Intentional Advent - Sheltering the Homeless, Clothing the Naked

Hope you don't mind me sharing another of our activities.  I don't mean for this to be a "hey look at all the great things were doing!" sort of thing.  But this little online space is where I can keep track of the things we do, record our memories, and it's especially helpful for me to be able to look back and remember what we did last year because Lord knows I won't remember without it.  But if you come on in and something inspires you, well then color me happy.

Sheltering the homeless this Advent took the form of Brian doing his monthly overnight at a local homeless shelter this past weekend...and us going without him for the night and me offering up Mass alone with the four boys, three of whom are at the squirmy chatty no idea how to whisper stage.  This month, though, we checked to see if the shelter could use anything and decided to help fulfill their need for hats and scarves.  Those gloves were supposed to go as well but I still haven't been able to find them.  Argh.

John Paul was in charge of scarves.  Simple cut fleece with a knotted fringe.

And this isn't meant to be a tutorial but in case you're wondering, yes, you CAN make a fleece hat without any sewing at all!  I made them to fit an adult head and these measurements worked best.  Fold the fleece in half, cut a fringe on the side without the fold and more fringe on the top.  Knot the side fringes together, turn inside out (or you can keep it that way...you'll just have the knots showing which gives it a more girly feel.).  Then gather the top fringes together and tie tightly with a spare thin piece of fleece.  Fold up the brim, trim any funny looking pieces and there you have your hat!

We made ten sets and Brian handed out several of them while he was there.  I really hope that not only do they help keep these special people warm but that it helps them know how much they are loved.  The Lord truly has a special place in His heart for the least of these.  Coincidentally, my aunt is organizing another scarf and hat drive for a refugee center downtown so I'm hoping to make more with the rest of the fleece.


When he got back, Brian also helped good friends of ours move into their new farm, the one for which they have been waiting for almost a half a year!  So I'm pretty sure that may also qualify under sheltering the homeless.  But he got pizza out of the deal so definitely not as meritorious.


2 comments

  1. Bless you for sharing your beautiful "ministry" about sharing the gifts to the less fortunate. Love your website! Happy New Year blessings to you and your loved ones.

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