I can hardly reign in my excitement about Share A Square. Do you know the project? People from all across the country (and the world!) are helping make 150 afghans for children with cancer (if you want numbers, we need 12,000 squares). We did this back in 2008, and the response was tremendous, but I didn’t know how to use Facebook then. It took many months to start getting responses from people. It’s different this time around … so good it’s almost frightening!
Look at those colors!
On our Facebook page, where we already have 226 members, people are sharing photos of the squares they are making. Patti McE, in New York, shared the lovely photo above. Aren’t those colors gorgeous?
Over at Ravelry, there is a group started, as well. It has 104 members! True, some of them are also Facebook members, but that’s a lot of people showing interest in this project.
Now, maybe you crafty folks out there think that there are enough people involved … and so you don’t need to bother with it. Not so! I learned in the last go-round that there are some folks who will do several squares in their spare moments … and that’s all they have time to do. That’s great. I want those squares. Some people will crochet 150 squares (the maximum I want from one person, because just one of your squares goes on each afghan) and still want to do more! In truth, I’d rather have twenty squares from 600 different people than one-hundred and fifty squares from 80 different people. Why?
Because I want these kids to feel the love.
Of course, if you want to make 150 squares — go for it!
Almost enough squares for one whole afghan!
Dee S., in VA, told me on Facebook that she was about to send me 70 squares! Heck, that would nearly be enough for one afghan!
Now, I’ve begged people not to send squares until mid-August, because our son’s wedding is the first week of August. I want to get that put behind me so I can concentrate on keeping this organized. Not everyone got the memo, and I got some lovely squares from Mary B. in Pittsfield, MA (thank you Mary!).
The first squares donated!
I was thrilled that she remembered to send tags with them. I will laminate them, and attach them to the squares. If you are wondering about those tags, here is a picture of mine.
Make them as simple or as complicated as you like.
Some of you who don’t crochet are thinking, “I wanna help … what can I do??”
Think laminating pouches! Before it’s done, I’m going to need 24 boxes with 50 sheets in each. The tags are the size of a business card, and I can get 10 to a sheet without goofing it up (if I hold my breath and pray like crazy). If you would like to donate, please contact me. I don’t want to receive more than I can use (and remember that, unfortunately, your donation is not tax deductible).
So, I’m chomping at the bit to get started on Share A Square 2010. If I can get these kids hitched, then we are good to go.
The Share A Square Project is an ongoing one! You can see posts about what we did in 2010-2011 at this category link. Join us at Facebook or Ravelry. We would love to have your help. Visit the FAQ for more information.
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I am predicting a lot of mail after 8/18 coming your way! Will post a link to this post on Ravelry.
Jenny
Thank you, darlin’.
For future reference, setting up a charity is really simple. Since you do so many things such as this, it couldn’t hurt to have a bank account and the ability for people to deduct the cost of materials, donations sent etc.
501 (c) 3 Definition and instructions http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=96099,00.html
Jamie, my accountant wanted to shoot me after the last time I raised money. Yes, it would be wonderful to give it 501(c) 3 status, but I’m afraid that I’m not the gal to do it. Maybe a White Knight on a steed will come rushing in and offer to set it up.
Hi Shelly – I’m sure it must say somewhere but I just can’t see it – since you are laminating the cards is there a particular size you want them?
Yes, ma’am. Paula if you can make them about the size of a business card, that works great. It gives you enough room to leave a message, and it makes them easier to laminate. Itty bitty ones start slipping in those sleeves.
Wow! The outpouring of love with this project is amazing! Awesome job, Shelly!!! I think come mid-August, you might want to start making some treats (or at least a cup of that coffee recipe you recently posted) for the mailman. I have a feeling he’s going to be quite busy
Well, since it comes to the post office, I’d have to hire a caterer
. I’m pretty impressed with the outpouring, too!
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