Sneak Peak

No, it's not the remnants of a Halloween haunted house.  Rather it is a sneak peek at a project I am working on for a CFC raffle her at work.  For the neophytes, CFC stands for Combined Federal Campaign, the annual federal workplace charity campaign. The mission of the CFC is to "promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all."


My agency has set as its goal $1.2 million, which is raised through a combination of employee pledges and creative fundraisers (many of which feature food like hotdogs, burgers, and cupcakes).  Our little office runs an auction -- last year we raised $700.  This year we also are supporting a raffle sponsored by our program office.
 I have agreed to contribute a crocheted [SHHHH -- TOP SECRET], made with Louet Gems 100% Merino Wool fingering weight yarn in Terra Cotta.  Louet is machine washable and can even be dried in the dryer, although I don't recommend it for this project.  Simple blocking will help it retain its beauty.  The ---------- is coming along nicely; it's about 25% complete.  Although I am continuing to work on my goal of 16 hats by mid-December, there is still time to get this charitable deed done by the December 2 due date. That is when I will post pics of the finished item. In the meantime, here is another sneak peek. 

Think Globally, Shop Locally

It's that time of year again. No, not Thanksgiving. For federal employees like me, its Open Season during which we make decisions about our health benefits and other allotments we choose to deduct from our paychecks. In addition to health care, disability, retirement, and insurance decisions, we are asked to consider charitable giving. I just turned in my pledge card for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Lisa, our friendly CFC worker (should I say our sweet Charity Nazi) worked us good. Actually, we really didn't need much prodding. We reached 100% participation -- the first office in our part of the agency.

Every year as I sit down to prepare my pledge card, I think of how to make my limited dollars have the most impact. Typically, I scour the CFC Catalog of Caring, going page by page and running my finger down each column. That's how I found Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit, alternative trading organization providing vital fair income to people in developing countries by selling their handmade crafts here in the United States. Alternate trading organizations market products from arts and craft and agricultural organizations based in low-income countries. Finally! A "charity" that encourages sustainable economies through marketing of handicraft -- fiber, clay, art, basketweaving, et al. Right up my alley!

The old Chinese proverb says, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." The main objective of fair trade is provide vital, fair income to improve the artisan's quality of life. Ten Thousand Villages is a NGO whose mission is to build long term relationships with artisans in developing countries. The store in Alexandria is one of several nationwide that helps increase awareness by telling the stories of artisans from Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Latin America. Although organizations like Ten Thousand Villages actually do not teach artisans to "fish," they do help build sustainable futures by supporting local artisan's efforts to make their way with fair, vital income earned from their own abilities.

Yes, it is that time of year again. A time to give thanks for all that we have and are about to receive. So, do your part. Find something you are passionate about. Give to help secure our world's future.