Sock Campaign "Kicks" Off

Some of our "Kullakas" (sisters) in the community of El Alto, Bolivia

Winter's coming--consider giving a gift that will warm both heart and feet, and a donation that will do "double dollar duty". Once again, we are collecting contributions that will benefit two worthy causes; paying the women of Kullakas a just wage to knit alpaca wool socks (www.alpacaartisans.com) , and giving wool socks to the elderly Navajo weavers cared for by Adopt-a-Native-Elder ( www.anelder.org) .

Many of the women supported by Adopt-a-Native Elder are former rug weavers--and many STILL weave rugs, even in their "retirement years". For them this is not merely an income generating scheme; it is a spiritual practice and an expression of their Native beliefs and values. It is their way of life and belonging to life. Many of the women suffer from the cold during the winter, living in homes without central heating. Many Navajos continue working out of doors in the winter caring for their wool-producing sheep, and some have even died of exposure.

Contact me if you are interested in donating a pair of 100% super warm alpaca wool socks to an elderly Native American artisan (karen_rushen@yahoo.com ). EVERY CENT of your $25 donation goes to Kullakas cooperative, and helps them live their own mission of assisting and empowering indigenous women everywhere. (Maybe $25 sounds like a lot for a pair of socks, but they are 100% super warm, long lasting, hand knit wool. Postage from Bolivia is included in the price. Think of what $25 can mean to an indigenous woman living on $2 a day!)

You are encouraged to send a note expressing your best wishes to the Navajo elder who will receive your lovely gift of socks. It will be included with YOUR pair of socks and mailed out to a deserving elder of the Navajo nation. Last year we sent over two dozen gorgeous pairs of socks in a veritable rainbow of colors, and this year I'd love to double that amount. If you'd like to indulge yourself and order your own pair of cozy, alpaca knit socks, visit Kullakas new web site at www.alpacaartisans.com .