UPDATE! Red Scarf Project UPDATE!

Lisa writes:

The response to the Red Scarf Project has been tremendous. To say the least, I have been amazed at the outpouring of support! People everywhere are knitting and purling for this cause that is so close to my heart.

My friend Danielle had not knitted since she was a child; she picked up her needles and created three beautiful scarves. Another friend, Deborah, is a crocheter. Despite the fact that I told her crocheted scarves are welcome, she put down her hook and picked up some needles long enough to create four elegant scarves. A teacher at my school, Melanie, had a scarf waiting for me the day after I emailed her about the project. She has since given me five lovely scarves. Students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at my school Piedmont Open IB Middle are knitting in their spare time. A parent volunteer, Mrs. Leighton, who is our resident knitting expert, gave me two scarves yesterday. Jane, a teacher at another school, heard about the scarf project and she sent over a BOXFUL of hand-woven scarves -- some have red threads but most are every other color imaginable. My friend Dana is making jewelry to sell at the scarf parties.

The scarves are starting to come in from new friends: I received a gorgeous "Opera Scarf" in the mail from Margene in Salt Lake City. I received a beautiful long, bright red scarf with fringe from Rin in Charlotte, N.C. I drove to Barbara's office in Charlotte yesterday to pick up an extravagant eyelash scarf she made after I met her last week in a yarn shop.

Here are several updates and/or changes to the project:

• Jean at the Scottish Lamb designed and created the super effective Red Scarf button. This fabulous button is popping up everywhere!
• My original post and letter mentioned the possibility of working for one of two organizations, the Hope Foster Home or China Care. I have been in touch with the director of Hope and I have decided that is where I am meant to go. They have a desperate need for assistance in their Special Care Unit in Henan Province, so that's where I will go in June.
• Thanks to some very generous donations, my travel expenses will be taken care of. All proceeds from this point forward will go directly to Hope Foster Home. I will appreciate everyone's help in getting the word out about this change.
• The first Red Scarf Party is being planned for Monday, Feb. 7, after school hours at my school. Faculty and staff will be invited, and parents will be welcomed via online newsletter.
• There will be a silent auction at a major event at my school in March. The PTSA has agreed to put our scarves up for auction or to have a separate booth for information and sales.

I want to thank the many people who have responded in one way or another. Whether you've knitted a scarf, passed the word along, bought a scarf, or given words from experience -- I truly appreciate your support. I emphatically thank all of you!