Clairemont's Joining Hands
For the past five years I have been involved with a wonderful group of individuals who have invested their time and talents in serving the community of San Diego and beyond. It began when I became a knitting instructor for one of the local arts and craft stores. The Warm Up America Program was well under way and our store in particular had strong support. We were one of the few stores that received year-round donations of squares and completed afghans.
In 2005 we rallied all the San Diego stores and were able to contribute many Afghans to a relocation project for Katrina victims who were being moved to San Diego. In 2006 many went to a local project that took blankets to each family that lost a home in the devastating wildfires that we experienced here. All the while we continued to make regular donations to our local charities like: Door of Hope Women’s Shelter, The Ronald McDonald House and Children’s Hospital.
It has been my privilege to work with so many amazing people who add their own special touch to such a worthy cause. Ranging in age from 9-93 there is no limit to the dedication and creativity I have witnessed. I want to say a thank you for encouraging this project and a huge acknowledgement to all the wonder contributors in the San Diego area. Our group, Clairemont’s Joining Hands meets at Beverly’s on Balboa Ave, in support of Warm Up America!
Blocks made in 7 by 9 inches, knit or crochet, plain or patterned, can be dropped off at Beverly’s at any time. There is a collection box on the class table. Also, on the last Sunday of every month from 1-3PM, we meet to put these blocks together. Some people stay, some just pick up a bundle to join at home. There are many ways they can join the blocks, sewing and crocheting are the most common. Complete information is available on the Warm Up America web site. I am happy to help people learn any of the different joining methods during these meetings.
Attached to each of our blankets is a card. These words are as true for us today as they were 5 years ago – “We would like you to know many hands came together to create this for you. Woven into each square is the sincere desire to let you know someone cares. We hope you feel the warmth of connection as you wrap yourself in this special gift.”