Thursday, June 21, 2012

Will you help?

In the course of my day, I get a lot of e-mail from a lot of great stitchers, and in the process, hear a lot about the daily goings-on of my customers and readers.  


Last week, I received an e-mail from Joanne, who has been a customer for a long time.  She works in a lower-income area teaching kids about crafts, and although they try a lot of different types of art, she ALSO teaches the kids about needlework.  


I didn't know she was doing this -- and she helps the program with supplies and money from her own pocket.  You know, and I know, how important teaching arts and crafts to kids can be.  It can help with their feelings of self-worth and accomplishment, as well as give them a lot of enjoyment for the rest of their lives as they pursue creative exercises.


Joanne wasn't asking for a hand-out -- we were just chatting about something else.  I offered to send her some donations from here and asked her if she'd be interested in me sharing her story and seeing what other help we could give her (as the fabulous group of stitchers we are!)  Here's a little in her own words from her e-mails:


Basically I try to teach them about how stitching started with samplers. I tell them about the Loara Standish sampler and how the Pilgrims needed initials stitched on their clothing because clothes were one size fits all. They are amazed.  So we learn how to make x's that are crossed right away.  We use small scraps for that (so I never throw anything away). They do 50 stitches across.  If they do a decent job, they get an alphabet chart. Then make their own sampler and when they are ready, I put out charts from my stash and they go from there. So Aida, thread, needles, any old charts no one wants.  Whatever someone wants to get rid of will be so welcome. Budget cuts are terrible. You should see the boys stitch  They love it too....I would be grateful for anything you would want to send.... The kids will use anything; some will buy stuff, but the majority are poorer kids and their parents can just about manage.  I use a lot of my own stash.  I have 1000 kids a week. (So,) you know how much I go through. 

Thanks so very very much. Love, Jo Edwards
Joanne told me the school's budget for art is very low, so she can use a lot of different type of art supplies -- think paints, crayons, markers, construction paper, felt, glitter, glue, scissors, as well as Aida fabric, floss, patterns, needles and other stitching supplies.  This is a great way for you to help a new generation of stitchers, and I know Joanne will be very touched by whatever you can send.  I'm going to start getting stuff together here.  I know I have a box of art supplies at home that my kids used when they were younger in school, and of course I have lots of needlework items I can share.  Will you help, too?


You can make donations by sending them to: 


Joanne Edwards -- Elementary Art Teacher
c/o Lakeland Elementary School
1569 Lakeland Drive
Scott Township, PA 18433


Or you may send directly to her home address:


Joanne Edwards
528 Deerfield Drive
South Abington Township, PA 18411-1315.


                    

18 comments:

sand said...

I'll help with aida and charts whatever I can find. Debbie

SharoninStitches said...

I promise next week to send charts and anything else I might not be using from my stash. Thanks, Theresa!

Deb said...

I think I just found a home for all the charts that I put aside to do "something" with. I couldn't bear to throw them away and was going to Ebay them, BUT they're older (think Alma Lynne, etc.) and would be perfect for these kids. I'll work on a package this week. I'm sure I have some Aida fabric around here too....and needles...and lots of other things.

ArchangelDecker said...

Be absolutely happy to! :)

Anonymous said...

Your note came at the perfect time - I was cleaning out my stash! A box will be on the way after the weekend. Thanks for all you do - for the kitties and for the kids!

C Reeder PhxAz said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
lynda said...

I'll be gone this weekend, but I will get some things together when I get back. Thanks for sharing this.

dixiesamplar said...

Count me in too...what a great opportunity to spread the love of needlework!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

What a great opportunity to share our love of stitching -- Jo with her hands' presence, we with our excess, and all with our hearts!

Lee Morrison said...

Hey Theresa! Thank you so much for sharing this. I started a box that will go out to Joanne this week.

How wonderful that she is teaching the kids about samplers and stitching!

I will pass the word on and hopefully the UPS man will be at her door everyday!! LOL!

Lee

Jackie Myers said...

I am going to see what I can get together :)

Adria said...

Sent a box of cross stitch chars and fabric (14, 16, 18 and 28 count) out UPS the other day! It felt good.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Lea said...

Posted a parcel yesterday.
Cheers

Kerri said...

I grew up in this area and know how leand times can be there. I have been blessed with more supplies than I can possibly use. I am so glad you posted this!!! I am happy to enable a new generation of stitchers! I will be sending all my extra fabric and DMC to a place I know will use every last bit!

Teresa said...

will definately be sending her a package....I have 4 yards of light grey aida that would be perfect for their pieces once they've learned as well as tons of other things they could use. Thank you for this opportunity to help.

Diana said...

Thank you, I'll send what I can this coming week..

Anonymous said...

Dear ladies,
Thank you all so very much for all of the wonderful supplies that you have been sending. My students will use every bit!!! They love stitching, even the boys. I can just see their faces. Bless you all for your kindness and generosity. I have tried to send a thank you out to the stitchers that sent packaged to my home. Of you sent it to the school I won't be there until the middle of August. Thank you all for everything!!! Love to you all. Joanne Edwards

Connie said...

Here is a link to some *FREE* historical charts (alphabets, simple patterns, in particular):

http://patternmakercharts.blogspot.com/2010/11/sajou-no-326.html

Joanne may be able to find something there suitable for the kids.