Sandy Hook & NAMI Fundraiser at Kitschy Digitals

Purchase the "Look for the Helpers" cross-stitch pattern here.

I was trying to think of a way Kitschy Digitals could help the Sandy Hook Elementary Community this week, in our own very small way. While money donations will of course not ease the pain of the victims' loved ones, hopefully they can help in the cause to get them any resources and support they may need.

While on Facebook this week, I saw a picture of Mr. Rogers (who I know is a childhood favorite of many of us) with this quote next to it:

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me. 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world."

Not knowing if it was a legitimate quote (this is the internet after all), I looked it up and it seems to have been taken from his book. It was comforting to me in that moment that I read it. 

I immediately thought of Wee Little Stitches designers, Jacqueline and her husband Christopher, and their awesome Pixel People cross-stitch patterns. I thought Mr. Rogers would translate so well in that style. So I emailed her yesterday and asked her what she thought about creating a pattern around this quote, and after a night of designing, she emailed me this beautiful design this morning.

All proceeds from the sales of this pattern will be split and donated to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund and NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness). Since mental illness is at the forefront of so many mass-shootings (as well as other obvious issues), and as a person that has mental illness in our family history, I knew I wanted to give to mental illness awareness somehow. I contacted our good friend who is a doctor to patients with mental illness, and he said that NAMI is a great organization.

No matter how you feel about the politics surrounding these unfathomable events, know that you are giving to people that need it. This is how we personally would like to honor those who were lost.

I am also donating all proceeds from my personal shop, now through Friday, to these funds as well. I've asked our designers if they'd like to as well. While I'm still hearing back from everyone, here's a current list of who is participating in donating proceeds from their shops through Friday:

Wild Olive, JuneCraft, WeeLittleStitches, Bee's Knees Industries (Cate Anevski), Chelsea Ann, Kate Gabrielle, Lucky Jackson

This pattern was inspired by a need to find hope in a world full of tragedy. That no matter how much bad exists in the world, that it's important to remember there is still so much good around us.

photo source

Comments

[Alix]

I love Mr. Rogers and this quote is one I've always wondered if he REALLY said (so thanks for confirming!). What a sad and heartbreaking week it has been....thank you for supporting Sandy Hook AND NAMI. I know its a small gesture, but it's one that will give comfort to those who feel a bit helpless right now. xo

[Tatiana Tort]

Hi sweety!
please check my last post because there is a special thing for you.
hope you like it! :)
xxxooxx

[Kevin]

Love this. Great idea. Thanks for donating to these causes.

[Jo]

Thank you for this. I plan to stitch it and donate it my daughter's school