hearts for Newtown and other ways to give

Are you looking for ways to give back to the Newtown, CT community?  I'm amazed at how quickly giving hands can assemble.  
Here are a few ideas floating around online:

• Make Snowflakes! Many of you are already do this.  Hooray!  If you haven't heard yet, the National PTA is going to create a Winterwonderland for the students of Sandy Hook Elementary when they return in January to their new school (more info HERE).

How fun, easy, and beautiful is that?  Snowflakes need to be sent by 1/12 to the following address:
Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12, Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

• Make blankets.  A fellow blogger Michelle lost her brother years ago and neighbors reached out to her family by making each of her siblings a blanket to cuddle with and feel comfort.  She still cherishes that blanket and would like to do something similar for Newtown.  These blankets will not only be given to children at the school, but families throughout Newtown, CT.   Quilts need to be flannel on both sides, 45 x 60 with 11 ounce batting and tied with yarn. They need to be done by January 10th.
For all the info click HERE.

• Operation Sandy Hook.  The Small Fry Blog has teamed up with Brickyard Buffalo and several other artists and graphic designers to do a capsule collection of downloadable prints, all at $5 each. The profits will go to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund through United Way.  Read more about it HERE.

• Give monetary donations directly to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.  This is done through United Way and will help pay for support systems, counseling, etc for the whole community. Read more about it HERE.

• Make Hearts of Love.  This is what we've chosen at our house and would love you to join us!

The hearts aren't meant to replace the PTA snowflake project but to work along with it, since I'm sure they'll have more snowflakes than they can hang.  And when I think of giving, the image of hearts and love keeping coming to mind.  So let's fill their rooms with hearts too!


The kids and I spent 20 minutes this morning cutting hearts from colorful paper.  As we cut I very simply explained that we were sending hearts to a family who lost their little girl.
Lucy and Owen thought hearts were a good idea.  Owen even said, "maybe they can hang them in her room so she feels loved."  It's beautiful watching their minds work.

If you're feeling extra crafty, you could sew a few together so they can hang from the ceiling, or just send them as they are.  

Hearts need to be sent by 1/12 to the following address:
Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12, Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

 If you know of any other projects and ways to give please leave info in the comments and I can add it to the list.

Have a wonderful weekend!