mission accomplished: red scarf 2009

I was in very excellent company in DC this Wednesday. This great looking group of college students are among the 2500 who received handknit red scarves from YOU, today, in their Orphan Foundation of America care packages. If you're coming into the middle of this party, the OFA supports and advocates for young people who are on their own , having aged out of foster care and become college students.

Most of the OFA students received their care packages today on their campuses across the US, but this group came to Washington to take part in a Capitol Hill Care Package event, in which congresspeople and other Big Shots come together in the US Capitol to stuff care packages, and otherwise draw attention to the need for policy that supports these kids. There are speeches and handshaking and posing for official PR photos that are sent to the media in the politicians' home districts.
That's where I come in, making photos like this one, featuring OFA spokesperson Jett Williams, an NYU student from Tennesee , and a US Representative Marsha Blackburn, also from Tennessee. Its all very bipartisan and friendly, fyi.

Actually it's all very moving. The students are some of the most poised and focused kids you'll meet, and they break your heart when they look you in the eye and say "Thanks. When I get an OFA care package, and a scarf, it changes my life".

To quote a Kay-ism, much ferklemptitude. And to quote red scarf OFA booster extraordinaire Norma, you could just plotz.
Also, I'm not much for pimping the major corporations, but props and a shout out to CVS, Schering Plough , Otis Spunkmeyer and FedEx . Even in these financially stressed times, they donate big for the care packages.

If you're a red scarf knitter, or scholarship donor, thanks. And this goes for any charity knitting, or donating, not just to the OFA. I know how much thought and care go into the knits, then you send them off to an office, with a pile of boxes and a harried staff, and maybe you wonder if there's really anyone out there on the receiving end.

There definitely is. Here're a few [very spruced up for the occasion] someones.


Happy Valentines Day to all!