cozees

Cozee's provide warmth, comfort and dignity to
children and adults who use wheelchairs.

I'm a mother of four children. My youngest child, Elena, has profound Cerebral
Palsy. Because she is confined to a wheelchair, there are other issues to
consider besides the obvious. One big issue is warmth. Immobility causes
circulation problems, and one result of poor circulation is being cold. Even in
warm weather and regular passive exercise, arms, legs and feet get cold easily.
Adding layers of clothing help, but is uncomfortable when sitting for long periods of
time, and makes dressing/undressing extra layers, very difficult.

Full size blankets don't work as well while in a wheelchair. They bunch up, get
caught in moving parts, and the caregiver is forever tucking it in. Lapghans are the
answer! They are constructed to cover up just the area that benefits the most. I
design my lapghan with optional tiebacks which prevents it from sliding off.

The other big issue is availability! Stores do not carry ready made items like this.
If you should find something like this in a home medical store, it would have a high
price tag, as does any merchandise labeled for "medical use".

My family lives on very limited funds, as do the majority of families caring for a
loved one who is disabled. There is usually very little money left to buy what others
would consider 'extras'. For these reasons, I've started a charity that will specialize
in one of those 'extras' that is so needed. No one will ever be charged for a
lapghan or any item from Cozee's. All materials, labor and shipping to the
recipients are paid by me. This has been a big undertaking, but it's truly a labor of
love!

And like all charitable causes, the more people that are involved, the greater the
success. I need help in making this charity grow, and if you would like to donate to
Cozee's for the purchase of yarn/material, the link is provided below. No amount is
too small, and it would be very appreciated! If you crochet, knit or sew and would
like to donate a lapghan, please contact me at cozees@jj-thompson.com. I will
provide you with an information sheet, including the guidelines.

Yes, cash donations always help, but lapghan donations are even better! So I'm
asking all you crafty people out there, if you love to crochet/knit/sew and would like
to donate a lapghan or other needed item, please contact me for info on
construction and where to ship.

THANK YOU for taking the time to look us over! If you'd like to start a lapghan
charity in your area, please feel free to start one, or pass the idea along to others!
But please, do not use the Cozee's trademark unless you want to start a chapter.

NOTE: New items have been added.

The items will be donated to area
children and adults in need. Although
Cozee's is set up to donate to group
homes and nursing homes, I will take
requests for individuals. If you know
an adult or child who could use a
lapghan, please contact me and
include the age and gender of the
recipient, plus shipping information.
Requests for individuals will be placed
on a waiting list. No one will ever be
charged for any item.

Thank you for making a
monetary donation! Your
donation will help provide
warmth and comfort to
someone in need. Cozee's
is not a registered charity
and donations are not tax
deductible.

Note: Due to the uncertainty and potential dangers on the Internet, I do not provide my contact information other than through email via a
request for the Information Sheet. Because I have children in the home, I don't want my address and other information to be readily
accessed! Thank you for understanding. My email link to receive the Information packet is provided above.

To view previous
years donations
click HERE.

To request the
INFO sheet via
email, please click
HERE.

2009 Donations

A picture of each donation will be shown in the space below, along with the name of the donor.
Click on picture for larger view.

The other charity that is near and dear to my heart,
is the Make A Wish Foundation. My daughters
Megan and Elena (in chair). Elena had her wish
granted by the Make A Wish Foundation. Her wish
was to meet Olympic Figure Skater Michelle Kwan!

DREAMS DO COME TRUE!

If you're considering donating your time or money, please consider any of the following outstanding organizations! I've
provided direct links to each organization and you can follow through for the information for your area.
I DO NOT ACCEPT DONATIONS FOR ANY OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS! PLEASE CONTACT THE ORGANIZATION
OF YOUR CHOICE(S) FOR INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN DONATE DIRECTLY!

St. Jude Children's
Research Hospital

ARC

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Missing Kids

Elder Abuse Prevention


	The Rice Plus Project

United Cerebral Palsy
Foundation

Before you choose any charity, please investigate! You can start here.

Please visit these wonderful charities!

Angel Crafts

Little Chickadee Crafts

Crochet 'N' More

Handmade for
Charity

Loves Many Cloths

Embracing Eternal
Memories

Website and graphics created by JJ Thompson

2009 Cozee's Charity Drive

2009 goal is

300
Items

Lapghans

101

Capelets

Slippers

Totes

Shawls

Hats

Sweaters

Scarves

Gloves/Mittens

Donations as of June 21, 2009

for 2009

This year I've added some new needed items to the donation list.

Slippers, shawls and wheelchair totes. I will be adding (2) new
basic Cozee's patterns, one for a shawl and one for a tote. I
wasn't as successful with slippers so I have provided some links to
patterns. Patterns will be ready by March.

I provide basic patterns but you are not limited by these. I
welcome all designs and color(s) of your choosing! I provide these
patterns for those who may have difficulty finding other patterns
online or in pattern books.

Special notes:

Slippers: Fleece slippers are preferable to crochet/knit for children
due to the possibility of a negative tactile response. Many children
in wheelchairs have an aversion to some textures and
crochet/knitted items on the feet may be irritating to their sense of
touch. Fleece is rarely irritating to sensitive skin. Please, only
fleece slippers for children. When constructing these slippers,
please make sure there are no rough edges on the insides. Bright
colors and patterns are preferable!

Lapghans: I received requests for pockets on the adult lapghans.
Not all lapghans need pockets though. I will be putting pockets on
all the crochet and fleece lapghans I make this year. On the
Cozee's Basic Lapghan pattern page, I've included how to add a
pocket plus a very simple pattern. The pockets were requested for
a few reasons: to slide hands in to keep warm and/or to place
tissues, eye glasses, etc.

I've updated and improved the Information Sheet that is emailed to
you that includes new patterns. For previous donors, if you want
you can request the new Info Sheet. Just email me at the link
below.

Thank you, Jill

Full view

Front view

Back view

Janis F. of PA

Eta Delta Chapter of
Gamma Sigma Sigma
at James Madison
University

Ginger of CA
45 squares will make
3 lapghans.

Elizabeth R. of GA

Judy Y. of PA.

Items donated by Nancy F. of CA
in remembrance of her
granddaughter
Vanessa
Feb. 2, 1975-April 15, 2001

Janis F of PA and the ladies
from Slippery Rock Baptist
Church

Rene B. of Oregon has started a Cozee's Chapter! Her
group will be donating to Cozee's in Iowa and also in her
home state of Oregon. If you live closer to her area
you can donate directly to her chapter too.
Here is her email address if you'd like to contact her!
rbradley2006@hotmail.com

Jill

Jill

Jill shawl

Debbie M. from VA

LINKS TO SOME GREAT DISABILITY RESOURCE WEBSITES

AblePlay - Rated Toys and Play Ideas for Children with Special Needs

Disability Resource Directory
Adaptive Clothing and
Accessories

For all patterns
click HERE

If you would like to start a Cozee's Chapter in your area,
please contact me via the Info sheet link and I'll send you
all the information for starting one!