Although I've been lurking, I haven't posted a great deal lately (medical emergencies were abounding here for awhile).
I've searched the Internet and can't find what I need. I know this isn't a yarn newsgroup, but thought perhaps your collective knowledge might be of some help.
For many years I've been buying mill end yarn from a place called Aunt Mary's; first at an outlet center about 20 miles from here, then, when that closed, over the Internet. It cost $1.60 per pound + shipping, and I used it for hats, scarves, mittens, and ear warmers for the homeless and indigent school kids. The yarn was good quality worsted weight, even with some of its imperfections (which were easy to work around). I couldn't select the colors, but I could choose brights, variegated or blues, the rest was their choice. Whatever they sent, I used and the recipients of the finished work were always appreciative.
Now Aunt Mary's has closed its Internet doors as well and the couple have retired. I've tried to find a replacement source for somewhat near that price, but have been totally unsuccessful. If I can't find a new resource, my donations (non-deductible) will be severely curtailed.
For the past two years I've concentrated on schools in poverty areas. This year when I called I spoke to the principal instead of the nurse, and asked her how many sets she needed. She said she didn't want to be greedy, and I told her it was all right to be greedy for the children. She said they could easily use 150 sets! She said some of the children come to school so cold and shivering, they have to be wrapped in warmed blankets before they can even go to class. It doesn't matter to me if the reason is because the parents are drug addicts, smoke, drink, gamble or are just poor; they are kids and they deserve to be warmer than that when walking to school in the wind, ice, and snow.
I really, really need to find a new source because cold weather is nearly upon us here in Toledo and I only have 37 sets with hats, scarves, and mittens, 10 sets of just the hats and mittens (the principal's suggestion), and 13 ear warmers.
If you know of any place that sells mill ends for $2 or $3 per pound I'd truly appreciate the information.
Phyllis