What it is all about...

April 2001

April was wonderful. Along with warmer weather came the Easter Bunny. Many Thanks to all of the volunteers that were involved in this years "Easter Drop." Founder, Ellie Handsel always has one or two last minuet requests. One such request was for a special group of children at the Medical College of Georgia, Children's Medical Center Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. Yarns collected by children at St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School, in Lilburn, Georgia, crafted into beautiful blankets, then rushed out to wrap someone very special in a circle of love and warm wishes. By keeping things in a simple and forward way this organization is able to respond to the needs of each individual as required or a group in some cases. Our mission is always the same, sending warmth and love to as many as is possible.

Over 25 blankets wrapped with Easter goodies were delivered to Augusta just in time for some BIG SMILES and lots of little giggles. We received a most heart- felt note from one of the children's family that received one of the blankets. His family wrote of how he sat wrapped in a brightly colorful blanket, proudly showing it to anyone who passed by. It made the Easter Bunny happy, to hear such good news. Way to go Angels! We want to send our warmest wishes and love out to all of these brave children. They are locked in a battle of sorts, like nothing most Adults have ever seen. Many difficult days are spent just one hour at a time - one day at a time. It is such a great pleasure for all those people involved with our group to hear that just one of those hours, some riddled with pain, is made just a little easier, by the unconditional gift of love they receive. This chain of kindness and concern began with children and was for the children. What a match. We send up a special Prayer for young Ms. Samantha Miller, or "Sam" as she is so well know to many of us. Her courage, the will to live and will to love is a most wonderful thing to behold! This beautiful little girl is the great-granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. McCrimmon, and a patient at this children's hospital. Thanks go out to all of those unnamed angels that make projects like this go so well.

An article most recently published in the Inter-Weave Magazine, where "Ellie's Angels" was noted, has been such a nice thing. We have already had e-mail and comments from people new to the cause. We love this! And look for us listed in this summers update in the magazine "Crafts and Things." Also, I would like to send a special Thank-You to Mr. Derrick Henry at the Atlanta Journal Constitution, for his weekend updates. This is a great newspaper, and read by so many; it is an honor.

Want to remind you that "Newborn's in Need," a great group of people is in need of donations. This group provides love and support to new mothers that may not be fully prepared with the many things a new baby needs in those first few months. Donations may include any clothing, new or used, furniture for the nursery or car seats, please contact Betts Potazek at 770-979-6519. This is a very dedicated group that does a lot of nice things for New Mothers. Often we send a part of the baby yarns the Angels have collected, and they always put this to good use. What a nice thing it would be to donate to such a cause in honor of "Mother's Day." Your help would mean a lot to many.. Thanks

Also would like to send up our prayers for two very special people, Mr. Jack Gay, from Atlanta, GA and Mrs. Virginia Sayler of Kingsport, TN. Both have beApril 2001 en long-time supporters and we wish them well and send our love.