(bumped just once, and edited to add: please read to the bottom for a drawing/contest opportunity!)

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Today is payday. Doesn't mean a lot, except that we can pay the gas bill. Not too bad, actually, compared to some. I keep the thermostat pretty low. It also means that I'm finally mailing the Valentine contest prize package to Melissa. No, really! It's on the front seat of my car.

Speaking of mail, I'm also sending another package to Interim House. I wrote about this back in November; I just want to give them another plug, in case anyone is looking for a charitable outlet. You don't have to be a knitter to help out.

Interim House is a 6-month rehab facility, with both in- and out-patient programs. Their social worker has added knitting (and crochet) to the therapy schedule, and it's doing amazingly well. I've sent knitting needles, crochet hooks, odd balls of leftover yarn (great, b/c they're learning insartia now), and full balls of new yarn - all kinds. The last couple of packages included washcloth "kits," with a ball of cotton ($1.27), a pair of needles (metal, from Wal-mart, makes the $ go farther) and a little printout with the directions. Today's package also includes tape measures (clearance at JoAnn - 80¢ each) and some stitch markers I made. Basically, anything you can find in the knitting aisle at the craft store, they can use.

Once upon a time, I worked for a rehab program (in NO way related to Interim House). It was the best and the worst job I ever had. Worst pay, worst food (oy), most dangerous (the facility, plus a short-lived stalking), but 4 people learned to read (I was the learning center director), and many learned computer skills, basic math, etc. If they came to me now, I would never help out the organization - in any way (it turned out to be corrupt in many ways) - but I like what I hear about Interim House.

So, please consider helping out - just once or regularly. If you're a thrifter, keep an eye out for yarn or needles. If you're a sale-watcher, watch for clearance items like tape measures or yarn (Wal-mart (ack) had some novelty yarn for $1 a ball). If you're a knitter/crocheter, then you KNOW what to get (anything!). Shop your stash (or the craft store) for charity.

Send stuff to:
Kathy Duffy, Social Worker
Interim House Inc.
333 W. Upsal St.
Philadelphia PA 19119

Their Site
More Info.
KnittingLadies - Knitting Crochet Program at Interim House - blog started by Kathy to document her clients' crafting successes

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I don't know that I'd call this a "contest," but there will be a drawing, and there will be a prize. In keeping with what's becoming a tradition of sorts in the knit-blogging community, I've decided to offer up a prize package to support this "shop your stash (or the craftstore) for charity" idea. (PS: As of 3/3/06, I have their blessing to do this. I kind of did this backwards, but all is well.)

So, within the month of March*, if you send a package to Interim House, send me an email** after it's posted. On the 1st of April (no foolin'!), I'll put all the names in a hat and have the husband draw one. Anyone who's won before is eligible. I have a set of prizes in mind, but if we have a repeat winner, I'll make some modifications. What's up for grabs: An autographed copy of Cheaper Than Therapy (signed by Annie Modesitt, and moi), a knitter's car magnet, one of my flannel heating packs (featuring knitting sheep, like this one), and some other goodies.

Remember, you just need to email me after you mail the package. I don't want to put a minimum on the value of the outgoing package, but will say that the odd balls of scraps are nice, and send as many as you like, but there should be something whole and "newish" as well in order to qualify for the contest.

Spread the word! The more, the merrier!!

More ideas of things to send: Look through your personal knitting library. Are there books you don't need/never read or just never spoke to you? Maybe you're like me and have moved "up" to a different version of a gadget. You can send the first generation gadget (like the pom pom maker I sent). If you have a favorite (fairly easy) pattern, put a copy of it and everything needed to make it into a ziplock bag.

*Doesn't mean you can't send stuff after that!
**The last part of my email is @gmail dot com. The part that goes first is l8bloomer. Send your name and blog addy (if you have one (not essential)). I'd love to know what you sent, but it isn't a requirement.

PS: The above pic is just a random shot of my stash. Some of this yarn went to Interim House in a previous package.