This is from knitu and I'd like to encourage all of y'all to consider whipping out a hat in the next few weeks. Or a couple of squares for a blanket (see below).

Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:34:07 -0400
From: Gail <[email protected]>
To: knitu <[email protected]>
Subject: Update & KAL for Afghanistan (x-post)
Message-ID: <C314953E.1167F9%[email protected]>

Approved: 466466
From: [email protected]
Subject: Update & KAL for Afghanistan (x-post)

Hi KnitU,

Based on our packing last Friday, I think we are about 25% toward the
commitment of filling 80 cartons for our campaign for Afghan girls and boys
(7-14 years) at rehabilitation and health centers in Kabul and Bamiyan.

BIG thank you to everyone who has already sent their wool contributions for
this collection. Our due date is Oct. 12 in the US and Oct 1 for Canadians
via elann.com. These gifts are being air-shipped in time for the beginning
of the winter cold.

We still have a long ways to go to fill 80 cartons and hope you will
participate. Even one quick wool hat, mittens, or pair of socks will make a
difference as to whether we reach our goal in time and make a difference in
the life of the recipient. If you can squeeze it in, we do need more wool
blankets, sweaters, and vests. This is our last opportunity to send blankets
and garments in time for the start of the cold weather. If you are going to
participate once with us this year, now is the time.

For details on what is needed and mail addresses, please visit this info
page -- http://www.afghansforafghans.org/campaign.html

To rally and inspire, here are some volunteer initiative/links to check out
--

* Jump in on Heidi's knit-and-crochet-along for Afghanistan:
http://afghansforafghanskal.blogspot.com Sometimes a little group
camaraderie is all that's needed to keep moving and to forge on through to
completion. Heidi is waiting to hear from you.

* The moirae knitting blog is asking for mitered Cascade 220 squares (a la
the Mason-Dixon knitting book) for a group blanket. Check in to see if they
can use a square from you:
http://threefates.wordpress.com/char...s-for-afghans/

* Need more inspiration? Laura -- one of our devoted and tireless sorting
and packing volunteers here -- has posted about how she got involved after
the war started following 9/11 and why she continues to knit for the people
of Afghanistan:
http://scarletknitter.typepad.com/th...a-challenge.ht
ml


* If you're in NYC, get together with Pamela and friends to knit and crochet
for Afghanistan. Please email Pamela directly at deucedk at aol dot com.
Indicate your available times (weekday late afternoons/evening 4-6, 5-7,
6-8; Sat mornings or afternoons, or Sun afternoon). The group will meet at a
Manhattan yarn shop accessible to subway and bus lines.

* If you're in San Francisco ... Join Sonya's sweater clinic at Imagiknits
to fix garments. We receive some sweaters that are too short in the torso or
sleeves, or vests without proper closings or excessively big armholes, for
example, or other fit problems ... and we try to have volunteers make
repairs so that the garments can be useful and sent on to Afghanistan.
Sonya's clinic runs Sept 21, 28 and Oct 5 and 12, from 6-8 pm. Stop by to
learn new skills and enjoy good company.

* We're on the map! See where some of our volunteers hail from, and, if you
have participated with us, do add yourself to our map --
http://www.frappr.com/afghansforafgh...volunteers/map

Yes, Afghanistan remains unstable and still needs our attention. I know we
weary of hearing the news, especially after a difficult summer. And, it's
almost 6 years since the war started. We have to work harder and harder to
get the word out, and, even if people don't knit or crochet for Afghanistan
-- we still think that reminders and helping to maintain awareness is
important. Thanks for helping to let others know and for involving others.
Feel free to forward this message to fiber friends not on the list.

What a pleasure to receive your beautiful, top-quality hand-knit and
crocheted blankets and garments. Good enough for your own children and
grandchildren -- yet you are sending them to kids far away who need to know
that we care.


As always, thanks for reading and for taking action with your own hands,
Ann

Ann Rubin
Join our youth campaign in time for winter --
http://www.afghansforafghans.org/campaign.html
Due Dates: U.S. Oct. 12 / Canada Oct. 1

**********************************
Ann Rubin
Join our youth campaign in time for winter --
http://www.afghansforafghans.org/campaign.html
Due Dates: U.S. Oct. 12 / Canada Oct. 1
San Francisco, CA
**********************************