We always knew that our customers were generous. How generous? The back seat, front passenger seat and trunk of our car is filled with boxes and bags of clothing and blankets for evacuees of Hurricane Katrina. We will be sending these on Tuesday to a clearinghouse in Baton Rouge which is distributing such items to charities in New Orleans, Houston, etc. So thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Our fear is that with time these folks will fall off our radar screen. Their needs will last for a long, long time. So we will periodically hold such drives throughout the year to come. With colder weather, coats and heavier blankets will be needed. So please save such items for us.

Thank you again from the entire WoolWinders staff.

I volunteered at the Red Cross here in Kansas City last night, and they say the same thing--we cannot forget these folks in the coming months. So, from the Heartland, thanks for your efforts to help so many! I always knew Woolwinders' knitters were fabulous people.

Since this will be ongoing (and since I don't currently have extra knitted items) how about making this an ongoing project for Woolwinders patrons? Warm blankets will be desperately needed in the coming colder weather...how about something similar to Warm up America? (for info: http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/warmup.html)

People could knit (or crochet) as many squares as they have time for...it's portable, can be done on the subway ride, at lunch, etc. Squares can be joined into full-size afghans, throws, or baby blankets, and they'll be unique. And everyone has time to knit at least one square!

Also....how about knitted toys? While the basics need to be taken care of, the little ones will need toys, and that kind of thing is often forgotten in the rush to get needed basics to survivors. I ache for the kids, whose lives have been torn apart, and who can't understand what's happened.