Knitting Group Continues to Give

The knitting group got together and discussed plans for remainder of this year.

Our Mary is a prolific knitter of wash cloths. Kathi continued to teach and share  ideas and information. She continues to make beautiful chemo caps. Our hostess remembered to get us treats to feast on and next time will remember to get yarn  Arlene  showed us how to make beautiful multi-colored scarves. Carole B. and Kathy M. work at keeping us going, reviewing what we've done and where to go.  Edith throws out new ideas on top of new ideas making all of us want to eat more of the treats offered.

As always, good humor and friendship prevailed. We are continuing with mittens for our 2012 Mitten Tree. We will find out if our service men are still in need of wash clothes, and continue with chemo caps for Beaumont Hospital. Also, we have decided on a secret plan that will benefit many and surprise even more—yes, it involves knitting.  To find out, you will have to join us. 

Charity Poker

Diane T. discussing rakes and chips.

Donna and Mary hard at work.

For four days, TWA volunteers worked at a Charity Poker in the basement of Big Beaver Tavern in Troy.  This was our first time at raising money by hosting this event.  After four days, we raised about $1,200 that will now be redirected for causes that improve the lives of people in our community.  An added benefit was being able to spend time with other members, meet new people, and as we often do, have lots of laughs. We look forward to making this a part of our overall effort at raising money in years to come.

Baby Basics

Baby Basics of Troy Ministry provides disposable diapers to children from birth to age three. Families are pre-screened using Federal guidelines. The program is based in Northminster Presbyterian Church, although the church is not affiliated with the program.

The diapers are distributed to the recipients who either live or work in Troy on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Volunteers from Troy Women’s Association assist with the purchasing and distribution along with sharing in the annual Christmas party for the clients in December and a Birthday party in the spring. 

For information on eligibility: http://www.babybasicsca.org/contact

Carole P.

Giving Season

At the beginning of  December, we welcomed a new member, Julie, to our group.  Like the rest, she will soon be rolling up her sleeves and getting busy given to our communities.
At our general membership meeting, women brought in last minute items to warm those among us that are cold and later this month, Colleen with her helpers will go around to collect hats, mittens, gloves and scarves hanging on Christmas trees set up earlier in the month that have been donated from various sources.  One senior woman, from an assisted living facility, knitted 90 hats.  Wow!
Together we know that we are making a difference.  It feels good.

Mittens for Cold Hands

While preparation for our biggest fund raiser, The Elf Shelf Arts and Crafts Show are peaking, the knitters kept knitting. It's very likely that they will be knitting right through Elf Shelf and the upcoming holidays. Once you pick up knitting needles, it's hard to put them down.  Some of us claim that they put us in a zen state.

Knitting mittens is new for some of the TWA knitters and we are all learning much.  Our group has perfected washclothes for soldiers, moving along with chemo caps, and now adding mittens for cold hands to our menu of available items. 

Supporting Project Linus

Kathy and Parivash

TWA has supported Project Linus for the last few years.  As of this year, all 50 states have adopted and carry out the mission of making and distributing blankets to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug. Allyson who heads up the Troy chapter told us today that the blanket we were making—twenty-five were requested by Beaumont neonatal unit and one hundred were going to the Red Cross.

Representing the Troy Women's Association, Kathy, Parivash, Elizabeth, and Edith along with three granddaughters, all left with a fuller heart. We are reminded that those that give, benefit as much.  Each member donated material and bias tape, and a full bag of washed flannel was delivered, compliments of TWA.

From Camp Casey Wranglers

This email comes from the Camp Casey crew.

Hi Edith and Nancie,

I am just overwhelmed with gratitude to you and the entire TWA group.  What you continue to do for us is just beautiful and I want you to know just how much it means to us.  To think that a presentation to your group years ago would lead to a lasting friendship is such a wonderful thing.  

The event was a true testament to the terrific people that surround Camp Casey and believe in what we do.  I'm happy to report that, while we did not profit from the event, we didn't lose money either.  It was officially the first "flop" fund raiser we've ever had and I'd say that's pretty good considering that we've been around for almost eight years.  Plus, as a riding program, it's about time we're able to use the phrase "get back on the horse."

The day was a true display of how many people love and believe in us.  The people, like you, who were there-- volunteering, vending and just supporting us couldn't have been more wonderful.  We have the most dedicated volunteers, families and supporters and I'd say that means we're doing something right.  It was a true learning experience and I firmly believe that it can only be considered a failure if we don't learn from it.

We are getting busy writing our notes of thanks to everyone, but I wanted to take a second to send out an instant note of gratitude to you and the women of TWA-- who have rallied behind us for years and have been true friends to us.  If you don't mind, please forward this along to the women of the group so they know just how much we love TWA.

I am beyond touched by your continued encouragement and support.  Thank you so much.

In health and horses,

Molly, Lauren, Danielle and all the wranglers of Camp Casey