Dear Friends & Family,
As you all know, I love to knit. I am lucky to have many wonderful people in my life that inspire my obsession with yarn. For me, knitting is a relaxing and satisfying luxury. Knitting is satisfying because with just two sticks and a length of yarn I can create an amazing array of items - from a hat knit in the shape of a snowman to striped socks to afghans in honor of loved ones weddings. I love to knit because as long as I follow the directions I can usually create something special. But as much as I love the cutesy sweaters and toys I have made for my nephews and the expensive yarn I have found on sale on ebay, my favorite knitted item is an old fashioned afghan made out of acrylic yarn by my grandmother (who taught me to knit just over 30 years ago). To me there is nothing that makes a place homier than a handknit blanket. This is just one reason I love the Pine Street Knit-a-thon so much. It allows me to do something I love in support of a cause I believe in. It brings together an impressively diverse group of men and women to create something of consequence. It raises awareness of the tragic stories of homelessness along with triumphant stories of resilient survivors.
For all of these reasons, on November 6, 2011 I am participating in the fifth annual knit-a-thon and fundraiser to support Pine Street Inn. Pine Street advocates for permanent solutions to help bring positive change to the lives of homeless men and women. They provide emergency shelter; permanent, supportive housing for homeless individuals and families; job training and job readiness programs; and a wide range of outreach services.
Similar to a walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon, I have set up a pledge page for you to support my efforts. However, instead of walking or biking, I am knitting squares that will be assembled into blankets and given to formerly homeless men and women as house warming gifts. As satisfying as it is to knit beautiful sweaters and hats for family and friends, it is an entirely different experience to be a part of creating housewarming gifts for men and women are moving from shelters into their own apartments and homes. The work that Pine Street Inn does is inspiring, and I feel lucky to have a small part in helping to turn houses into homes.
The following are examples of the impact your donation can make to change the lives of homeless men and women.
$1,500 fully furnishes one housing unit.
$500 provides a dining room table, chairs and sofa.
$250 buys a twin mattress and box spring.
$150 provides bedroom accessories, such as sheets, comforter, alarm clock, lamp.
$100 supports the cost to develop an intake plan for one individual.
$50 outfits an entire bathroom.
$25 helps provide bathroom or kitchen accessories.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Love, Laura