Drop Off

135 hats and 12 scarves, tagged and ready to be handed out. My mom is heading to Philadelphia this week to deliver them to the needle exchange, where they will be handed out to the folks who use the needle exchange and its health services. Thanks to all who have helped with this round.

Happy Birthday, Jeff

Today would have been Jeff's 30th birthday, and he is much on my mind. It's a strange time of year for us all. Thanksgiving is a time of celebration and feeling grateful, while Jeff's birthday reminds us of his loss. It's getting easier on me to remember his smile and his kindness, and not be crippled by the grief of never being able to see him again. I am reminded of his sassy way and his easy laugh, and remembering our times together makes me grateful to have had them at all. My sassy daughter is ready to send up another birthday balloon this year, and has asked if we could attach a small piece of cake for Uncle Jeff this time. I like that his memory lives on in her spirit, and that we have the time together to honor his memory with this small gesture that means so much to her.

My mother plans to drop off the latest batch of hats during this week, and she has amassed quite a stash. This time around there are about 150 hats, with some donated socks and scarves. We discussed whether we should refocus our efforts on helping those devastated by Hurricane Sandy, but decided to stick with our demographic, as they are often overlooked, under-served, and just as in need of some warmth and attention.

We carry on Jeff's spirit with this project, and I take particular joy in knitting with the notion that each hat is essentially for my little brother. I know this would be something he would be proud of. While it may seem relatively insignificant in really helping an addict, a hat knit with our mother's love is a small symbol of hope, just like the balloon my daughter sends into the sky each year on Jeff's birthday.

Hoping this finds you safe and well.

Busy Hands

For those of you wondering how the Project is continuing to progress, we're pleased to report that it's been a productive winter. My mom's knitting group, which meets every Wednesday, has taken on the goal of the project like gang-busters. They focus on their own individual projects, but always contribute an impressive share of hats to be donated. This winter, they decided to donate their time and efforts to helping another charity as well, and still managed to contribute to the Project. Hats off, so to speak, to them.

In a touching tribute, my mom's best friend Mary Kay determined to knit and donate twenty-seven hats to Project Call Home, one for each year of Jeff's life. I cannot express the impact such kindness has on my mother.

Some of our readers have asked if they can send in other items, such as warm clothing or socks. Also, several have asked if it would be okay to donate gently used items, from thrift stores or Goodwill. Please know that whatever you donate, we will place in grateful hands.

My mom has made several trips to the needle exchange this winter to drop off the donations, and each time I imagine has to be hard on her. She is holding up beautifully through it all, and while she has dark days and deep grief, she is finding her way through the darkness and feeling joy again. I, too, feel Jeff's loss, and am able to remember the warmth and joy of him, even in times of missing him dearly. It strikes me that I am grateful for this project because it carries such a strong connection to Jeff for our family, and while he is gone, this project, while small and quiet, lives on in his memory. And that is a powerful thing. Thank you for your participation in it. We appreciate your time, thoughtfulness, and care.