As our friend, JekyllnHyde says, Sara and Ann have done a great deal for the Daily Kos community.
They have helped raise money for worthy causes, provided a safe and calm space for community building and provided us with a powerful way of showing love and support for community members in need.
With permission, I'm going to share part an email from Sara in which she describes the sisters' circumstances better than I ever could (the mention of 'right livelihood' rings a clear bell with me):
My concern is deep because my sister and I have been dependent for our very slender
living on the community quilts. It was a lifesaver when no jobs at all seemed available
for older women. And it fills my heart to provide a place on the blog where people can be
kind to one another. I do feel that the quilts provide something of great value and it
feels like right livelihood to me.
Sara and Ann's beautiful quilts, scarves and pootie pads have found their way into many of our homes and hearts. Here are just a few examples.
I love the art and craft involved in their handiwork, but they are also very special people far above and beyond just that. I can't resist a copy-n-paste of the touching testimonies of some of our best known and loved members.
I have never seen an online loving and caring community like this one. It's rare to find it in real life.Sara and Ann are at the center of the heart of Daily Kos and they spread love to those of us who need it with their quilts. Hugs to both of them and will send what I can.
I received a community quilt in September of 2012. It's beautiful! It came soon after my Father died, I had back surgery and days before we had to have our beloved Toonces put to sleep. In fact, we wrapped Toonces in the quilt for the trip to the vet. Every time I nestle in it it's as if he is with me.I'm always happy to help Sara and Ann.
This is so worthy. Sara & Ann are the most giving, selfless people here at Daily Kos. Time and time again, they have with their own hands woven love and healing and light into quilts that have surrounded those of us in healing--whether the need was physical or spiritual in nature. Time and time again, they've lent their time and energy to volunteering to help others, at Netroots Nation and elsewhere. And time and time again, they have done so asking nothing for themselves compared to what they give. This fundraiser is a no-brainer, given all that. And I am honored to be able to support it.
My quilt wasn't for a single catastrophic event, but rather for a series of smaller crises. A depression, a could-have-been-fatal-but-for-Volvo car wreck, and then later a broken hand. Event upon event wore me down. The quilt is a great comfort to me, and friends who've seen it are mightily impressed by the strength of our community. As am I, every day, even in the midst of campaign madness... and that's saying something. Sadly, because my cats are kindless, monstrous, destructive beasts (they're really not... except when it comes to quilts), I keep the quilt folded inside out when I'm not using it, because they would denude Orion of his jewels (not his Family Jewels, but rather the ones that define him on the quilt) and rip the rest of it to shreds. But every time I'm under that quilt I feel embraced, protected, appreciated, seen for who I am. I'm infinitely grateful to the community and to Sara and Ann for their unflagging dedication in creating these quilts for those of us undergoing hard times, and those who need to be told how much we appreciate them, like the one in progress for Denise Oliver Velez, just because we adore her, not for any health or personal issue -- a tradition we should, I hope, maintain.
I want to take a moment to tell you why Sara and Ann hold a special place in my heart. Not only am I a recipient of one of their healing quilts, my sweet kitty enjoyed her matching pootie pad in her later years. She always returned to it as a place of refuge from the chaos of our little house and family. When Sara heard that Sasha had cancer and would be provided the palliative care and loving ending she so deserved, she sent me another pootie pad. That gesture of compassion for this little creature that held so much space in my heart, in our family, says so much about who these two women are. They understand. They do the work of holding the Daily Kos community when members need to be held. We buried Sasha in our back yard garden, wrapped in her pootie pad.
From JekyllnHyde:
Not unlike millions of Americans since the Great Financial Crash of 2008, Sara and Ann have struggled to make a living. Through several illnesses, they haven’t given up while playing an important — and indispensable — role in fostering community on Daily Kos. We can all attest to that fact. Having been fortunate to participate on this blog from the very beginning in 2002, I can say without the slightest hesitation that rarely have two community members been so universally beloved.
Now, they need a helping hand from all of us. We need to raise $6,000.00 by Friday, November 13 to help them through a difficult period in their lives. This month, they have been hit with every conceivable monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, and annual bill. A major portion of this amount is their property tax bill, but also includes several utility and other bills.
JekyllnHyde's excellent diary raised $4503. Thank you so much to the generous dkos members who donated. We need to raise another $1,500.00 today because the property taxes are due tomorrow! It's very important so please pitch in and help if you are able.
Here’s How You Can Help Sara and Ann
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Go to PayPal.com. Click Send Money to ‘Family and Friends’ which allows the recipient to get 100% of the donation. Enter Sara and Ann’s email address hairbraider33@yahoo.com and amount you are sending. The sender's name is visible to the recipient. Remember, every little bit helps and adds up in a hurry.
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If you would like to order Pootie and Woozle pads, or order a custom quilt for yourself, friends, and family members, please contact them through Winglion Quilts. Remember, the holiday season is right around the corner!
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Another way to help is to check out Sara's Amazon Wish List. Sara’s birthday was just a couple of days ago and I’m sure she will appreciate your gifts.
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If you would like to send a paper check or money order (to protect your real identity) through the US Mail, please Kosmail Sara R to get their mailing address.
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You can also help by recommending this diary, offering encouraging comments, republishing to your Daily Kos groups, linking to your Facebook pages, and helping to spread the word through Twitter.
Okay gang, that's it. We want these two lovely sisters who have contributed so much here to have a little security and peace of mind. We want to keep them in their home. Please pitch in and help if you can.
Thank you Sara and Ann for all you’ve done for this community. I’m amazed at how much has been raised already. It just shows how much this community adores you both. Much love.
I'm signing out with another of their masterpieces and one more pitch to please help if you are able. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, human decency and generosity. I love you all.