new to the group, thought you might like this info

[jennberry]

hi, i'm sorry if this has already been posted and i'm just repeating information...

As most of you know, San Diego was recently hit really hard this past week by some ravaging wild fires, i have heard of a group of knitters that has come together asking for help to create blankets for those effected. Here's the info:

We are asking for 8" knit or

Comments

[sleepsong]

As pointed out on knitting:

The firestorm currently happening in San Diego is a terrible disaster and a real catastrophe for many, many people. When something so horrible happens, it is to our credit as knitters that our first thought is "How can I help?" However, to make sure your effort isn't wasted, please give your charitable impulses some thought before implementing them.

The fire evacuees do not need blankets right now. Temperatures are very mild, and supply likely already exceeds demand. What they do need is underpants, toiletries, tampons, and diapers. (If you've ever been forced to camp in an airport overnight because of a cancelled flight, you know how heavenly it is to put on a clean pair of undies when you get home.) By the time temperatures get cold enough that blankets will be appreciated, evacuees will likely be receiving their insurance reimbursements and will be able to buy their own things. The shelters do not need blankets, they need money. In fact, the manpower required to catalog your in-kind donation in a matter consistent with their tax-exempt status often takes people away from the relief effort where they are needed most. Hospitals do not need blankets, they need blood and blood products. Consider donating whole blood or platelets.

However, if your knitting fingers are really getting itchy -- and believe me, we understand and share the impulse -- there is one set of organizations that really could use heavy, hardwearing blankets, and that is animal shelters. Hundreds of thousands of animals, from pets to livestock to wildlife, were displaced by these fires, and many of the organizations that care for them have had to evacuate as well. A google search on "san diego animal shelter" will bring up a list of these organizations, many of whom are urgently requesting bedding. Worsted-weight acrylic yarns, like Red Heart and Caron, have the cast-iron qualities needed to stand up to doggie claws and horse hooves and be useful for a long time. EDIT: Maybe not, after all. See comments. CALL FIRST to make sure your donation is needed, as updating a website when a need is fulfilled is at a low priority for many organizations in a crisis situation.

Or, if you'd really rather help the displaced people, how about knitting toys for children who may well have lost everything in the fire? A bear is a lot faster to knit than a blanket anyway, and you may be able to make a real difference for a child. Or consider donating yarn from your stash -- nice yarn, yarn you would be delighted to receive as a present -- to knitters who may have seen years of shopping and thousands of dollars' worth of yarn go up in smoke. Yarn shops will almost certainly be collecting after things get back to quasi-normal.

It's a real honor to moderate a group for such kind-hearted, generous people. This message is intended only to make sure that your efforts are received where they are needed most. Thanks for being so awesome, y'all.

[jennberry]

i have seen this moderators thoughts on blanket collections and i respect her opinion. but as of a few days ago blanket squares were still being requested and needed by the group that is organizing the collection of them. these blankets are not meant to fulfill any immediate needs, but will be sent as gifts when the weather down here does change for the colder, as well as when people begin to rebuild their homes and lives and need simple supplies. but again, thank you for your thoughts

[sleepsong]

But is the group that's collecting them sure that their blankets will be needed?

The problem is, people will knit a blanket square from their stash and send it and feel good about themselves and not do anything else. The people in Cali will eventually need comfortating things like blankets (though toys and teddy bears are much more needed), but right now people need money, and by psyching people up by making think they're helping the immediate need by knitting ~10% of a blanket that will comfort one family out of many thousands, you're depriving hundreds of people of the money that that kind-hearted but mislead soul might otherwise have donated.

[jennberry]

As of today, when i spoke with the main organizer of the group she said they had requests pouring in from other larger organizations for the blankets they are creating.

as for depriving the families in need of money and misleading individuals who want to help in some small part, i disagree. i am not here to solicit people for anything, money, food, blankets, etc. all i am trying to do is pass on information that i received to others who might be interested as well. if you're not interested that's fine. i am not affiliated with any large organization, therefore i do not have the right to ask people to donate money or clothes. because by saying "go out and give money" i am pretty sure people would question who i am to think i have such authority.

i'm sorry you found the information i posted disturbing and angering, it was never my intention and i'm sorry you feel that way. i'm not trying to "psyche anyone up" i'm just trying to give people options who might not have monetary items to give, but still want to help

[jennberry]

and personally, as for teddy bears and such, the school i work is collecting cans, clothes for all ages, toys and stuffed animals, along with anything else people are willing to give. and i personally have donated over $200 worth of items so far with no intention of stopping anytime soon.so i am trying to help out in as many ways as i am possible.