Share a Square

If I wanted to do it, this afternoon I could put together two of the 140 afghans we need for the children at Camp Sanguinity. But, I’m not gonna do it, because right now I only have squares from seven different states. I want as many different hands as possible to be involved with each afghan. I want those children to cuddle up in these afghans and know that they are not alone. Many people care about them. I know that you do.

I’ve spoken to a representative of Camp Sanguinity to ask more about the camp. Jill told me that the camp is for cancer patients and their siblings, and that it is just a “normal” camp for kids. At Camp Sanguinity, those children don’t have to feel “different.” No one asks, “Why don’t you have hair?” or “What are those scars?” They are with other children who understand their situation.

There is archery, horseback riding, swimming, hiking, crafts, games and more. All of it is in an environment where the children can feel free to challenge themselves to do whatever they feel capable of doing. The children with cancer have an opportunity for counseling, and their siblings get a little counseling and support on dealing with their feelings about the cancer of their brother or sister. How wonderful is that?

I’m getting excited about this Share A Square project, because help is coming from many different places. Lola, in Spain, told me that she needed the instructions for the squares in Spanish, and Vixen’s Den jumped right in to send them to her. Lola, I wish I had enough Spanish in my head to be able to say more than “Gracias, Amiga.” And, Vixen, there aren’t enough words in English to tell you how much I appreciate you.

Many people are writing me to tell me that they are sending squares. I know that those squares are going to start arriving daily. But, I have to tell y’all that right now I’m getting a little shaky. The Colony Public Library is opening it’s doors for the first Share A Square Day on July 19th for the whole afternoon and evening. The Happy Hookers will be there to put together the afghans and crochet more squares. People from the community will be dropping by to help, too. I hope I will have squares for the afghans from all over the place, not just Texas. Send me a handful of square as soon as you have them to:

Matty has asked if folks can send money. Well, no. This isn’t an established non-profit organization, it’s just a grass roots effort. I don’t want your money. I want your time, and the effort from your heart. People who can’t crochet are spreading the word by posting about the project or putting the logo on their site. I’m reciprocating by creating a SAS’S Blogroll . I may not have caught every link, so let me know if you are playing a part in the project. Just post one of these symbols (courtesy of Teamouse)on your website. All you have to do is copy the tiny text, paste it on your website, and take out the three asterisks (*).:

<*a href='http://thiseclecticlife.com/shareasquare/' title='banner1.jpg'><*img src='http://thiseclecticlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/banner1.jpg' alt='banner1.jpg' /><*/a>

<*a href='http://thiseclecticlife.com/shareasquare' title='button1.jpg'><*img src='http://thiseclecticlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/button1.jpg' alt='button1.jpg' /><*/a>

Schmutzie also contributed some buttons:

<*a href="http://thiseclecticlife.com/shareasquare/"><*img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/schmutzie_pickles/buttons/shareasquare_150X75.jpg" border="0" /><*/a>

<*a href="http://thiseclecticlife.com/shareasquare/"><*img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/schmutzie_pickles/buttons/shareasquare_125X211.jpg" border="0" /><*/a>

Friends, I don’t beg often. I don’t beg well. But, for this charity, I’m willing to do so. Please help in any way that you can.

I have several stories percolating in my brain right now, and I’ve been too pre-occupied to post them. I hope to post one of them later in the day. Y’all enjoy yourselves today, and come back to see me.