Below is an email from Carole at Charity Sharity with sad news, but expected. Without this beautiful charity, we would not be able to do half of what we do. Thanks to them, our fabric costs are very low. We will be lost without them. We pray a location can be found to keep the work they do going. Please read the email below. Do you know of a way to help or someone that might be able too? If so, please let us know.
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From: Gary Splater <gcgreentree@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Mon, Jan 6, 2020, at 3:43 PM
Subject: Fw: Charity Sharity needs everybody's help on this!
Hello, fabric lovers and friends of Charity Sharity,
It has been 20 years since we started our project of receiving donations of fabric and passing it on to those using it in the service of others. We had no idea where it would go, and the ride has been exhilarating!!
In our early years, we met 2 or 3 times a year to sort and distribute. With super growth, we now work once a week with a hands-on crew of 12-15 on Thursdays and, on Friday, putting out an average of 50-70 kitchen trash bags of fabric and yarn every week for individuals and groups to pick up from my porch or garage.
The work doesn't stop there because many, many sewists turn the fabric into fabulous items to help those needing care, comfort and even life-saving. We have those who transport, carry, lug and lift, and act as ambassadors. It has become a huge operation. Hundreds of people are doing good for, literally, thousands.
All of it has been based in my home, first working out of a walk-in closet and now taking up 3/4 of my basement, our "headquarters." However, the time has come for a relocation, hopefully, this year. I still plan to be at the helm and, probably, the same fabulous crew will still be part of it. The structure and operation will have to be worked out, but I need it all to happen in another space.
The problem is ---- Where? I am looking for connections and contacts --
Please do not email me with suggestions like "Have you tried churches, schools, retirement residences or vacant storefronts?" Yes, these are all possibilities, but blindly making "cold calls" will not lead anywhere. I need somebody who knows somebody who will connect!
For one thing, we have no money to pay rent, and we would probably not qualify for receiving a charitable gift of space without a tax ID, which we could easily get. Collecting 'goodwill offerings" might bring in a little but will have questionable and uncertain results.
Charity Sharity has become a main supplier for many people doing wonderful things they would not have been able to accomplish for shelters, schools, hospitals, military personnel, veterans, and on and on. I know you want it to continue as much as I do -- so please put your thoughts and prayers toward this. A new place may turn out to be better than it is now!
Carole