Women of Faith

"The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best medicine for despair is service. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired." Gordon B. Hinckley

2011-11-09T22:29:00.001-08:00

Thursday, November 10^th is workday! Come help with the regular fare plus the following two seasonal projects which we are participating in for the third year:

Clean, Warm, and Cozy coat drive

A quick look at last year’s drive:

Here are Redlands 4th Ward Young Men if front of the UHaul they loaded with donated coats, blankets, sleeping bags, etc, then unloaded!   Quick work!

Here’s before we started…

In progress…

One of many loads ready to be delivered…

Help sort coats (and quilts, blankets, winter wear, even sleeping bags) – lots of them! – and take a bag home to wash.   This project is done in conjunction with the Redlands Service Club Council. This month we’ll be processing donations from Beattie Middle School, Citrus Valley HS, RHS and REV. (Heard today that students at REV were taking off their sweatshirts on the spot to donate.) Also from city sites including Joslyn Center and Redlands Community Center.   The University of Redlands, Boys and Girls Clubs, Rotary and Kiwanis also collected for us. Next month, there will be more from other schools and groups. Our processed items this month will go to two community organizations – Youth Hope and Family Service Association of Redlands.

Youth Hope’s mission is to build confidence and promote self-sufficiency for homeless and runaway youth by providing trust, hope, support, and education.” Their goal is “to take youth from the street to employment to becoming self-sufficient adults.”   With the recent cold snap, these youth are really needing both warm jackets and sleeping bags and blankets. To learn more about Youth Hope and their activities, visit www.youthhope.org.

SPECIAL NOTE TO YOU WHO CROCHET HATS! Heidi from Youth Hope wants to include a new hat in each youth’s Christmas gifts this year. Do you think we can make 70 hats before Christmas?! We have about 15 or 20 so we have a good head start! These would be the larger sizes.

Family Service Association of Redlands has been an integral part of the community since 1898 serving low-income and homeless families. Their mission is “to alleviate poverty, encourage self-sufficiency, and promote the dignity of all people". Their programs “provide emergency support, case management, education and referrals that focus on helping families become more self-sufficient and prevent homelessness. Their Home Again Project is a unique program providing homeless families with comprehensive services toward permanent housing, employment and family stability.” To learn more about FSA, visit www.redlandsfamilyservice.org. Here is a picture from last year at FSA. These racks of coats are ready for the clients of FSA to choose from:

Robertson Memorial Boys Home

Choose a gift tag from our Christmas tree and return it with a gift for our adopted boys.   We would like to provide each boy with two gift cards ($20 Target; $15 Walmart) and $10 for a duffle bag. If you are unable to come on Thursday, but would still like to provide a gift for one of our boys, contact your humanitarian specialist or Jean Arnott at jeanarnott@gmail.com. Many Thanks!!!

Here is last year’s tree. It looked best EMPTY!

Last year our gifts were delivered along with filled Christmas stockings, goodies, and lots of holiday cheer and activities by Girl Scout Troops 979 and 17. Though a few of the boys were a little reluctant at first, all soon joined in and everyone had a great time as you can see from these pictures taken of the activity. By the time the evening was over, the boys were expressing their joy and pleading with the girl scouts to return! These young men so need to experience normal, healthy fun with other youth and adults who are examples of joy and good relationships.

(Sorry, these pictures will be up in the next 48 hours.)

Eleven young single adults from the Yucaipa Stake and Crafton Hills Ward hosted our boys at a Halloween activity last month. Again, while a couple of the boys were reluctant to participate in the beginning, the young adults were successful in getting every one to join in the pumpkin carving, cupcake decorating, and other activities, and left amid comments from the boys such as “We wish you could stay longer.", "When will you come back?", and "Can you come at Christmas time?".   The answer: “YES, they’ll be going back for Christmas!”

LLUCH NICU and Labor & Delivery Bereavement Programs

We made our first delivery of items this week: 32”, 12”, and 8” blankets (crocheted and flannel w/crocheted trim); baby gowns in three sizes; tiny crocheted bonnets and hats in several sizes; head bands; and handmade cards, (fabric envelopes were given to them previously). We’ve been careful here in the beginning to make sure that we are making things exactly the way the nurses would like them to be. As we are getting the final approval on each item, we are ready to step up production.

Crocheting around 8” x 8” and 32” x 32” flannel blankets. We especially need to start working on the 32” blankets, now that we know that the size is right! If you’ve been taking four 8” blankets to do at home, that’s the same as doing (1) 32” one. You will need a size 1.25 to 1.50 crochet hook and white cotton crochet thread. (We could use donations of both the thread and crochet hooks.)

Sewing small fabric envelopes.

Cutting out and sewing tiny gowns made of flannel, micro-fleece, and stretch knit fabric.

Making beautiful cards (If you are a scrap-booker, you may have scraps that fit what we need. Come take a look.)

Crocheting or knitting 8” x 8”, 12” x 12”, and 32” x 32” blankets. Some must be white, others can be pastel blue and pink. We have samples you can look at. Bring your crochet hook and we’ll find a blanket size to fit. If knitting, bring size 8 needles.

Crocheting tiny hats of varying sizes.

Preparing ‘memory boxes’ by applying vinyl lettering to white, and pastel colored photo boxes. (Keep you eyes open for good deals at Michael’s and Joann’s for these soft colors of photo boxes.)

These are only a few of the items we’re making for this program. We have fairly strict specifications for the different items, so before you get started, be sure we share with you what is needed. Then go for it. This will be an ongoing project and much of it can be done from home. We especially need crocheters and knitters! Please let us know if you would like to help from home.

Donations needed for NICU Bereavement Project:

White cotton crochet thread and crochet hooks size 1.25 or 1.5

Crochet hooks (size 1.25 or 1.5) and knitting needles (size 8) Do you have a collection gathering dust?

New photo boxes in white and soft pastel colors

Baby yarn in white, pastel pink, and pastel blue

Flannel in soft baby prints and pastel solids (no solid yellow)

Small stuffed animals: bears and lambs (beanie babies okay)

We have a beautiful power point describing the “Empty Arms, Aching Hearts” program at LLUCH. If you would like to see it, let me know and I’ll email it directly to you.

Housewarming Kits for families at Inland Temporary Homes

Inland Temporary Homes is “here to help families committed to getting past a crisis which culminated with homelessness. We are in partnership for the future of these families by providing a safe and stable living environment where they can be together while steps are taken to re-establish the family as a healthy unit.”   Learn more about Inland Temporary Homes by visiting http://www.ithomes.org/.

We’ll be putting together two more kits for families moving from ITH shelters into transitional housing in November. The kits include the following:

laundry basket

bucket filled with cleaning products such as spray cleaners, Ajax, dishwashing detergent, cleaning rags, toilet bowl cleaner, toilet brush, dust pan, laundry detergent etc.

hygiene items such as family size shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, lotion, shaving kit, etc.

household items such as towels, wash cloths, sheets, a tablecloth

a quilt for each baby

a book and toy for each child

anything special we might have for mom and dad

Donations needed for housewarming kits:

We are collecting the above items and anything else you come across that you think would fit this purpose. (The Dollar Store, 99 cent Store, and Pic ‘n Save are good sources for many of these items.) We’ll also be signing a card of encouragement to include with our gifts, so be sure to add your name when you come to workday!

Here’s a recent delivery of two housewarming kits:



Other continuing projects:

4. Origami peace cranes

5. assembling hygiene kits for parolees

6. Greeting cards for pediatrics at LLUMC

7. Making and tying quilts, including lap quilts

8. Crocheting hats for the homeless, children served by the Inland Burn Institute, YOUTH HOPE, and others.

A Few more Donations Needed:

origami paper

hygiene items, especially shampoo, shaving cream, & toothpaste

"1% effort here in America is 100% effective in Afghanistan" Dr. Abdullah Sherzai, then Afghanistan's Deputy Minister of Health

2011-10-31T22:44:00.000-07:00

Question: What do the following items have in common?

birthing kits, each containing a pictorial information sheet, surgical drape, towel, wash cloth, soap, nail clippers and brush, gloves, bulb syringe, razor blade, ties, pad, receiving blankets, baby gown and cap, socks, diapers and pins, handwritten note
leper bandages, knee and foot braces, arm slings
wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, crutches, canes, and other valuable medical equipment (including for children)
eye glasses
new hospital bed sheets, handmade pillowcases, towels, pads
doctor and nurse clothing, hospital gowns
medical supplies and equipment
stockinette baby hats
bandages of all shapes and sizes
hygiene kits, each containing shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrushes, combs, soap, towel, wash cloth, scissors, thread, sewing needles, buttons, safety pins, handwritten note
school kits and back packs, each containing notebooks, rulers, colored pencils, pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, scissors, tee-shirt, handmade car or hand puppet, handwritten note
books, including children’s picture and storybooks, novels for children through adults, encyclopedias, textbooks of all levels including university level
elementary classrooms kits
classroom supplies for the teachers
recorders (musical instruments)
children’s boards games and activities
hand made dolls and toys
hand puppets
wall hangings
board games, educational activity supplies
sewing materials and supplies
wool yarn and knitting needles
warm winter coats and clothing – much of it new
hand crocheted and knitted wool hats
knitted wool scarves
handmade quilts
knitted wool socks and blankets
and more…

Answer:

They combine to weigh 22,170 pounds (that’s just over 11 tons of LOVE!)

They shared space on a C-17 cargo jet from March ARB on October 2nd and arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan on October 4th.

They will be distributed to elementary and secondary schools, universities, orphan care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, street children, and as many of the needy people of Afghanistan as the gifts will go.

Look here to see some of our final preparations that took place at a few “Pallet Parties” held at the Redlands Municipal Airport.

Look here to see the loading of our 24 pallets of goods on trucks donated by Stater Bros. Markets and the trip from Redlands to March Air Reserve Base in Riverside:

Then was the prep stage at the base:

Then loading the C-17 Globemaster III and TAKE OFF:

Question: What other groups provided goods for us to include in our shipment?

Answer:

afghans for Afghans: hand-knitted wool hats, blankets, and wool socks
Women to Women International: hand knitted scarves and hats
Joann Fabric: wool yarn and knitting needles
Courtney Kunze from Colorado: a mountain of winter clothing (mostly new) and delivered in a rented U Haul
Students from Rotaract Club at Soka University: books, educational supplies, clothing, and toys
The Happy Factory in Cedar City Utah: handmade wooden cars
Redlands Bicycle Classic: T-shirts included in each of our school kits and back packs
San Bernardino County library system: books and several sets of encyclopedias
Dr. Laura’s My Stuff Bag program: hand puppets
Villa Rotary Club in Villa Park: back packs filled with educational supplies
New elementary textbooks covering most levels from a school that changed their curriculum
Loma Linda University Medical Center: medical equipment
Optometrist in Yucaipa: eyeglasses, some with prescription lenses, some just new frames
Five senior students from Cal State Fullerton: books, sets of encyclopedias, educational supplies, clothing, games, and puzzles
Yucaipa's Seventh Day Adventist Church: medical equipment
The American Sewing Society: handmade pillowcases
HD Supply in San Diego: towels, washcloths, and blankets
The Orange County Gamma Nu Chapter of the Alpha Delta Kappa Association, a group of professional educators: educational supplies and games.
Medical textbooks from a medical professor at a university in L.A.

Question: In addition to members of

1. The Redlands Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Young Men and Young Women’s groups, Cub Scouts, Achievement Day Girls, entire primaries, and Relief Societies

2. The Redlands United Church of Christ

3. The Church of Christ, Scientist

4. Girl Scout Troops 17 and 979 (plus others troops participating in "Thinking Day")

what other groups/churches outside Redlands participated?

Answer:

Citrus Hills Ward (Corona)
Modesto 7th Ward (Modesto)
Riverbank Ward (Modesto)
Tustin 4^th Ward (Tustin)
Claremont 2^nd Ward (Claremont)
Young Women from a ward in Yucaipa
Drop-ins from different parts of California, and as far away as New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah (to name a few).
I’m absolutely positive some have been left out! Sorry, we thank you too!

Question: Others to thank?

Answer:

Jim Ott of Redlands Aviation, who donated space at the Redlands airport to store our goods during the work phase.
Home Depot – four of them, who donated the plastic sheeting we needed for our birthing kits. Then later then donated tape guns and box cutters.
The Bishop’s Central Storehouse in Colton for providing space and materials needed to prepare our pallets.
Hanger 24 who, in a pinch, donated the last 3 wooden pallets that we needed.
Loma Linda University Medical Center and Redlands Community Hospital for giving us hundreds of clean, sturdy boxes to pack our goods in.
Sun Medical in Redlands who gave us replacement rubber feet and hand rests for our crutches and medical equipment.
Linda Thomas, a graphic artist, who spent many weekends putting together our pictorial information sheet for the birthing kits. Her work has been forwarded to humanitarian organizations in at least one other country – probably more.
Jeff Newton, a printer, who provided hundreds of copies of our ABC books on cardstock for us to color and then all of the copies of our pictorial information sheets for our birthing kits.
A young mom from Pakistan, who translated our birthing kit instruction sheet and dozens of labels for our cartons into Farsi. Another woman from Afghanistan, who helped with a bit more translation at the end.
A local OB/GYN who donated towels and surgical drapes to include in our birthing kits.
A store and several individuals who donated sergers and sewing machines.
A young Girl Scout from Yucaipa gathered donations enough to make 21 fleece blankets. She arranged for families in her area to make the blankets.
Office Depot, who donated many rolls of packing tape to tape our boxes securely.
My family: Nathan, who took all the translations and prepared them so they could be put in the correct place on the correct label. Matthew, who packed our earlier shipment of computers (in hats) and figured out how assemble all the medical equipment on pallets. Andrew, who helped format the manifest list and was the overall tech guy, who along with Rebecca, spent hours teaching their mom how to make things work – sometimes over and over again. Isaac for helping to set up and take down many times. Hannah, for sharing her mom and being my side-kick through it all.
MOST OF ALL, to the many, many of you who came to workdays, some nearly every time, others when you could. Many of you sewed, shopped, crocheted, colored, cut, and pasted, and much more in your spare time at home (whatever spare time is?!) Every contribution in time and means came together to make it all happen! Each one was a valuable part of the whole. Dr. Sherzai was right! 1% effort on our part is adding up to 100% effective in Afghanistan. THANKS!!!

Question: What portion of this Afghanistan II project was delivered previously?

Answer:

Prenatal vitamins donated by a pharmaceutical company
A multitude of prescription medications donated by a Redlands Internist
From i-star Financial in Brea: twelve computers, flat screen monitors, keyboards, mice, head phones, licenses, and all that was needed to set them up in the vocational school in Jalalabad. These were packed securely in boxes with…
…685 knitted and crocheted hats.
A few quilts and a set of home-made animal hand puppets.

Still to come: pictures and the story of the flight from March ARB to Kabul, Afghanistan, by way of Bangor, Maine, and Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, and the unloading of the cargo jet.

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment to improve the world. Anne Frank

2011-10-11T21:46:00.001-07:00

THREE HEADLINES:

#1 Our gifts for the women and children of Afghanistan have arrived in Kabul!

Details and pictures of the prep and transport coming soon!    We expect to begin getting pictures of the distribution that we will share as well.

#2 Julee is busily putting things together for her medical mission to Haiti which she leaves for on October 26th (see former post).

Thanks to all for your support! In addition to the medications she is packing, she is also taking soft cloth dolls. And the Happy Factory has just agreed to donate 100 handmade wooden cars. Stay tuned for one more request that may be coming down the pike in the next few days. It could be the frosting on the cake for some special children!

#3 Workday is just around the corner -Thursday, October 13, 11am-8pm.

We’d love to have your participation at workday, at home, or through making a donation. (See former post for list of projects as well as a list of the items we’re looking for.)

Please keep in mind that we’ll be having our annual coat drive in cooperation with the Redlands Service Club Council as part of November’s and December’s workdays. Last year we processed 3355 items, including over 2100 coats and jackets. We’ll need your help again with sorting, bagging, and cleaning. The dates for those workdays will be:

             Nov 10

             Dec 1 (PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATE; IT IS NOT DEC 8!)

Have a wonderful autumn!

Assisting Julee Brice to help the people of Haiti – Donations ‘pack day’ is October 16th!

2011-10-01T08:27:00.001-07:00

The time for Julee’s one-week medical mission is approaching. She leaves on October 21 and will treat 50 people each day she is in Haiti. Two of the days will be spent in remote villages to see people who are unable to get to the hospital. Her group consists of one doctor, three Physician’s Assistants (she is one), and a few nurses and emergency room technicians. A few lay people, including her husband, Bishop Brice, will also accompany. All are going at their own expense through an organization called Mission of Hope.

Julee is grateful for those who have already helped by donating medications and other items she needs to help in treating her patients. A dentist has donated 500 tablets of amoxicillin, another Doctor has donated $500 in antibiotic and pain relievers. There are people donating money at the "Yoga Room in Redlands". Individuals from Women of Faith have donated sterile gloves and much more.

October 16th is the day Julee plans to pack all medications and medical supplies. The items she is still in most need of are: Cipro, Flagyl, Doxycycline, Iron, Folic Acid, baby formula, protein packs, multi vitamins, snack pack baggies. If you just want to donate cash, Julee will go shopping. (Costco is allowing her to purchase any antibiotics at their cost.)

We have 15 more days to help! You can contact Julee at juleebrice@aol.com.

There is little use in asking who is my neighbor; I am neighbor to my neighbor in need.

2011-09-07T22:18:00.001-07:00

It’s time again! Workday is tomorrow, September 8, 11am-8pm. Please grab a friend and come for an hour. If you’d like to pick up something to do at home, we have kits to make baby gowns, blankets to crochet around, and will probably have several other kinds of things ready to go in a short time. We’ll also have directions for making the three different sizes of crocheted baby blankets, with directions for knitting the blankets available soon.

Ready, Set, almost ready to Go… for the women and children of Afghanistan!

Except for more warm clothing which we’ll pack tomorrow, our pallets are almost ready for their transport to March ARB in Riverside, and then on to Kabul scheduled to arrive on October 4th! Thanks to many of you who came to our five “Pallet Parties” at the airport. We finished our work much quicker than we thought! We have some fun pictures we’ll share - (when there is time to get them up).   Meanwhile, watch the Press Enterprise for an article coming out soon. And if you see it – please let me know?!

We will be happy to welcome Linda Welz from the Public Affairs Office at March Air Force Base for a visit to workday tomorrow. If you’d like to meet her, come right at 11:00 a.m. Linda will be traveling on the C17 with our shipment to Kabul!

Need over-the-counter and prescription medications for Julee Brice to take to Haiti next month.

Julee is a Physician’s Assistant and is going on a medical mission to Haiti from October 21-30. She will be working at the Mission of Hope for the week and expects to see about 50 patients a day. This is an entirely voluntary trip on Julee’s part. She is also responsible to provide all of the medications that she will use while there, both prescription and over-the-counter. I.E. antibiotics, pain relievers, nutritional supplements, etc. Let’s help!

If you have contacts with or suggestions of sources for medications, please call Julee. (Contact us for her contact information.) Samples are acceptable. We have a full list which we can email to you if you like. Julee will also accept cash donations to purchase the needed medications.

In addition, Julee is hoping to take some gifts to share with the children in the area through LDS church leaders located very close to her work location. We have some items she may be able to take. Julee will be getting more information soon and we’ll pass the word along.

Thanks for the donations!

Have we thanked you lately for your donations and contributions? One question new-comers – or even heads of programs we are serving – nearly always ask is where we get our funding for the projects we do. We are 100% dependant on donations of goods, and cash to purchase items that we need, and 100% of all donations go straight to our projects.   Many, many times, just when we’ve had a need for something in particular, or have need to purchase something, the donations have come. God is behind our work, and we feel his love and support through your hands and hearts. Again, thank you.

This month we especially need:

For the Bereavement Program:

more of the baby yarn: white, blue, and pink

white crochet thread

white – or soft pastel colors – photo boxes

bear or lamb stuffed animals (beanie babies okay)

For Housewarming Kits for ITH Families (all can be found at Big Lots, 99 cent store, etc.):

laundry baskets and plastic buckets

cleaning products like spray cleaners, Comet, dishwashing detergent, etc.

toilet brush, dust pan, cleaning rags

For Origami cranes:

origami paper (especially 6 x 6 inch)

For Hygiene kits for our area parolees:

any hygiene item, especially toothpaste, shaving cream, shampoo

Check the last post for a details of our current projects, which also include:

Greeting cards for pediatrics at LLUMC

Making and tying quilts, including lap quilts

Wheelchair/walker caddies

Crocheting hats for the homeless, children served by the Inland Burn Institute, and others.

Robertson Memorial Boys Home :

    Thanks Redlands 2 Ward who provided a birthday celebration for Amond this week! If you have a group that would like to help will any future holiday, give us jingle!

That’s it for now! Hope to see or hear from you soon!

Love,

Your humanitarians sisters

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mohandas Gandhi

I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. Rabindranath Tagore

2011-08-10T22:16:00.001-07:00

This post is coming in under the wire, but we just have to tell you of the new projects we need your help with! Specifically, we’ll be working tomorrow, (August 11, 11am – 8pm) on:

1. LLUCH NICU Bereavement Program

Crocheting around 8” x 8” and 34” x 34” flannel blankets. If you’d like to learn how to use a wing needle on the sewing machine to make the holes, and then learn how to crochet a ‘hugs and kisses’ stitch around the edge, come between 11 am and 2pm. Nola Hallen (R2) will be there to teach you how. (She may also be back in the evening.) You will need a size 1.25 to 1.50 crochet hook and white cotton crochet thread.

Sewing small fabric envelopes.

Cutting out and sewing tiny gowns made of flannel and micro-fleece.

Making beautiful cards (all materials will be provided).

Crocheting or knitting 8” x 8”, 12” x 12”, and 34” x 34” blankets. Some must be white, others can be pastel blue and pink. We have samples you can look at. Bring your crochet hook and we’ll find a blanket size to fit. If knitting, bring size 8 needles. We’ll have someone available to teach knitting.

Crocheting tiny hats of varying sizes. We have patterns available. Kathy Philbin (R1) will be there in the afternoon to help.

Preparing ‘memory boxes’ by applying vinyl lettering to white photo boxes.

These are only a few of the items we’ll be making for this program. We have fairly strict specifications for the different items, so before you get started, be sure we share with you what is needed. Then go for it. This will be an ongoing project and much of it can be done from home. We especially need crocheters and knitters! Please let us know if you would like to help from home.

Donations needed for NICU Bereavement Project:

White cotton crochet thread

Crochet hooks and knitting needles (do you have a collection gathering dust?)

New white photo boxes

Baby yarn in white, pastel pink, pastel blue

Flannel in soft baby prints and pastel solids (no solid yellow)

Small stuffed animals: bears and lambs (beanie babies okay)

We have a power point describing the “Empty Arms, Aching Hearts” program at LLUCH. If you would like to see it, let me know and I’ll email it directly to you.

2. Housewarming Kits for families at Inland Temporary Homes

These gifts are for families who are moving from ITH shelters into transitional housing. We delivered our first two kits recently and they were warmly received. We’ll be putting together two more for families scheduled to move into ‘their own’ home during the month of August.   The kits include the following:

laundry basket

bucket filled with cleaning products such as spray cleaners, Ajax, dishwashing detergent, cleaning rags, toilet bowl cleaner, toilet brush, dust pan, laundry detergent etc.

hygiene items such as family size shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, lotion, shaving kit, etc.

household items such as towels, wash cloths, a tablecloth

a quilt for each baby

a book and toy for each child

anything special we might have for mom and dad

There is also an opportunity to provide activities for these children during the time that their parents are in Life Skills classes. These classes take place on Monday evenings. If you think your family would like to have a Family Home Evening activity (perhaps combining with another family), and have a fun hour or two with these kids, let me know. We have a few activities that are ready to go (remember the Barton Elementary School project?), if you need some ideas of things you could do.

Donations needed for housewarming kits:

We are collecting the above items and anything else you come across that you think would fit this purpose. (The Dollar Store, 99 cent Store, and Pic ‘n Save are good sources for many of these items.) We’ll also be signing a card of encouragement to include with our gifts, so be sure to add your name when you come to workday!

ITH has a few projects they really need to have done that may be the perfect Eagle Project. If you have a Life Scout looking for a project, let us know.

Learn more about Inland Temporary Homes by checking http://www.ithomes.org/.

3. Packing warm clothing for the women and children of Afghanistan

Tomorrow, we'll be packing this mostly new clothing from Colorado which will be added to our shipment which is scheduled for an October 2nd flight from March ARB to Kabul. In the next few weeks, we’ll finish preparing our pallets according to the requirements of the Denton Program (USAID). If you would like to help, let me know and I’ll let you know what our plans are. This unique and highly unusual opportunity to get our goods to Afghanistan in 48 hours and in time for distribution before winter is a miracle for which we are very grateful!

Other continuing projects:

4. Origami peace cranes

5. assembling hygiene kits for parolees

6. Greeting cards for pediatrics at LLUMC

7. Making and tying quilts, including lap quilts

8. Wheelchair/walker caddies

9. Crocheting hats for the homeless, children served by the Inland Burn Institute, and others.

Donations Needed:

origami paper

hygiene items, especially shampoo, shaving cream, & toothpaste

9. Robertson Memorial Boys Home

Thanks to all who continue to ensure that our boys at the Robertson Memorial Boys’ Home look forward to their birthday and other holidays! Halloween is our next big holiday. If you have a group that would like to help provide a Happy Halloween for our boys, let us know!

That’s it for now. Will try to add some photos next time.

Two sweet boys – and others – need our faith and prayers…

2011-07-31T21:54:00.001-07:00

Our little Ronan Godfrey was discharged from the hospital at City of Hope last Monday – much earlier than expected after about 45 days! He was to return to the hospital at least three days a week but at least the whole family would be sleeping under their own roof. However, Ronan has come down with a fever and is back in the hospital. Once again, our faith and prayers are requested in his behalf.

We also have another sweet boy, also 3 yrs old, who has had a bone marrow transplant, and needs our prayers. His name is Jacob Long and he used to live in Redlands 1st Ward with his mom and dad, Kylene and Joshua, and brother Ethan. Kylene and the boys came to workdays, so many of you may remember them. Jacob had his transplant at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles on April 15th, and has had a lot of ups and downs since then. Jacob was discharged 10 days ago (July 20) after 91 days, but tests since then show that one form of his donor cells is very low and he needs more stem cells from his original donor (if the donor is willing). Otherwise, he will need to start the entire process over with a new donor. Please pray for all involved here. You are invited to follow Jacob’s progress at http://thelongfamilysblog.blogspot.com.

Below are two pictures of Jacob at the hospital and one with his brother, Ethan, in March before the transplant. The middle one is of Jacob and 5 year old Ethan, sending hugs to each other through the doorway to Jacob’s room since they weren’t allowed to touch.

Please remember Ronan and Jacob and their families in your prayers and invite your children to join you. Despite everything they are going through with their own little boys, both Ronan and Jacob’s mothers have asked that we also request your prayers for a child each has met in the hospital. The last post describes Rachel Godfrey’s request for us to encourage more people of racial and ethnic minorities to join the registry, as those from minorities groups who need bone marrow transplants have a far less chance of receiving a good match due to there simply not having many choices available. A five-year old boy in a room next to Ronan was dealing with this very situation (see last post).

Jacob’s mother, Kylene Long, asked that we share this story about now 8-week old Katelyn, who is being treated at CHLA. She is in need of a lung transplant in order to survive. Kylene feels that the more the word is spread, the more likely someone who is in the position to donate, will think of Katelyn. The link to the story is: http://www.chla.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ipINKTOAJsG&b=6089699&ct=10861737&notoc=1.

Let me add one more: A couple of weeks ago, four of us went to LLUCH to meet with the nurse who is director of the NICU Bereavement Program which we will be making things for. While scrubbing up to enter the NICU area, we met a new young father who was there to be with his tiny new baby daughter. During our short visit, he enthusiastically said, “Our daughter is doing just awesome! She just got put on the heart transplant list yesterday!” He explained that she was already doing so much better than any doctor had predicted, predictions which began just a few months into his wife’s pregnancy right up to the day before we met him. It turns out that this dad and his family are members of the church and are attending Redlands 1st ward while here at LLUCH. Please add this fifth little child your list.

Stayed tuned for news of what we have coming up for next week’s (August 11th) workday!

Meanwhile, if you want to stop by Pic’n Save or the 99 cent store, we’re looking for buckets, laundry baskets, cleaning products, cleaning rags, dustpan, and anything else a family might find helpful in setting up house in a new apartment. Thanks!

“Those we serve, we love.” Robert L. Backman

Ronan’s Bake Sale, Compassion Kits for LLUMC, and Come Join Us on Thursday!

2011-07-13T08:25:00.001-07:00

Thanks for helping to make the Benefit Concert for Ronan a SUCCESS! The Baked goods were a hit!

This event was extra special because Ronan’s mom and dad and baby brother were able to come! A friend stayed at the hospital with Ronan so they could get away for their first fun evening together since New Year’s Eve! We were able to visit with Rachel and Nick and feel of their strength and spirit. Although they, with Ronan, have endured some very difficult times, Ronan is progressing.

A friend of Ronan’s parents wrote in an email on the day after the benefit:

“We couldn't have done it without your help and Women of Faith's hard work and generosity. Rachel and Nick had a wonderful evening. I'm not sure who was with Ronan at the hospital during the concert, but he played happily all evening, and was asleep for the night before Rachel and Nick left the hospital for the concert. So, this was the first time Rachel and Nick have had a chance to relax and enjoy themselves in a long time.

They talked a lot about you, and your church [I would add all ‘Women of Faith’ participants], and it means so much to them - your prayers and caring about Ronan, even more than the financial support.”

Another close friend of the family and organizer of the event wrote this just before the fundraiser which expresses all of our sentiments:

“It's so amazing when we focus on the parts of life and faith that we have in common - certainly helping a family make it through this tough time is a place where God calls us. I am blessed to be working with you on this!”

Here are a few shots from Saturday night. We’ll share more pictures later.

Ronan’s family: Rachel, baby Callum, and Nick Godfrey

Look at this spread of yummy baked goods!

And more!

Rachel made a request that we would like to pass along. She said that another child they have met at City of Hope is five years old and received his transplant two years ago. His mother is from Belize and his father is African-American. There was no match for him in the registry, so the best they could do was from his mother with a 5 or 6 out of 12 match. (Remember that Ronan’s is a 12/12 match.) He is having a really hard time. The problem is that only 14% of all matches in the registry are for anything other than Caucasian. So those of other ethnicities have little chance of having a good match. So, Rachel asked that we spread the word to everyone, but especially to anyone who is non-Caucasian, of the need to join the registry. So let’s do it! And continue to remember Ronan in our prayers.

“The smallest gestures clumped together and piled one on top of each other can make a world of difference.” Deanna Cogdon

We’re starting a new project this month. It’s for LLUMC, but may extend to other Hospitals

We have been asked to make items for and put together ‘compassion kits’ for the hospital’s NICU Bereavement Program. It is a specially designed program to assist families who have experienced the loss of a baby during pregnancy or after birth.

A Memory Box includes the following (we’ll be providing the items that are listed below in blue):

Heart Necklace
Stuffed animal
Baby Powder Pillow
Shell with clay footprint
Heart with Forget-me-not seeds
3D Hand mold
Envelope for hair swatch
Blanket
Baby’s bedside belongings

We will also make:

blankets in several sizes, crocheted, knitted, and flannel
baby gowns in several sizes, some white and some in soft baby prints
very small and even tiny hats
cards – specifically designed (details to come)

We have very specific instructions for each of these items. If you’d like to help, come to workday to get the details. Some of these projects will work very well for those wanting to work from home, so if you want to help in that way, give us a call for details. We will especially be looking for those who would like to crochet very tiny hats and crochet around tiny blankets. Watch for more details.

Thursday,July 14th, is another workday. Please join us anytime between 11am – 8pm.

You can choose from the following (more to come):

1. sew wheelchair/walker caddies (we have some improvements to make after having an ‘expert’ try it out for us.)

2. crochet hats

3. cut out, sew, and/or tie quilts

4. fold origami peace cranes

5. make greeting cards for the pediatric wing of LLUCH

6. assemble hygiene kits for local parolees through Step by Step and the Police and Corrections Team

7. mark copies of the Book of Mormon to go to county jails

8. combine granny squares to make afghans

NOTE: **We are trying to gather a list of names of “Women of Faith Supporters” who work in local hospitals or nursing homes, etc. If you are one, please let your humanitarian representative know or email jeanarnott@gmail.com with your name, the name of the hospital or facility, and area where you work.

Current Requests for Donations:

Soft white flannel
Flannel in soft colors and gentle prints
Press-on interfacing
Gallon size Ziploc bags
Yarn, particularly soft baby yarn in white, baby blue, and baby pink
Used greeting cards (we’re cutting them up to make new cards)
Card stock and paper in a variety of colors
Scrapbooking paper – even scraps from other projects
Hygiene items: full size or samples, especially toothpaste, shaving cream, men’s deodorant
Quilt batting or donations of $$ to purchase it. (We can get it by the bolt for ½ price.)
Origami paper, mostly 6” x 6” (use your JoAnn’s or Michael’s coupons)
Velcro (not the kind with adhesive; use your coupons for this too)
Your time at workday or at home

___________________________________________________

“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Ronan’s Concert and Bake Sale Just Around the Corner

2011-07-06T21:42:00.001-07:00

To our wonderful Women of Faith and supporters!

We know it’s terribly hot to be baking this week! Nevertheless, we invite you to whip up something (let the kids help!) for the bake sale to help 4-yr old Ronan Godfrey's family with the rising expenses associated with his 2-3 month hospital stay following his bone marrow transplant. We'll be at the LDS church @ 350 Wabash Ave in Redlands (next to the temple) to receive your goodies and will take them to the benefit concert being sponsored by the Redlands United Church of Christ @ 6pm on Saturday, July 9th. Please bring your favorite goodie recipe ‘packaged for sale’ to the LDS Church any of these three times:

Friday, July 8th from 10am-noon

Friday, July 8th from 6-7pm

Saturday, July 9th from 11am-noon

Ideas: Cookies, cakes, brownies, bars, bread, cup cakes, dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls, candy, etc., etc., etc.

**Of course, you are also invited to the concert. See our last blog post for details.

Questions? Contact Jean @ 909 794-0456 or jeanarnott@gmail.com

Happy Baking!

Love, Your Humanitarian Committee

Invitation to Participate in Bake Sale for Ronan

2011-06-27T19:22:00.001-07:00

Ronan Godfrey received his bone marrow transplant this past Tuesday. Though Ronan was a very sick little boy from the pre-transplant regimen of chemo and radiation, he is doing well and the expectations are that the transplant will be a success!!!

Though the Godfrey's are blessed to have good insurance, other costs are quickly mounting. For example, childcare for 12 week old baby Callum while Rachel is at the hospital with Ronan for the three month duration, will be at least $4000. (Someone has to be with Ronan 24/7 and of course it is largely Rachel.) Dad has had to get back to work and is commuting as much as he can to see his family at the City of Hope. Gas is of course taking a toll. We can imagine what other costs of living 'away from home' for these several months are adding up to. So...

Ronan's church, the Redlands United Church of Christ, is having a fund raiser on Saturday, July 9th @ 6p.m. They will host “a night of music” (see flyer below) and are hoping for a big crowd. Everyone is invited.

What we'd like to add as our contribution, is to provide items for a Bake Sale to take place at the concert: cookies, brownies, cakes, cupcakes, bars, candy, anything you can think of.

We're going to collect all the baked goods at the LDS church on Fifth and Wabash in Redlands and get them to the head of the fund-raising committee on Saturday afternoon. We invite anyone and everyone to participate by making up your favorite goodie recipe and bringing it ‘packaged for sale’ to the LDS church (5th/Wabash) any of these three times:

Friday, July 8th from 10am-noon

Friday, July 8th from 6-7pm

Saturday, July 9th from 11am-noon

Questions? Contact Jean Arnott 909 794-0456 or jeanarnott@gmail.com

Second RPD Citizen’s Reentry Academy Starts Wednesday, June 15th

2011-06-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

The Redlands Police Department will host its second Citizens Re-entry Academy beginning June 15.

The academy is a six-week class designed to inform residents about the opportunities and challenges surrounding sentenced offenders returning to the community after incarceration. The course will explore the inner workings of the Redlands Police Department’s operations relating to the criminal justice system, including the department’s Police and Corrections Team ( P.A.C.T.) and interaction with the Redland Drug Court.

Students will meet on Wednesday nights from 6-9p.m. at the Joslyn Senior Center, 21 Grant Street, for the first four weeks of the course. The final two sessions will be held Saturdays with tours of correctional institutions, one on July 16th, and the other date TBA.

There is no charge for the course, but class size is limited. If you’d like to be part of this 2nd class, email the following information to Officer Mike Merriman at mmerriman@redlandsppolice.org :

Name

Address

Phone

E-mail address

You may also call Officer Merriman at 909-798-7681 for more information.

Several of us from Women of Faith attended the first Reentry Academy and came away with a better understanding of this topic which affects each of us. Changes in California’s prison system is already being felt here at home. But did you know that while the recidivism rate (rate at which individuals return to prison), runs around 80% in the state of California , here is Redlands it is 25%? This is largely due to the philosophy of our police department and programs which have been put in place by them. In addition to learning about the broad picture of how the criminal justice system works, this course is an opportunity to find out what is being done here and why it works.

Got Joy?! Just look & see it here! Then come to Thursday’s workday and experience it live!

2011-06-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

Time to take a break and see what fun we’ve had serving together over the past few months!

Special thanks to Girl Scout Troop 979, Cub Scout Pack 231, the Builders Club, and all those who participated in any way with the Bone Marrow Registry Drive!

Redlands First and Fourth Ward projects

1200 Origami Peace Cranes!

In April, we helped the Redlands Sister Cities Association by teaching how to make origami peace cranes following a presentation by curator Lynn Voorheis from Riverside Metropolitan Museum. Then we presented our first 1200 cranes to the museum for their exhibit. Their goal is to receive 92,785 peace cranes – one to represent each Japanese-American that was put in an internment camp during World War II.

Thursday,June 9th, is another workday. Please join us anytime between 11am – 8pm. You can choose from the following (there will probably be more):

1. sew wheelchair/walker caddies (we have some improvements to make after having an ‘expert’ try it out for us.)

2. crochet hats

3. cut out, sew, and/or tie quilts

4. fold origami peace cranes

5. make greeting cards for the pediatric wing of LLUCH

6. assemble hygiene kits for local parolees through Step by Step and the Police and Corrections Team

7. mark copies of the Book of Mormon to go to county jails

8. combine granny squares to make afghans

NOTE: We are trying to gather a list of names of “Women of Faith Supporters” who work in local hospitals or nursing homes, etc. If you are one, please let your humanitarian representative know or email jeanarnott@gmail.com *with your name, the name of the hospital or facility, and area where you work.***

Current Requests for Donations:

Gallon size Ziploc bags
Yarn, particularly soft baby yarn
Used greeting cards (we’re cutting them up to make new cards)
Card stock and paper in a variety of colors
Scrapbooking paper – even scraps from other projects
Hygiene items: full size or samples, especially toothpaste, shaving cream, men’s deodorant
Quilt batting or donations of $$ to purchase it. (We can get it by the bolt for ½ price.)
Origami paper, mostly 6” x 6” (use your JoAnn’s or Michael’s coupons)
Velcro (not the kind with adhesive; use your coupons for this too)
Your time at workday or at home

___________________________________________________

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop

RONAN HAS A MATCH!

2011-06-04T08:30:00.001-07:00

Here is wonderful news from Rosemary Tuohy, a good friend of Ronan’s family who we worked with on the Bone Marrow Registry Drive:

I have awesome news about Ronan Godfrey. Not only has a match been found for Ronan, but it’s a perfect 12 out of 12!!

He will be going in to City of Hope next Friday, June 10^th to begin the pre-operative chemotherapy, followed by the transplant and recovery. Ronan will be in the hospital for two to three months.

Since they no longer need to worry about the risk of infection and a compromised immune system, Ronan and his family are taking time to do all the fun things kids and their families do. You can see photos of Ronan feeding the ducks, flying kites, and visiting the beach on his website, Hope4Ronan.com.

http://web.me.com/smartiepaws/Hope4Ronan/Blog/Blog.html [See some pics below of Ronan enjoying time with his family.]

Please keep the Godfreys in your thoughts and prayers as they begin the next stage in their journey toward Ronan’s recovery.

Thank you for caring about my young friend. We don’t know if Ronan’s match came from one of his bone marrow drives, but we do know that anyone who registered has the chance of saving another person’s life.

We thank you too, for doing what you can to help Ronan – and others like him – who need this life-saving procedure. Whether it was to join the registry, volunteer at the drive, or to pray for him. Let’s keep those prayers going!

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Update of Women of Faith activities and invitation to join us on Thursday, May 12!

2011-05-10T16:07:00.001-07:00

Spring is definitely bursting forth with good works, and more opportunities are just around the corner.

With your help, the following happened in April:

1) 143 individuals were added to the Bone Marrow Registry on behalf of 3-year Ronan Godfrey at April’s workday and drive . Over 100 calls have been generated and at least two more registry drives are being set up as a result of the following press release: http://www.pe.com/localnews/sbcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_D_ronan25.2256dee.html. Please continue to pray that a match will be found for young Ronan. We received a sweet note from Ronan’s mom and dad, expressing gratitude for our efforts. Also, please spread the word that you may still register online at www.bethematch.org. Follow the instructions and enter promo code Hope4Ronan.

2) Over 120 baby and preemie hats, two outfits, and three isolet blankets were delivered to the LLUMC NICU unit. They want more!

3) Our first twelve hundred origami peace cranes were presented to the Riverside Metropolitan Museum in partnership with the Redlands Sister Cities Association. (Yes, we are still folding…)

4) A fun and meaningful Easter event was had with our boys at the Robertson Memorial Boys Home. This first of two activities in April was put on by fifteen men and women from our mid-singles group. They hosted a dinner, Easter egg hunt and activities, and Easter service for the boys and staff. In addition to those who participated at the event with setting up, and providing music, presentations, activities and games, thanks also to those who donated and prepared food, Easter decorations, baskets, and candies – much of it homemade. We’ll share photos in a future post.

5) The second activity with our boys allowed them to honor their mothers (or a significant mother-figure in their lives) for Mother’s Day. Just as last year, our boys were able to choose and wrap gifts and make cards for their mothers. We’ll be having a similar activity for Father’s Day too, so if you’d like to be involved, let us know!

6) Fifth and sixth graders at Monterey Elementary in San Bernardino have learned how to make hats and have made them for themselves and members of their families; hats they make now will be to donate! Now they are learning how to make origami peace cranes and are adding their flock to ours.

7) Youth from Highland 2nd ward have also been making hats to add to what we will give to LLUCH NICU, the Burn Institute, and the homeless.

8) By request, we have had an opportunity to teach the GATE students at Mariposa Elementary how to make origami peace cranes. The cranes they make are being added to our next batch to give to the Riverside Metropolitan Museum.

Thursday is another workday. Come and help us:

1. sew wheelchair/walker caddies

2. crochet hats

3. cut out, sew, and/or tie quilts

4. fold origami peace cranes

5. make greeting cards for the pediatric wing of LLUCH

6. assemble hygiene kits for local parolees through Step by Step and the Police and Corrections Team

7. mark copies of the Book of Mormon to go to county jails

8. combine granny squares to make afghans

Stay tuned for details of a couple of new projects coming up. They will involve helping the homeless youth in Redlands and those who grieve at the loss of their baby at our local hospitals.

NOTE: **We are trying to gather a list of “Women of Faith Supporters” who work in local hospitals or nursing homes, etc. If you are one, please let your humanitarian representative know or email jeanarnott@gmail.com with your name, the name of the hospital or facility, and area where you work.

Current Requests for Donations:

Yarn, particularly soft baby yarn
Used greeting cards (we’re cutting them up to make new cards)
Card stock and construction paper in a variety of colors
Scrapbooking paper – even scraps from other projects
Hygiene items: full size or samples, especially toothpaste, shaving cream, deodorant, and larger size combs
Quilt batting or donations of $$ to purchase it. (We can get it by the bolt for ½ price.)
Origami paper (use your JoAnn’s or Michael’s coupons)
Velcro (not the kind with adhesive; use your coupons for this too)
Your time at workday or at home

___________________________________________________

“I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”

Edward Evert Hale

This is the time to come…

2011-04-13T00:15:00.001-07:00

Dear Women of Faith supporters,

Please won’t you come to workday on Thursday, April 14^th? You’re needed and we think you might need us too.

Come anytime between 11am – 8pm for any length of time.

The Bone Marrow Registry Drive will take place from noon to 6pm.

Please help 3 year old Ronan Godfrey who desperately needs a bone marrow transplant. You can help in one or more of the following ways:

1. You can join the bone marrow registry if you are between 18 and 60 years old, in good health, and are willing to donate to any person in need. The process to join the registry includes filling out a health questionnaire and providing a cheek swab. It takes about 10 minutes. (www.bethematch.org has excellent videos that explain the entire process of donating marrow. There is a new procedure for donating bone marrow that is similar to donating plasma and does not require surgery. It is used in more than half of marrow transplants.)

2. If you are not able to donate, will you take time to call someone you know who may be able to?

3. If you would like to join the registry, but can’t make it on Thursday, you can request a kit at the website and register by mail.

4. Please remember Ronan and his family (who just welcomed a new baby brother 2 ½ weeks ago) in your prayers.

Help Us Provide An Easter Surprise!

NOTICE: We have a last minute request for something to help our boys at the Robertson Memorial Boys Home. The mid-singles are planning to have a very special Easter event with the boys. They will be taking in an Easter dinner complete with all the trimmings, then have a special program with music and an Easter message. They want to end by giving each young man an Easter basket filled with goodies. So, if you have any of the following you would like to donate, could you bring them with you on Thursday?

Easter Baskets
Easter Candy, plastic eggs, etc.

Grass or netting for baskets
Any Easter décor

Other projects for Thursday:

1. wheelchair/walker caddies

2. crocheted hats

3. quilts

4. origami cranes (we turned in 1200 on Tues night!)

5. greeting cards

6. hygiene kits

Current Requests:

Easter candy, etc. (see above)
Yarn, particularly soft baby yarn
Used greeting cards (we’re cutting them up to make new cards)
Card stock and construction paper in a variety of colors
Scrapbooking paper – even scraps from other projects
Hygiene items: full size or samples, especially shaving cream, wash cloths, and combs
Quilt batting or donations of $$ to purchase it. (We can get it by the bolt for ½ price.)
You

___________________________________________________

“Those who labor unselfishly in behalf of others, with no thought of remuneration, will be physically and spiritually refreshed and renewed.” David B. Haight

Our first 1000+ origami peace cranes….

2011-04-10T20:11:00.001-07:00

We made it! We’ll be turning in our first 1000+ peace cranes on Tuesday night at an event taking place at Smiley Library in Redlands. (The community is invited to attend. See the invitation which follows.) We’ll also be providing volunteers to teach attendees how to make the cranes following the presentation.

Thanks to the women, youth women, children,
and yes, young men and dads,
who have all made cranes.

No we’re not done yet! So keep folding!

You're invited!

In preparation for a Trip to the Manzanar National Historic Site on May 7th, Redlands Sister Cities Assocaiton is hosting a Presentation on The Harada Family of Riverside,

The Redlands Japanese American Community and the California Peace Crane Project

Tuesday, April 12^th

6:30 p.m.

A.K. Smiley Public Library

125 W. Vine St., Redlands

The Redlands Sister Cities Association, along with the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, A.K. Smiley Public Library, and Cal State University, San Bernardino, invites you to a special evening presentation featuring Lynn Voorheis, Museum Curator of Historic Structures, Riverside Metropolitan Museum. The presentation will focus on the story of the Harada family of Riverside from their immigration from Japan at the turn of the century through their WWII experiences and return to Riverside. http://www.riversideca.gov/museum/harada.asp

Don McCue, Archivist and Head of Special Collections, A.K. Smiley Public Library will provide remarks on the Redlands Japanese American community during WWII.

At the end of this presentation, volunteers will teach everyone how to make origami cranes to add to over 2,000 cranes already made by Redlands residents for the Riverside Metropolitan Museum California Peace Crane project. http://www.riversideca.gov/museum/exhibit-22.asp

We encourage you to join us!

Join the Redlands Sister Cities Association & The Redlands Police Department

On a Trip to Manzanar

Saturday, May 7, 2011

In 1942, the United States government ordered more than 110,000 men, women, and children to leave their homes and detained them in remote, military-style camps. Manzanar War Relocation Center near Lone Pine, CA was one of ten camps where Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were interned during World War II. The tour of the Manzanar National Historic Site by a Park Ranger includes a 60 minute tour of Block 14 and the Mess Hall, a bus tour of the perimeter road and time for a visit to the Museum and visitor center.

Depart Redlands- 7:30am; Return approx. - 9: pm.

Cost: $50/person. Ticket includes the tour, bus transportation and, a box lunch.

New members receive a $10 discount off Redlands Sister Cities Assoc. membership with ticket purchase.

For more information contact: redlandssca@gmail.com or Anna Robles @ (909) 792-4977

So exactly what is a Peace Crane???

2011-04-03T07:24:00.001-07:00

Find out by attending a special presentation at the Smiley Library in Redlands on Tuesday, April 12^th at 6:30pm. (See press release below.) This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about this important part of California history which took place during WWII. Youth and older children are welcome to attend. The presentation, given by the Riverside Metropolitan Museum’s curator, will last about an hour.

Following the presentation, attendees will be able to view displays from the period and they will be invited to learn how to make origami cranes for the museum’s Peace Crane Project. That’s where we come in. We have been asked to provide volunteers who can teach how to make the paper cranes. We are looking for 4 to 6 of you who could help. We have had some great teachers, including youth, at workday and at other activities, so if you can help us out for the short time needed that evening, please let us know.

If you’re new, and don’t know the purpose for our making all these cranes: we were invited to participate with the Redlands Sister Cities Association in collaboration with this museum in the California Paper Crane Peace Project. The goal is, “to make 92,785 origami cranes - one for every person from California who was sent to a Japanese American internment camp, during World War II.” http://www.riversideca.gov/museum/exhibit-22.asp.

We are hoping to have 1000 cranes to present that night, and are getting very close. If you have been making cranes at home or with your youth group, etc., let us know so we can add them to our flock in time to present them at this event. (The need for cranes does not end that night – so keep making them!)

Thanks for the donations of origami paper which have allowed us to create a beautiful and colorful flock of peace cranes. We’ve almost used up what you’ve given us, so it’s time to ask for more. Thanks!

Here’s the press release set to come out in the next couple of days in area newspapers:

The Harada Family of Riverside, California, Redlands, California Japanese American Community and the California Peace Crane Project

Redlands, CA – The Redlands Sister Cities Association in partnership with the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, A.K. Smiley Public Library, and Cal-State University, San Bernardino is hosting a special evening presentation on Tuesday, April 12th at 6:30 p.m. at the A.K. Smiley Public Library located at 125 W. Vine St., Redlands.

The presentation will feature introductory remarks by Anna Robles, President of the Redlands Sister Cities Association. Lynn Voorheis, Museum Curator of Historic Structures, Riverside Metropolitan Museum, will present the story of the Harada family of Riverside from their immigration from Japan at the turn of the century through their WWII experiences and return to Riverside. Don McCue, Archivist and Head of Special Collections, A.K. Smiley Public Library will provide remarks on the Redlands Japanese American community during WWII.

At the end of the presentation, volunteers will teach everyone how to make origami cranes to add to over 2,000 cranes already made by the Redlands residents for the Riverside Metropolitan Museum California Peace Crane project.

_________________________________________________________

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

-Leo Buscaglia

Women of Faith to host drive to save 3-year old Ronan Godfrey

2011-03-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

BE THE MATCH

Bone Marrow Registry Drive

Three year old Ronan Godrey has aplastic anemia caused by a rare genetic disorder called dyskeratosis congenita. With a successful bone marrow transplant, Ronan has a 50% chance of being cured. He has no family match so needs our help. Because of the nature of DKC, each time Ronan receives a blood transfusion, which he is receiving often, it makes it more likely that his body will reject the bone marrow transplant. So time is of the essence.

City of Hope will be conducting a bone marrow (cheek swabbing) drive as part of our Women of Faith Humanitarian Workday on Thursday, April 14th from 12:00 until 5:00 p.m. at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints @ 350 Wabash Avenue in Redlands. (We hope the time will be extended into the evening, but at this point we have this time only.) The Redlands Interfaith Council and the Redlands Service Club Council are co-sponsors of the drive.

The registration process will take roughly 10 minutes during which you will be asked to fill out paperwork and give a cheek swab sample. You will be registered until you are 61 years old and will only be asked to donate marrow or stem cells if you are identified as a match for a particular patient in need.

*If you are unable to attend in person you can join online by visiting http://join.marrow.org and enter promo code: Hope4Ronan

To join the registry, you need only to be between the ages of 18 and 60, be willing to donate to any patient in need, and meet the health guidelines. If you are not able to participate, won’t you spread to word to someone who can!

***Questions about joining the registry or being a marrow donor can be answered at www.bethematch.org or you may contact Vivian Abernathy, (626) 283-9182 at the City of Hope. For information about the drive on April 14th, you may also contact Rosemary Tuohy (909)645-2229 or Jean Arnott (909) 794-0456.

Following is a copy of an article that appeared in The Redlands Facts about Ronan and his family. You can also see his website,www.Hope4Ronan.com.

REDLANDS DAILY FACTS ARTICLE

http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/ci_17544483

Boy in race against time

WENDY LEUNG, Staff Writer

Posted: 03/04/2011 10:24:24 PM PS

FONTANA - It started with a nosebleed.

Ronan Godfrey's parents figured it was a simple case of a toddler picking his nose. But the late-night bleeding lasted three hours.

"It was running like a faucet," said Ronan's mother, Rachel Godfrey.

The paramedics told the Fontana family there was nothing to worry about. But the next day, Ronan's nosebleed returned with a vengeance. This time they took Ronan to the emergency room. There, doctors gave the 2-year-old a preliminary diagnosis of leukemia. He needed two blood and one platelet transfusions.

"He had almost no blood in him," Godfrey said.

In time, doctors realized it wasn't leukemia after all but a type of aplastic anemia that is so rare, there is just 300 cases diagnosed in the world. Unlike many other blood disorders, Ronan's condition is genetic, which means he is desperately in need of a bone marrow transplant.

Today, Ronan's third birthday, the City of Hope Medical Center will host a bone marrow drive in Rancho Cucamonga. On Sunday, the Redlands United Church of Christ, where the Godfrey family are members, will also host a drive. The hope is to find a donor for Ronan so he can get the needed transplant.

Ronan is a cheerful toddler who talks about his aspirations of becoming an astronaut. But Ronan's life has changed dramatically since his first nosebleed in January.

"He can't go near anybody. His white blood count is so low, he just can't get

sick. That would be life-threatening," Godfrey said. "He can go nowhere except the hospital."

It's quite a contrast to a life once marked by playschool, mommy groups and a dance class.

"We had the life," Godfrey said. "Now I can't take him to the supermarket. I can't take him to the p-a-r-k. I can't say it or he'll ask."

On Saturday, hospital officials will register participants in the international Be The Match Registry. To participate, you must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and in good health. The process takes about 10 minutes and includes a cheek swab sample.

If a match is found, the perspective donor will be contacted. If you would like to participate but cannot attend Saturday, you can receive a registration kit by visiting http://join.marrow.org.

**************************************************************

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

What can we do to help Japan?

2011-03-16T23:50:00.001-07:00

Dear Women of Faith and Friends,

You have no doubt seen the alarming images of the devastation along the east coast of Japan and wondered what you can do to help. Some of you have called to see what the Church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is doing and how we can help. Here is what I have learned and pass it along to you – both how to contribute through the LDS Church and through the City of Riverside, whose sister city is Sendai, Japan (see below):

#1

From the Church’s Philanthropies website http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/ldsp/news-features/donate-humanitarian.html, we learn:

The Church is responding to the current disaster in Japan. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told reporters in a news conference Tuesday, March 15, that the Church has committed substantial financial aid to Japan. Emergency supplies are being purchased in Japan or nearby countries as necessary to reduce response time and help local economies that have suffered during the crisis.

The Church’s Humanitarian Aid Fund allows members and friends to donate as an act of compassion for people in disaster situations such as Japan. It is important to note that donations to the fund are not earmarked for any particular disaster or region but are used as needed wherever people are in distress or require basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical attention.

Elder Holland reemphasized concern for the people of Japan and said that the Church will work with government agencies, the Red Cross, and others to make available needed resources.

#2

Riverside, California and Sendai, Japan have been sister cities since 1957 in what is one of the oldest continuous sister city relationships in the United States. The city of Sendai was one of the worst hit areas, located just 105 miles from the epicenter of the quake and directly in the path of the tsunami.

The City of Riverside has established a Sendai relief fund and is collecting donations to help its sister city recover from the devastation. It hopes to raise $250,000.

More information may be obtained and donations made at this web site: www.riversideca.gov/sendairelief.

Donated funds are tax deductible and will be held in a separate account designated for Sendai, Japan. 100% of the funds collected will be given directly to officials in Sendai to help them in their recovery efforts.

___________________________________________________________________________

We perhaps feel a little closer to the people of Japan since we’ve spent the past few months making peace cranes for the Metropolitan Museum’s exhibit honoring Japanese-Americans held in internment camps during WWII. Let’s continue to pray for the people and land of Japan and do whatever we feel inspired to do to help in other ways.

___________________________________________________________________________

Just a bit of caution: “Federal officials are urging people to be cautious when they donate money to charities responding to this crisis. The FBI warns that con artists often prey on donors following natural disasters. The Internet Crime Complaint Center says donors should be careful when confronted with unsolicited e-mails asking for credit card information or money transfers. Consumers should try to verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations with an Internet search.” http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/articles/2011/03/15/us_officials_counsel_caution_when_donating_money_to_japan_relief_efforts/

Humanitarian Update and Invitation to Workday on Thursday, January 13, 2011

2011-01-12T02:57:00.000-08:00

Come Join Us

Thursday, January 13, 2011

for
WOMEN OF FAITH
HUMANITARIAN WORKDAY!

You are invited to drop by the
LDS Stake Center
at the corner of 5th and Wabash in Redlands
any time between the hours of
11 am and 8 pm

You’re invited to join us on January 13th and may choose from the following activities:

DOING PREP WORK FOR A SERVICE PROJECT TO BE HELD AT BARTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LATER THIS MONTH:
We’ll be preparing the following:
    fleece blankets to be ready to cut and tie
    sewing bean bags to be filled
    materials to make personal piñatas
    materials to make hand sized puzzles
    materials to make stick puppets
    materials to make mosaic pictures
    materials to make greeting cards

We could use a few more hands at the school on January 28, so if you’re available, give us a jingle.

Last school year we spent a few hours with the school’s 500 children and had a wonderful time. Here are some shots showing what they did:
ORIGAMI CRANES: Oh, no! We’ve lost count of our birds! Guess we need someone to bring our count up to date even as we keep making them. We need lots of origami paper, so if you haven’t used your Michaels or JoAnn’s coupons yet this month, you could use it to get some paper for us. We need all we can get. Good quality wrapping paper also works well. (Check September’s post for details of why we are involved with this effort.)
CARDS FOR CHILDREN at LOMA LINDA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL and for patients at the VETERANS HOSPITAL:
We’ll be doing this for awhile, so if you’re already into scrapbooking or would like to learn, we could use your help. We are collecting used greeting cards to cut up and use in our card making, so hang on to yours and and bring them with you. We could use more cute paper and card stock if you have laying around – even scraps from projects you’ve done.
GRANNY SQUARES INTO AFGHANS: Come help us crochet more squares and put them together into lap quilts!
WINTER HATS FOR THE HOMELESS and for CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN SEVERELY BURNED. We’ll be making deliveries to both The Blessing Center and the Inland Empire Burn Institute (to go with the coats we gave them )very soon, so if you’ve been making hats at home, this is a good time to bring them by. If you’d like to learn how to make these hats, stay for 20 minutes and you’ll know how! They are easy and something you can do when watching TV or listening to your children read. We have looms you can check out and yarn too. WE ARE ALSO COLLECTING BOOTS FOR THE CHILDREN AT THE BURN INSTITUTE. IF YOU HAVE ANY AROUND THAT DON’T FIT ANYMORE, THESE CHILDREN COULD USE THEM FOR THEIR SNOW TRIP TO BIG BEAR NEXT MONTH. WE’RE LOOKING FOR SIZES TO FIT AGES 5 AND UP, BOYS AND GIRLS.
SLIPPERS ON LOOMS: Learn how to make slippers on the smallest hat loom (the blue one).
ASSEMBLE HYGIENE KITS for area parolees. We’ll continue as we’ve done now for several years. Thanks to several faith groups from all over town for your contributions to this cause! Contributions of any hygiene items are welcome, including trial size. The 99cent store, Dollar Tree, and Big Lots are good places to pick up some inexpensively.
QUILTS: As always... there will be quilts to put together, sew, and tie.

Here’s an update of what’s been done in the past month outside of our regular workday. Thanks for making it happen!

CLEAN, WARM, and COZY: The number of items processed from the coat drive in December were even more than November’s. The grand total for the two months were 3355 items, with 2172 being coats/jackets! That’s 1400 more than last year! Many needy individuals are already warmer – on the inside too – because of your service. Items went to:

REDLANDS FAMILY SERVICES
THE BURN INSTITUTE – INLAND EMPIRE
STEP BY STEP REENTRY COALITION
YOUTH HOPE
and to the following homeless individuals at a local park

Here’s a picture story of the second half of our drive:

ROBERTSON BOYS’ HOME: Birthday celebrations for Miguel and Antonio were delivered in the past month. These young men really enjoy our visits and often insist that we stay to share the celebration. Cadettes from Girl Scout Troop 979 delivered our gift cards and duffle bags along with stockings full of treats and goodies. It was a special evening for all the youth as they celebrated the season of Christmas together. Watch in the future for pictures of these occasion.

Meanwhile, here are some pics of past deliveries to ‘our boys’":

HALLOWEEN DELIVERY

SEAN & TERRAY’S BIRTHDAYS

From times past...

Do these pictures bring back memories?

If you’d like to participate in our work, but can’t come to workday, you can still participate by making a donation or choosing something you'd like to do at home. Just contact the specialist from your ward or congregation. If you do not have one, contact Jean Arnott at jeanarnott@gmail.com.

If you would like to contribute financially, you may do so by making a check out to the Redlands California Stake and mailing it to Jean Arnott, 31838 Florida Avenue, Mentone 92359. Currently, financial contributions are going towards the purchase of fleece to make children’s and youth size blankets.

If you know someone who doesn’t know about our efforts and might like to help, please pass the word along to them.

We’ll continue to have workdays on the 2nd Thursday of each month. So put a star on those dates and see you next time on February 10th – same time and place.

Humanitarian Update and Invitation to Workday on Thursday, December 9, 2010

2010-12-07T23:11:00.001-08:00

Come Join Us

Thursday, December 9, 2010
for
WOMEN OF FAITH
HUMANITARIAN WORKDAY!

You are invited to drop by the
LDS Stake Center
at the corner of 5th and Wabash in Redlands
any time between the hours of
11 am and 8 pm

You’re invited to join us on December 9th and may choose from the following activities:

“Clean, Warm, and Cozy” Coat Drive: In November we completed phase one and processed 889 coats, jackets, quilts, and some clothing. We’ll be completing the project this month when we sort donations coming from fifteen elementary schools, the University of Redlands, the Soroptimist Club, Citrus Valley High School, and several locations in the city of Redlands. This project assisting the Redlands Service Clubs Council for the second year will provide coats and other warm items to the needy this winter.

Thanks to everyone who took bags full of items home to wash last month!. Things were gone in a flash! We need you again this week so drop by and help us sort and/or take a bag to clean and return your items as quickly as possible. The cold weather has come so we want them to be put to use right away!

The items are going to these four organizations:

REDLANDS FAMILY SERVICES
THE BURN INSTITUTE – INLAND EMPIRE
STEP BY STEP REENTRY COALITION
YOUTH HOPE

Oh, and special thanks to those who have transported dozens of loads of donations from locations all over our community! And to Vine’s Storage in Mentone who has made space to keep our most recent loads at their facility on Colton Avenue. We couldn’t do this without the tremendous support of so many! Thanks!

Here are just a few shots from phase 1 of this year’s coat drive!
We just had to hang this donated quilt because it was so cute!
A A few of the bags ready to go to Family Service Association: Nothing left but empty boxes…
ORIGAMI CRANES: Our count is now over 350 cranes! Check September’s post for details of why we are involved with this effort. We need lots of origami paper, so if you haven’t used your Michaels or JoAnn’s coupons yet this month, you could use it to get some paper for us. We need all we can get. Good quality wrapping paper also works well. Notice who is teaching this beautiful art form – the kids!
CARDS FOR CHILDREN at LOMA LINDA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL and for patients at the VETERANS HOSPITAL:
We’ll be doing this for awhile, so if you’re already into scrapbooking or would like to learn, we could use your help. We are collecting used greeting cards that we can cut up and use in our card making, so hang on to yours and and bring them with you. We could use more cute paper and card stock if you have any to donate.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION FOR OUR ‘ADOPTED’ BOYS AT THE ROBERTSON BOYS HOME:
Thanks to everyone who chose a gift tag last month for one of our twelve young men. If you haven’t already done so, please be sure to return it by Thursday’s workday or by next Sunday. Our gifts, including the duffle bags which we’ll be wrapping, will be delivered with Christmas stockings filled by the Cadettes from Girl Scout Troop 979 a few days before Christmas.
COLLECTING FOR THE INROADS PROGRAM AT THE GLEN HELEN REHABILITATION CENTER: We just made our second delivery of gifts to this facility. Our delivery included puzzles, toys, games, helmets, stuffed animals, books for inmates and their children, and religious materials. The religious literature will be shared with four county jails. We will continue to collect paperback copies of the Book of Mormon and mark them with scripture mastery scriptures and our testimonies.
GRANNY SQUARES INTO AFGHANS: Come help us crochet more squares and put them together into lap quilts!
WINTER HATS FOR THE HOMELESS: If you have never made one of these hats, you’ve got to learn how! They are easy and something to do when watching TV or listening to your children read. We have looms you can check out and yarn too. We counted 113 medium to large hats ready to deliver to Blessing Center. Special thanks to several of you who are making a lot of these hats at home! They really are adding up and are just beautiful!!!
SLIPPERS ON LOOMS: Learn how to make slippers on the smallest hat loom (the blue one).
ASSEMBLE HYGIENE KITS for area parolees. We’ll continue as we’ve done now for several years. Thanks to several faith groups from all over town for your contributions to this cause! Contributions of any hygiene items are welcome, including trial size. The 99cent store, Dollar Tree, and Big Lots are good places to pick up some inexpensively.
QUILTS: As always... there will be quilts to put together, sew, and tie.

Here’s an update of what’s been done in the past month outside of our regular workday. Thanks for making it happen!

ROBERTSON BOYS’ HOME: Birthday celebrations for Sean and Terray were delivered in the past month. These young men really enjoy our visits, including the children that come along.

Thanks to the Redlands 3rd ward sisters who tied yet two more baby quilts this past month.
REDLANDS STAKE MID-SINGLES HOSTED A MID-SINGLE DINNER/SERVICE/FIRESIDE on November 20th. It was a lovely evening. Several projects were worked on and it was a fun evening!

From times past...

Do these pictures bring back memories?

If you would like to contribute financially, you may do so by making a check out to the Redlands California Stake and send it to Jean Arnott, 31838 Florida Avenue, Mentone 92359. Currently, financial contributions are going towards the purchase of fleece to make children’s and youth size blankets.

If you know someone who doesn’t know about our efforts and might like to help, please pass the word along to them.

We’ll continue to have workdays on the 2nd Thursday of each month. So put a star on those dates and see you next time on January 12th, same time & place.

Humanitarian Update and Invitation to workday on November 11, 2010

2010-11-09T21:14:00.001-08:00

Come Join Us

Thursday, November 11, 2010
for
WOMEN OF FAITH
HUMANITARIAN WORKDAY!

You are invited to drop by the
LDS Stake Center
at the corner of 5th and Wabash in Redlands
any time between the hours of
11 am and 8 pm

You’re invited to join us on November 11th and may choose from the following activities:

“Clean, Warm, and Cozy” Coat Drive: For the second year, we are assisting the Redlands Service Clubs Council in providing coats and other warm items to the needy this winter. The Redlands Unified School District is collecting items as they did last year, but this year every school is participating. In addition, the City of Redlands and University of Redlands have also come on board.

Part One will take place at workday on Thursday when deliveries from all locations except the elementary school will arrive. We’ll be sorting and bagging items to be cleaned with instructions on where to return them.

Part Two will take place on or after November 19th when we get all the donations from the elementary schools. We’ll send out information on how you can help with this second part after we finish up this week.

It’s important that we complete this project as quickly as possible so that the items can be put to use in time for the cold weather.

This year we’ll be providing warm items for four organizations:

REDLANDS FAMILY SERVICES
THE BURN INSTITUTE – INLAND EMPIRE
STEP BY STEP REENTRY COALITION
YOUTH HOPE

SO… come by, help sort, and take a bag to clean.

Here’s a look at last year with some interesting details you may enjoy learning about:
ORIGAMI CRANES: Well, we’re off and running - or should I say flying - with this project. One hundred cranes were completed by the end of workday last month and another 110 were made by the Redlands 4^th ward young women. Check last month’s post for details of why we are involved with this effort. Also look to see how you can order origami paper for free. We need all we can get. Good quality wrapping paper also works well. Here’s part of our ‘flock’:

CARDS FOR CHILDREN at LOMA LINDA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL:
We’ll be doing this for awhile, so if you’re already into scrapbooking or would like to learn, we could use your help. We could use more cute paper and card stock if you have any to donate.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION FOR OUR ‘ADOPTED’ BOYS AT THE ROBERTSON BOYS HOME:
Come and choose a gift tag for one of our twelve boys. We would like to give three gifts to each boy. A $20 gift card to Target, $15 gift card to Walmart, and $10 in cash to purchase a duffle bag (which we have already selected). Return your tag with your gift by next workday. These gifts will be delivered with Christmas stockings filled by the Cadettes from Girl Scout Troop 979.

Putting the tags together…

Choose a tag and return on or before workday on Dec 9th.

COLLECTING FOR INROADS REHABILITATION PROGRAM: We will continue to collect paperback copies of the Book of Mormon and personalize them before delivering them to INROADS which will disperse them to four county jails.
GRANNY SQUARES INTO AFGHANS: See our first completed afghan! Just the right size for a lap quilt and so colorful! Come help us crochet more squares and put them together into lap quilts!

WINTER HATS FOR THE HOMELESS: If you have never made one of these hats, you’ve got to learn how! They are easy and something to do when watching TV or listening to your children read. We have looms you can check out and yarn too. Last year we gave 140 hats to the Blessing Center/Joseph’s Storehouse to share with the homeless who spend cold winter nights there in their cold-weather shelter. How many will we have this year? We’ll count and let you know next time.

SLIPPERS ON LOOMS: Learn how to make slippers on the smallest hat loom (the blue one).
ASSEMBLE HYGIENE KITS for area parolees. We’ll continue as we’ve done now for several years. Thanks to several faith groups from all over town for your contributions to this cause! Contributions of any hygiene items are welcome, including trial size. Our most needed items right now are pocket-size notebooks, washcloths,and toothpaste. The 99cent store, Dollar Tree, and Big Lots are good places to pick up some inexpensively.
QUILTS: As always... there will be quilts to put together, sew, and tie.

Here’s an update of what’s been done in the past month outside of our regular workday. Thanks for making it happen!

ROBERTSON BOYS’ HOME: Our boys were treated to a Halloween surprise prepared by a class of mentally handicapped students at Anderson School in San Bernardino. Tom, one of the students, joined in the delivery, as did my friend, Vincent.

(Check here tomorrow for pictures of the delivery.)

It was also Rayvon’s birthday. One mom who delivered said, “…he was very grateful & thanked us many times. I'm so glad we had the opportunity to do this...it's a wonderful feeling being a part of something that has nothing to do with ourselves.”

Thanks to the Redlands 3rd ward sisters who tied yet two more baby quilts this past month.
Students at Anderson School are also assembling new-release hygiene kits for our area parolees. These are smaller kits include washcloth, toothbrush, nail clippers, comb, pocket-size notebook, and pen. New parolees receive one of these kits in addition to a larger ‘re-fill’ kit when they are first released from prison.

From times past...

Do these pictures bring back memories?

If you would like to contribute financially, you may do so by making a check out to the Redlands California Stake and send it to Jean Arnott, 31838 Florida Avenue, Mentone 92359.

If you know someone who doesn’t know about our efforts and might like to help, please pass the word along to them.

We’ll continue to have workdays on the 2nd Thursday of each month. So put a star on those dates and see you next time on December 9th, same time & place.

Times for special activities and FREE ORIGAMI PAPER

2010-10-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

We will have at least 8 different projects going at workday tomorrow. Most projects you can do anytime you want, but we have special helpers coming at the following times to help with specific activities. If you want to help with one of these particular projects – see if coming at these times will work for you (though of course, you are welcome any time!).

11:30 – Paper Cranes***, complete with DVD and written instructions. (Kristy Hall)

12:30 – Gift tags for our Christmas gifts for our boys at the Robertson Memorial Home (Cheryl Hallen)

3:00 – Crocheting granny squares and putting them together into afghans (Trish Dennert)

***Regarding the PAPER CRANES: We will have some origami paper tomorrow, but we need lots more. Here are 2 ways you can help:

1) Michael’s and JoAnn’s both carry it and it’s NOT on sale right now, which means you can use your 50% off coupons to get it.

2) Here’s news of a completely free offer for origami paper via the internet. This is a link to a blog post explaining the offer http://mylitter.com/deals/free-origami-paper/ and here is the offer http://www.everythinginpapercrafting.com/paper_promotion.html. Please take time to order the free paper, whether you are planning to make the cranes yourself or would like to just donate the paper. (If the links don’t work, copy and paste them into your browser.)

Thank you, Ann Molino, for this timely information!

Humanitarian Update and Invitation to workday on October 14, 2010

2010-10-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

Come Join Us

Thursday, October 14, 2010
for
WOMEN OF FAITH
HUMANITARIAN WORKDAY!

You are invited to drop by the
LDS Stake Center
at the corner of 5th and Wabash in Redlands
any time between the hours of
11 am and 8 pm

Here’s an update of what’s been done since last workday. Thanks for making it happen!

YOUNG MEN FROM REDLANDS 1ST WARD: On August 18, these young men made a fleece blanket, wrote their testimonies to be included in copies of the Book of Mormon to go to 4 county jails, and worked on picture books.

ROBERTSON BOYS’ HOME: LaMar's August birthday was made special with his favorite flavors of cake and ice cream, a couple of movie tickets, gifts cards, and a yummy – yes, as in edible - poster. Usually about four or five woman work together to prepare for each young man’s birthday. The best part may be making the delivery. It’s fun for everyone and they are very appreciative! Thanks to all who have helped over the past 14 months. We’ve made a total of 15 birthday deliveries so far.

Also in August, was Matthew’s birthday. Again, he was thrilled with his celebration. He, in fact, insisted that the three moms and their children stay and share the cake and ice cream with him. As one mom said, “You could tell he really wanted us to stay and enjoy this time with him… he did a great job at playing host… He said, ‘You guys are good people for doing these nice things for us.’ He was so sincere."
WORKING WITH STEP BY STEP AND THE PACT: We’ve been providing hygiene kits for area parolees as part of Step by Step – a Reentry Coalition through the Police and Corrections Team (PACT) for several years now. Newcomers to Women of Faith may wonder what this is all about. Check the side bar to read about the value of a hygiene kit to a newly released inmate who is returning home. It is only the first of many ways that Step by Step works to help these men and women transition back into a life that is productive and positive.

Here you see our hygiene kits being assembled:
There are many services which Step by Step offers. As director of programs for Step by Step, I (Jean), have seen the effect that these services have and are having on the lives of these individuals and their families. It is an honor for me and other volunteers to work with members of the PACT on a weekly basis at parolee check-in. Assisting a parolee identify resources for obtaining the basics of food, clothing, housing, or medical or mental health care, or to obtain his birth certificate, picture ID, driver’s license or other vital document is gratifying.

Here are two volunteers at our SBS table at the Salvation Army in Redlands, all decked out with information.


I especially love it when we are able to help a parolee get back into school, either to get his GED or to go to community college or to receive vocational training. Right now, we are assisting several motivated men who are studying to become such things as a diesel mechanic, a phlebotomist, and an accountant. We are helping in real ways which most often literally make the pursuit of their goals possible. We also are able to refer parolees to a program that assists in preparing for and obtaining employment. Again, with the support of SBS volunteers and agents and officers whose intent includes supporting those individuals who are ready to make something of their lives, some are these individuals are becoming   productive citizens and the future is dramatically improved for their children.

Step by Step is looking into instituting a mentoring program. Statistics show great success in areas where mentoring programs exist. We will be guided by and working closely with those who have set up successful programs in other places. If you would like to find out more about the mentoring program and think you may want to participate as a mentor, please let me know. Meanwhile, thank you for your support through helping to provide hygiene kits. Let’s also remember these individuals and their families in our prayers. “When ye have done it unto the least of these….”
Thanks to the Redlands 3rd ward sisters who tied yet two more baby quilts this past month.

You’re invited to join us on October 14th and may choose from the following activities:

ORIGAMI CRANES: We have been invited to participate with the Redlands Sister Cities Association in collaboration with the Riverside Metropolitan Museum in the California Paper Crane Peace Project. The goal is, “to make 92,785 origami cranes -one for every person from California who was sent to a Japanese American internment camp, during World War II.” (http://www.riversideca.gov/museum/exhibit-22.asp) The museum has already collected 52,000 cranes. Come on Thursday to learn this origami art. We’ll have the following instructional video on hand and will learn together. Paste the following into your browser to see the video now. http://www.origami-fun.com/origami-crane.html
WE WILL NEED LOTS OF ORIGAMI PAPER FOR THIS PROJECT SO IF YOU KNOW OF A GOOD SOURCE, PLEASE LET US KNOW SO WE CAN PASS THE WORD.
CARDS FOR CHILDREN At LOMA LINDA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL:
This is a project we just started. We’re making greeting cards that will be given to the children by the nursing staff as needed. We are prepared to create ‘get well’, ‘thinking of you’, 'cheery thoughts’, and other cards. We could use more cute paper and card stock if you have any to donate.
CELEBRATIONS FOR OUR ‘ADOPTED’ BOYS AT THE ROBERTSON BOYS HOME:
In addition to birthdays, we’ll be celebrating Halloween, then Christmas which is just around the corner. Thanks to students at Anderson School in San Bernardino who are preparing a Halloween surprise for the boys. And to 9 of you (and counting) who responded to our request for help with the Halloween celebration.

At workday this week, we’ll be making Christmas gift tags for the boys. Then in November, you’ll be able to choose a tag for one of the young men, and bring it back with either a gift card or another item as indicated on the tag. If you aren’t able to make it to workday, but would like us to save one for you, let us know!

Here are the gift tags from last year:
COLLECTING FOR INROADS REHABILITATION PROGRAM: We heard that there are some of you who have items you still wanted to donate to the program. You’re in luck! We didn’t make the delivery yet, so bring your donations and we’ll add them to the load: children’s books, puzzles, and toys; Big Wheel type riding toys and helmets; paperback copies of classic novels – several of the same title is especially nice (i.e. Red Badge of Courage) and paperback copies of the Book of Mormon and Bible and religious materials from any denomination – both in English and Spanish. None of these items need to be new, but we hope they’ll be in really good shape.
GRANNY SQUARES INTO AFGHANS: Hey, we need an expert or two who can lead out in this! We have well over a hundred squares but need help getting more of them put together. We also have a bunch of beautiful but tiny crocheted blankets that need to be combined to make more useful sizes of baby afghans. But we need expert help for this…

WINTER HATS FOR THE HOMELESS:   These will be given to the homeless through the Blessing Center which has a ‘cold-weather shelter’ that operates from December 1st thru the end of March each year. When the temperature is expected to dip below 40 degrees or when it is raining, the homeless have a warm, dry place to sleep.

A call to the Blessing Center this week confirmed that they will definitely need all the hats that we can give them this winter. Last year, 120 hats were delivered on Christmas Eve. All were gone before the winter season was over. We’ve been saving up all the hats that have been turned in over the months.   Keep it up! How many will we have this year? If you need yarn, stop by and pick some up.

SLIPPERS ON LOOMS: Learn how to make slippers on the smallest hat loom (the blue one).

ASSEMBLE HYGIENE KITS for area parolees. Thanks to several faith groups from all over town for your contributions to this cause! Contributions of any hygiene items are welcome, including trial size. Our most needed items right now are pocket-size notebooks, washcloths, and men’s deodorant. The 99cent store, Dollar Tree, and Big Lots are good places to pick up some inexpensively.

QUILTS: As always... there will be quilts to sew and tie.

From times past...

Do you remember what this was all about?



After 2 years, it’s about time to share the following. This came from California Senator Bob Dutton in September 2008. Completely unexpected…



If you’d like to participate in our work, but can’t come to workday, you can still participate by making a donation or choosing something you'd like to do at home. Just contact the specialist from your ward or congregation. If you do not have one, contact Jean Arnott at jeanarnott@gmail.com.

If you would like to contribute financially, you may do so by making a check out to the Redlands California Stake and send it to Jean Arnott, 31838 Florida Avenue, Mentone 92359.

If you know someone who doesn’t know about our efforts and might like to help, please pass the word along to them.

We’ll continue to have workdays on the 2nd Thursday of each month through 2010. So put a star on those dates and see you next time on November 11th, same time & place.

Women of Faith to collect back packs for Micah House

2010-07-29T21:11:00.001-07:00

Women of Faith to assist

Micah House

Micah House, which supports children at risk, is hosting a Back to School Block Party on Saturday, August 7^thon Oxford Street in Redlands. They need our help in supplying new back packs which they will provide to children who will be entering 1^st through 8^th grades. You can help by providing a new back pack or by donating cash to purchase one. Give your donation to your humanitarian specialist or to Jean Arnott 794-0456 by Thursday, August 5^th. Checks should be made out to the Redlands California Stake.

Women of Faith

"The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best medicine for despair is service. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired." Gordon B. Hinckley

Clean, Warm, and Cozy coat drive

Robertson Memorial Boys Home

Donations needed for NICU Bereavement Project:

Housewarming Kits for families at Inland Temporary Homes

Donations needed for housewarming kits:

Other continuing projects:

4. Origami peace cranes

5. assembling hygiene kits for parolees

6. Greeting cards for pediatrics at LLUMC

7. Making and tying quilts, including lap quilts

8. Crocheting hats for the homeless, children served by the Inland Burn Institute, YOUTH HOPE, and others.

A Few more Donations Needed:

"1% effort here in America is 100% effective in Afghanistan" Dr. Abdullah Sherzai, then Afghanistan's Deputy Minister of Health

Question: What do the following items have in common?

Answer:

Claremont 2nd Ward (Claremont)

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment to improve the world. Anne Frank

THREE HEADLINES:

#1 Our gifts for the women and children of Afghanistan have arrived in Kabul!

#2 Julee is busily putting things together for her medical mission to Haiti which she leaves for on October 26th (see former post).

#3 Workday is just around the corner -Thursday, October 13, 11am-8pm.

Assisting Julee Brice to help the people of Haiti – Donations ‘pack day’ is October 16th!

There is little use in asking who is my neighbor; I am neighbor to my neighbor in need.

Ready, Set, almost ready to Go… for the women and children of Afghanistan!

Need over-the-counter and prescription medications for Julee Brice to take to Haiti next month.

Thanks for the donations!

For the Bereavement Program:

For Housewarming Kits for ITH Families (all can be found at Big Lots, 99 cent store, etc.):

For Origami cranes:

For Hygiene kits for our area parolees:

Greeting cards for pediatrics at LLUMC

Making and tying quilts, including lap quilts

Wheelchair/walker caddies

Crocheting hats for the homeless, children served by the Inland Burn Institute, and others.

Robertson Memorial Boys Home :

I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. Rabindranath Tagore

1. LLUCH NICU Bereavement Program

Donations needed for NICU Bereavement Project:

2. Housewarming Kits for families at Inland Temporary Homes

Donations needed for housewarming kits:

3. Packing warm clothing for the women and children of Afghanistan

Other continuing projects:

4. Origami peace cranes

5. assembling hygiene kits for parolees

6. Greeting cards for pediatrics at LLUMC

7. Making and tying quilts, including lap quilts

8. Wheelchair/walker caddies

9. Crocheting hats for the homeless, children served by the Inland Burn Institute, and others.

Donations Needed:

9. Robertson Memorial Boys Home

Two sweet boys – and others – need our faith and prayers…

Stayed tuned for news of what we have coming up for next week’s (August 11th) workday!

“Those we serve, we love.” Robert L. Backman

Ronan’s Bake Sale, Compassion Kits for LLUMC, and Come Join Us on Thursday!

Thanks for helping to make the Benefit Concert for Ronan a SUCCESS! The Baked goods were a hit!

“The smallest gestures clumped together and piled one on top of each other can make a world of difference.” Deanna Cogdon

We’re starting a new project this month. It’s for LLUMC, but may extend to other Hospitals

Thursday,July 14th, is another workday. Please join us anytime between 11am – 8pm.

You can choose from the following (more to come):

Current Requests for Donations:

“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Ronan’s Concert and Bake Sale Just Around the Corner

Invitation to Participate in Bake Sale for Ronan

Second RPD Citizen’s Reentry Academy Starts Wednesday, June 15th

Got Joy?! Just look & see it here! Then come to Thursday’s workday and experience it live!

Time to take a break and see what fun we’ve had serving together over the past few months!

Special thanks to Girl Scout Troop 979, Cub Scout Pack 231, the Builders Club, and all those who participated in any way with the Bone Marrow Registry Drive!

Redlands First and Fourth Ward projects

1200 Origami Peace Cranes!

Thursday,June 9th, is another workday. Please join us anytime between 11am – 8pm. You can choose from the following (there will probably be more):

Current Requests for Donations:

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop

RONAN HAS A MATCH!

Update of Women of Faith activities and invitation to join us on Thursday, May 12!

Spring is definitely bursting forth with good works, and more opportunities are just around the corner.

With your help, the following happened in April:

Thursday is another workday. Come and help us:

Stay tuned for details of a couple of new projects coming up. They will involve helping the homeless youth in Redlands and those who grieve at the loss of their baby at our local hospitals.

Claremont 2^nd Ward (Claremont)