We at Manna of Life recently had the privilege of interviewing Beverly Qualheim, whose organization has been a cherished partner in our mission to serve the Bronx community. We’re excited to share this inspiring conversation with our Manna family.

Since 1997, Beverly has been connecting crafters with causes through bevscountrycottage.com. In 2017, this mission evolved into Bev’s Charity Crafting Neighborhood, a Facebook community of global crafters transforming yarn into hope through partnerships with organizations like Manna of Life Ministries.

Origins and Philosophy

Q: Can you tell us about the origins of Bev’s Charity Crafting Neighborhood group? What inspired you to start creating handmade items for donation? Please explain your guiding philosophy of helping “the ONE.” 

A: Bev’s Charity Crafting Neighborhood group started as a natural offshoot of my website, which is all about free patterns and places to help others.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, served and helped people one by one, so I know it’s the best way to help. Many times, as crafters, we feel overwhelmed at the sheer number of people who need something warm to wear. Remembering how important ‘THE ONE ‘is keeps things in perspective. By starting the website and the Facebook group, I knew some wonderful, kind-hearted crafters would help fill those huge number of needs, and they have!

The members of this Facebook group go way above and beyond what is ever expected of them to help those in need. They are truly Angels on this Earth.

Our group was formed in January 2017, and each member helps those they can. Many make items for Manna of Life Ministries, box them up carefully, and mail them to the Bronx, while others make items for their local schools, soup kitchens, nursing homes, first responders, and so forth. We have a few others on the group with 501c3 charities of their own. Our group members jump right in there with warm handmade items to send to them also.

Q: How many volunteers are involved in your knitting group?

A: We currently have approximately 4,500 members, and out of those, about 700 actively comment on the Facebook group, hit ‘like’, or make items to help someone in need. Many are quiet observers who help as they can where they live. It’s hard to estimate the number of members of the group who actually make and mail or take items to various charities/people in need, but I would guess it’s about 500 people globally.

Operational Details

Q: Walk us through your typical process. How do you decide what items to make?

A: The FREE patterns on my site are available to all and have been since the beginning of that site. Bevscountrycottage started on Osmond.net back in 1997 (I worked for Alan Osmond at the time) and I got my own domain in 2002. There are patterns for premature babies, children, the elderly, winter items, toys, doll clothes, etc., and they are there for whoever wants to make them to help others. The website also features holiday patterns, recipes, preparation ideas, and more.
I decide what to make based on the needs. For example, if Millie needs kids’ mittens, I make some to mail to the Bronx. If my local homeless shelter in Vegas needs men’s hats or children’s toys, I make those and deliver them in person.

Q: How do you source your materials? Do you rely on donations, group purchases, or individual contributions?

Each person around the world gets their own yarn and materials to make items for whomever they help. I know it costs them so much money, but they love to help, and they manage. Unfortunately, it is not possible to do ‘group purchases’ or get ‘group donations’ since we live all over the world in this group.

My one wish is that the Post Office could give us a discount (they did many years ago, but sadly, people abused it) if items are mailed out for various charities.

Partnership Impact

Q: What motivated you to partner with Manna of Life?

A: My friend Millie Hernandez told me about this wonderful Soup Kitchen called Manna of Life, and I knew we just had to help out with some warm items. I created a webpage for Millie here: www.bevscountrycottage.com/millies-kitchen.html, and now SO many members help make warm hats, shawls, mittens, scarves, lap blankets, even fashion dolls recycled with brand new knitted clothes made by a wonderful member who is in her 80s! Just observing what is needed by your soup kitchen helps members know what might be needed locally at their own shelters and kitchens.

Q: How do your group members feel about the impact of their handmade items?

A: For helping Manna of Life, Millie Hernandez is terrific about telling us through photos, especially where these handmade items are going. It just inspires people to make more and to help where needed near them – and they sure do!

Community Impact

Q: What’s the most challenging and rewarding aspect of coordinating this community project?

A: The ‘community project’ really is about everyone in their own community, as well as helping specific places like Manna of Life. It is rewarding to me that 100s of people on the group are using their talents to warm people because I am just not able to help 1000’s as one knitter/crocheter out here. It’s so incredible to see people engaged in helping. We just don’t hear enough about them on the news, etc.!

Q: Can you share a memorable story about a specific item or moment that has been particularly meaningful during your donation efforts?

A: Several years ago, I was teaching Sunday School to 8-year-olds, and I heard about a 16-year-old who had recently had a baby boy and had nothing for him. So, I brought in a 36″ quilt that needed to be tied. Our lesson was on how Jesus helped others, and half way through the lesson, I brought out the quilt and taught the children how to tie that quilt and told them it was going to a baby in another state who didn’t have a warm blanket. They learned they can help like Jesus did. We mailed that blanket to the lady in charge, and she took a photo of him with his young mama and sent it to me to show the children. They still remember tying that quilt.

Q: What do you hope to achieve through this community project?

A: Making warm items for Manna of Life is a great thing to do, and Millie often posts photos of the events where real people are helped. I always hope members of our group will help; if not for Manna of Life Ministries, then I pray they will be inspired by what others are doing in the group and then start making items for their own soup kitchens, NICUs, nursing homes, schools, and so forth.

Volunteering Info

Q: What skills do volunteers need to join your group?

A: They need to have a desire to help others and basic ability to crochet, knit, loom knit, or sew. Then they need to join the group as it is a ‘private one’ to keep it safe. The majority of our group have HUGE HEARTS and their goodness comes shining through each week as they share photos and comments about what they are making and for whom.

Q: Do you have any future goals or dreams for expanding your charity crafting community and its impact?

A: We always welcome new members who make items for those in need. Some who join have never made items for a charity, but they have the skills and just need to know where items are needed, or favorite patterns group members use etc., and we try to get them rolling. Most of the members have been reaching out and helping others with crochet and knitted items for many years! We love them for it!

Best Practices

Q: Do you have a message for other crafting groups thinking of partnering up with nonprofits this way? 

A: Find a reliable contact person (like Millie) who will make certain handmade items get where needed, like for the soup kitchen. If you donate locally, do your research and find out specifically what is needed and by when. Research to know how many of each item, or what colors to use and what sizes. Are there any colors that would not be good to use? Ask questions.

Contact Information
Group Owner and Administrator: Beverly A. Qualheim
Administrator: Millie Hernandez
Moderator: Barbara Collins
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BevsCountryCottage
Website: www.bevscountrycottage.com
Millie’s page: www.bevscountrycottage.com/millies-kitchen.html

Are you a community organization looking to make a difference? We invite you to partner with Manna of Life. Your organization’s unique strengths could help us serve our community better. As Bev’s group has shown, combining our resources and talents creates a stronger safety net for those in need.

Contact us to explore partnership opportunities.