t-shirts, fabric, yarn, sewing supplies, tapes

Donation 3 (for a family) – 2 large bags of sweaters, 3 boxes of food, toys, books, household items

Donation 4 (hospital) – burial layettes, 15 preemie afghans, hats, booties, baby clothing, diapers, bottles, wet wipes

Donation 5 (for a family) – food, clothing, bean bag chair

Donation 6 (for a family) – donation out, boxes of food, cases of honey

Donation 7 (for an individual) – fabric and sweaters

Donation 8  (for an individual) – fabric, food, sweaters

Donation 9 (for a family) – baby clothing and accessories

Donation 10  (for an individual) -baby clothing and blankets

It is through the generous donations from donors and volunteers of their time, talents, goods, money and love that makes miracles possible.  May everyone feel hope, peace, light and love this week as we are blessed and in turn bless others.

All donations are accepted to bless the lives of the sick and needy.  Items should be new or nearly new and in good condition. Our volunteers do their best to clean and repair donations but it is nice when they arrive already tidy, in working condition and clean

Carol Green
President
ReliefShare.org

417-260-2500

Relief Share
6078 Lundy Rd
Houston, MO 65483-2225

Relief Share
6200 N River Pointe Dr C208
Boise, ID 83714

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A much needed donation went out to the hospital.  It was only possible through our wonderful donors and volunteers. Thank you so much.

13    crocheted afghans – 3 pink, 2 blue, 4 white, 2 cream, 1 yellow, 1 green
6    receiving blankets
15    fleece blankets with crocheted edges
2    packages of pampers disposable diapers
1    package of wet wipes for baby
4    large bottles – baby lotion, 2 baby oil, 1 wash/shampoo
1    pair of pacifiers – blue , 6   hats

The hospital is in need of pacifiers for the babies.  If you have new, sealed in the package pacifiers you would like to donate to help soothe the babies, it is greatly appreciated.  We also donated out the last of the diapers, baby lotion, baby oil, shampoo and wet wipes and baby quilts. A trip to the dollar store or other shopping center and putting in a box to ship to us would be a huge blessing to frightened young mothers worried because they have nothing for their babies.  If you could see the looks of relief on their faces as they sit in the homeless shelters or crisis centers when given donations of love from strangers who care, you would know how much your efforts are needed and appreciated.

God answers many prayers through those who serve him here below.  A gift of sleepers, onesies and a soft afghan brought huge smiles and bright happy tears from a mom who really didn’t know what she was going to do.  Her little one is so beautiful – a precious gift of a son from Heavenly Father, and we can be partners with God as we help bless a new baby’s life in the beginning of his journey here on earth.

Relief Share
6078 Lundy Rd
Houston, MO 65483-2225

Donations through paypal help us purchase items that we can’t sew, knit or crochet.  Bottles, wipes, pacifiers, formula – all these things need to be provided.  Our paypal address is info@ReliefShare.org if you would care to send a donation, and all donations are tax deductible.  Simply click the button below and donate whatever amount your heart tells you to.  A baby is helpless and pure – you can make sure baby’s start in life is a good one with warm clothing and blankets, food and hygiene supplies.  Thank you for caring.

Sewing cloth mama pads

What a wonderful time we are having at Relief Share to take care of the sick and needy. In under a week we have donated out 15 lap afghans to the wheelchair bound, boxes and bags of clothing and bedding to the sick and needy, and  toys to the children who need them.  Donations going out this week is a truckload of sweaters and t-shirts to Missouri residents (some  of them survivors of the Joplin tornado), boppies to nursing mothers, baby cocoons to the hospital and new mothers in the area, baby clothing to 3 soon to be babies, pacifiers to the hospital, afghans, blankets, infant burial layettes, dolls and toys, books for the homebound to read and more.

Relief Share has been blessed with very generous donations of fabrics that just came in. The boxes are filled with the most delicious scrumptious high quality fabric that our volunteers are over the moon with.  One of the directors kept exclaiming, “Do you know what fabric this is? It’s the very best! Oh my gosh, I LOVE this designer…come see the fabric colors!  WOW, this fabric is so soft and dreamy, I can’t wait to get it sewn up for the hospital, it’s perfect for the preemie babies.”

Yes, I listed to nearly an hour of folks thrilled with the fabric sent for our sick and needy.  I can’t thank the wonderful donor enough.  Everyone is so grateful for her knowledge of fabric and willingness to share it with us to help those who desperately need the items that will be made.

May God bless her as plentifully and generously as she has blessed the most helpless and needy of His children. She is truly his hands and feet here on the earth answering fervent prayers for needed essentials for the babies and their families.

Donations arriving

Boxes of much needed new baby clothing has also arrived from a wonderful long time donor, Terry W.  The timing was perfect, as usual, as requests for help had just been documented when her boxes showed up with everything in them for the babies.  Marianne C. has sent beautiful preemie afghans for the little ones in the hospital and Shirley B made the most beautiful little burial gowns that are so precious and appreciated.  Roberta M. always sends the prettiest blankets with gorgeous crocheted trim and lovely crocheted afghans along with dollies for the little ones in the hospital that love a dolly to snuggle with.  Her donations are carefully and lovingly packed with the greatest of care.  J. W. blesses us with lovely fabrics that are just perfect for the quilts we make for families to snuggle under.  Our volunteers love working with them.

We were also blessed by a sweet lady who was willing to trade some of her yarn stash with us for supplies we didn’t need so we would have the yarn needed to knit baby cocoons, hats, booties and chemo hats and prayer shawls.  Yarn is always in short supply and we are so grateful for donations of yarn of any kind and color. It’s fun when white or cream wool yarn is donated and we can color it with koolaide in the microwave for permanent coloring to make fun kids print colors.

It takes all of us working together to help answer God’s call to serve his most helpless and needy children.  Great blessings are in store for those who answer the spirit’s whisperings.

All donations can be sent to Relief Share, 6200 N River Pointe Dr C208, Boise, ID 83714 or 6078 Lundy Rd, Houston, MO 65483-2225.  Do you know this is the same address we have had for 2 decades now? In a world that is constantly changing, it is nice to know some things don’t change. Our love for God’s children will never change and our efforts on their behalf will never cease.  Your efforts combined with ours create miracles.  Thank you so much.

unraveling sweaters to get yarn to knit into baby cocoons

What kind of donations are needed?

Supplies:

Sewing – fabric, thread, scissors, rotary cutters, blades, rulers, snaps, pins, needles, patterns, templates, sergers, sewing machines, etc
Knitting and crocheting – yarn (all kinds all colors), knitting needles (circular 16″ size 7 the most but all circular and straight needles, dpns) stitch counters, yarn winders, swifts, spinning wheels, patterns, books, crochet hooks, etc
Tatting – tatting shuttles, patterns, books, threads
Quilting – fabric, templates, quilters basting gun,  batting (a huge need), books, patterns, etc
Embroidery – thread, hoops, patterns, books, fabric
Smocking – pleater, pleating needles, batiste, quilting thread, embroidery and kreinik thread
Office supplies – paper, envelopes, cards, pens, TP, wet wipes, canon ink. digital camera (a huge need).

new and gently used baby and childrens clothing.
basic essentials – hygiene items, shampoo, toothpaste, conditioner, combs, brushes, toothpaste, underwear (all sizes) etc.

Baby items: diaper bags, bottles, pacifiers (a huge need – all kinds for the hospital), baby oil, shampoo, lotion, diaper rash, wet ones, cloth and disposable diapers, toys, cribs, bassinets, monitors, sheets, blankets, afghans, hats.

We address a great deal of needs.  Any donation that is sent is used to bless the lives of the sick and needy.  All donations are accepted with a tax deductible receipt when requested.

Carol Green

President

ReliefShare.org

Burial layettes

It is an honor and a privilege to be able to provide God’s tiniest children with a much needed last layette set to ‘go home to Heavenly Father’ in.  It is also one of the most difficult and emotional activities for volunteers to work on.  Relief Share is grateful to the small handful of volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to preparing and providing infant demise gowns, hats, booties, blankets, TY beanie baby lambs, bears and deer, momento items and more.  We have many volunteers, but the ones who are involved in our infant demise program are few in number. It takes a special love for God’s tiniest children and a knowledge of what the families are going through to – and this usually comes from sad experience.

Burial layettes

A humble thank you to those who have made this current donation to the St Alphonsus Foundation for the hospital possible.   This particular donation to the hospital was a combination of efforts from LDS Humanitarian Services and Relief Share.  Networking with other charities brings a synergy to our charitable efforts so that the number of intended burial layettes wound up being 3 times as many.  Also included were gorgeous machine embroidered burp cloths and beautiful baby diaper bags made by Sara J.  – one of our generous donors who just blessed us with a very large donation of gorgeous fabric to work with for the sick and needy.  She is very talented as well as generous!

May God comfort the broken hearts of the families who have to say goodbye to their little ones before they have had a chance to say a proper hello.  Our prayers go out for those suffering from infant death and our love for them is in every stitch sewn in these beautiful tiny layettes.

Burial layettes

If you would like to help with the supplies for these layettes, we are in need of more TY Beanie Baby lambs, deer, and bears to include in the sets, we also need knitted, crocheted, serged and sewn layette items such as newborn and preemie hats, bonnets, gowns, booties, blankets, afghans and more.  It is also wonderful to receive finished items to be included in the burial layette sets.

Burial layettes

Carol Green
President
ReliefShare.org