Greetings from Iowa, soggy Iowa…

Dear Friends:

Once again, flooding has taken its toll.  This time it is at a level no one could have imagined.  Think about it...all your life under water. 

Last night I received this message from Carol Anderson, owner of Cottage Creations pattern booklets.  I hope you'll be able to help in some small way.  Please feel free to share this with others, also.

As always, thanks for being such awesome people.  Remember how strong we are together!

Martie

           Tonight on the news we learned that 69 of Iowa’s 99 counties have been declared “disaster” counties.  The tornado that hit Parkersburg (Iowa) is less than 50 miles south of us.
 
While our county is not one of the devastated ones, we too had problems at our house.  Deer Creek flows through our property and six miles downstream it flows into the Cedar River, which of course empties into the Mississippi.  On Sunday, June 8th, we woke up to well over a foot of water in our basement, Deer Creek swollen to within 100 yards of our house.  All is under control, though today, two weeks later, the creek is still high and our sump pump continues to work.  Our basement is just that, a basement and I’m glad we’ve not entertained the idea of finishing it—and of course my yarn is stored upstairs!  In the big scheme of things our problems don’t even register.

            Eleven years ago, Cottage Creations collected hundreds of items for the Red River flood that inundated Grand Forks, ND.  Working with the Salvation Army, Paul and I and our friends, the Morrow’s, delivered hand-knit items there.  The event was heart-wrenching—people were so appreciative.  I’m sure many recipients were comforted simply by knowing someone else cared.  I’d like to repeat the drive, this time distributing hand-knits to communities along the Cedar River (35,000 displaced in Cedar Rapids alone) and nearby tornado-ravaged Parkersburg. I will work though proper channels.

            After talking with Red Cross or Salvation Army people I’m sending out a plea to my fellow knitters for the following items: mittens, caps, scarves, afghans, prayer shawls, baby blankets, dishcloths, socks, infants, children’s and adult sweaters.  If you’d like to participate—one or two articles is quite sufficient, mail or UPS any items to me before November 1st.  I will enlist the help of my local knitters group to sort and re-box items and because my husband and I are Lions members I know that I can enlist the help of that group too.  We’ll store and sort in my hubby’s workshop!  If you include your e-mail address or phone number I will acknowledge receipt of packages, but I won’t be sending letters again at  $.42—I’m sure you understand.

Please attach a card to items with the following information:
         1) Name of item
         2) Size, if applicable
3) Fiber content (most items should be machine washable and dryable)         
4) If desired: your name and address and any word of encouragement.

Send to:  Post office address:                           UPS or Fed Ex address:
         Cottage Creations                                    Carol Anderson
         At the Farm on Deer Creek                  4562 Zinnia Ave.
         Carpenter, Iowa 50426                           St. Ansgar, IA 50472

Questions?  641.324.1280 or cotcreat@rconnect.com <mailto:cotcreat@rconnect.com>  or address above.
         Thanks….Carol Anderson