THXGPP Blog

Where potholder loom weavers connect around philanthropy Goodwill Weaving is a non-commercial Facebook-based space for potholder loom weavers. It’s a place to offer or request contributions, share stories and resources, and learn from one another through collaboration and mutual support. The following article celebrates the weaving community that makes potholderContinue reading “Introducing Goodwill Weaving”

Yesterday’s potholder distribution at the Franciscan Center brought something into focus: dignity, community, and care show up in small gestures, conversations, and the seemingly simple act of sharing food and space. Adding the gift of a handwoven potholder, made by weavers from across the U.S., really pulls it all together.Continue reading “A Seat at the Table: Dignity and Connections at the Franciscan Center”

What an inspiring effort! Most of the volunteers who came together to weave potholders for Govan’s Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO) had never used a potholder loom before—or tried any kind of weaving at all. Still, they aimed to create enough potholders for every neighbor registered to receive a Thanksgiving basket.Continue reading “Weaving Wonders at GEDCO!”

I’ve received several requests for copies of the label that appeared in a recent blog. I shared it—and realized that more of you may have questions about how your contributions to the Thanksgiving Potholder Project (THXGPP) are labeled. This post is packed with information, sharing a bit of the historyContinue reading “Behind the Label: How THXGPP Shares Your Potholder Gifts”

A perfect day—and an ideal start to this year’s Thanksgiving Potholder Project distributions! The sparkle in her eye and the smile on her face say it all: a handwoven potholder, sent by a weaver from another state, brought joy and warmth to 200 families today. Take a look at howContinue reading “Weaving Gratitude ‘Loomed’ Large at Bel Air UMC”

The Thanksgiving Potholder Project at Manor Mill in Monkton MD Wow! What a day — or rather, three wonderful days — of weaving at Manor Mill in Monkton, Maryland! The studio was filled with looms, loops, hooks, stunning works of art, and creativity as weavers of all ages explored theContinue reading “Goodwill Weaving:”

It seemed odd that I hadn’t heard from a few of the food pantries we’ve worked with in previous years; some confirmed interest but couldn’t specify dates. Yesterday, with two potholders in hand, I stopped by one of them to check in and see if they’d like to participate againContinue reading “Potholder Positivity Needed Now More Than Ever”

A huge THANK YOU to the weavers who stepped up to help with patterns for blind and sight-impaired groups. You rock! You embody the kindness, generosity, and inclusiveness that define the potholder weaving community. It’s an honor to be connected with you! BRAILLE! This 3×5 card describes the three colorsContinue reading “A Huge Thank You!”

For blind and sight-impaired potholder weavers The Thanksgiving Potholder Project is a grassroots effort that connects weavers from across the country with families picking up their Thanksgiving food from local pantries. Every year, the project grows—and this year, so has the need for more inclusive support. Typically, posts about theContinue reading “Volunteers Needed!”

Thanksgiving 2024 marked a significant milestone for the Thanksgiving Potholder Project, showcasing the incredible kindness and generosity of potholder weavers from across the nation. Together, we achieved extraordinary community-building accomplishments, demonstrating how small, individual actions have a profound impact. A Season of Growth and Giving This year’s project began with aContinue reading “58 Weavers Across the Nation Serve 1,895 Families”

This is what 1,084 potholders look like. Hundreds are bagged, tagged, and labeled, all packed up in boxes and ready to go! And hundreds more waiting to be bagged. Thanks to the generosity of weavers in over 30 locations nationwide, the Thanksgiving Potholder Project has blossomed beyond expectations. As ofContinue reading “Wow! From Zero to 1,084 Potholders in 49 Days!”

As we close in on the halfway mark of our goal—767 potholders in, 733 to go—this Thanksgiving season feels like the perfect time for a heartfelt reflection on the incredible generosity of our potholder weaving community over the last four years. This year, 1,500 families in need will receive supportContinue reading “Weaving Generosity: A Reflection on the Potholder Weaving Community’s Thanksgiving Impact”

Can We Make 1,500 Potholders? Growing Interest, Growing Need. What started as a community project to provide hand-woven potholders for families picking up Thanksgiving food boxes has grown into something more. This week, when I was asked to have THXGPP support a local homeless encampment, I instinctively said yes! TheContinue reading “Weaving Warmth: How 1,500 Hand-Woven Potholders Can Spread Care and Connection to the Homeless.”

I am blown away by the enthusiasm and support for THXGPP 2024! In just the first two weeks, we’ve seen incredible progress, and I couldn’t be more excited to share the highlights with you. A School Library Weaving Station: Inspiring Young Weavers! A remarkable student from Virginia has not onlyContinue reading “Weaving Kindness: Incredible Momentum for THXGPP 2024!”

Wow! 2024 has started off incredibly strong! In just one week since posting this flyer, we’ve already received almost 100 potholders, and USPS informs us that 2 more boxes should arrive on Monday! A huge THANK YOU to the generous weavers from 6 fantastic online weaving groups: Potholder People, RadicalContinue reading “2024 Potholder Project Update: Nearly 100 Donations Received!”

With just 2 weeks to go, we are seeking 250 potholders for the Food Co-op/pantry where the Thanksgiving Potholder Project began in Burke, VA. Please mail your contributions to: Burke UMC Food Co-op Attn: Katie Glick 6200 Burke Centre Pkwy Burke, VA 22015 The project almost had to take aContinue reading “We’re on! Seeking 250 potholders for the Burke UMC Food Co-op”

The Hampden Neighborhood Food Pantry in Baltimore, MD serves up to 50 families at Thanksgiving by providing two bags of food and a seemingly limitless selection of breads and tasty sweets. Arriving a little early allowed me to get set up before there was a line. This pantry is familyContinue reading “50 Handwoven Thanksgiving Potholders at Hampden Food Pantry, Baltimore, MD!”

The Assistance Center of Towson Churches (ACTC) in Towson, MD serves about 3,000 families at Thanksgiving by distributing 2 bags of food and one turkey or gift card to each family. These pictures represent one of several locations served by ACTC. This is our first year with ACTC. When helpingContinue reading “412 Handwoven Thanksgiving Potholders at ACTC, Towson, MD!”

For the first time since COVID began, families were able to get out of their cars and walk through the Thanksgiving foods distribution tables at Burke UMC in Burke, VA. Each family also received a handcrafted potholder. Families enjoyed a warm welcome by the 14+ volunteers waiting to serve them.Continue reading “200 Handwoven Thanksgiving Potholders at Burke, UMC!”

Our primary goal of gathering at least 500 potholders was reached this week! WOO HOO! Potholder weavers from all over the U.S. are bringing something extra special to at least 500 families in need at Thanksgiving. Here are stories and pics from my visits to all 3 food pantries lastContinue reading “We did it! 538 Potholders – More on the way!”

Donations continue to arrive though we still need about 300 more to meet our minimum goals. The more the merrier because one location can take up to 3,000 potholders! With 2 weeks to go, Burke UMC has already met their goal of receiving 200 potholders to share with families inContinue reading “300 Potholders Needed to Meet Goal!”

What a lovely surprise to see the postcard that accompanied the amazing potholder donations crafted by a very special weaver, Ginger!  Nobody could have known that I am a HUGE Maxfield Parish fan. Back in the last century my Great Aunt, an amazing and prolific artist, collected Maxfield Parish printsContinue reading “Pro Potholders Meet Maxfield Parish”

What happens to potholder donations when they arrive? The life of a potholder donation varies by what is included with the potholder, how it may already be tagged and/or packaged, and where it is sent to. Some weavers include handwritten notes or nicely done flyers with their potholders. Most sendContinue reading “Tagging & Bagging”

I suppose we’ll never really be able to answer that question but, if the generosity and kindness shared through this project is any indicator then, yes, I think so. Look at what’s happened in the last couple of weeks … 82 potholders bagged, tagged and ready for drop off toContinue reading “Weavers & Volunteers, the most thoughtful people on earth?”

With a goal of raising 500 to 1,000 potholders, I’m thrilled to share that 300 have already been received and many more are pledged. The thoughtfully themed colors and designs are AMAZING! THXGPP 2022 is well on the way to achieving our goal of raising between 500 to 1,000 handwovenContinue reading “300 already in! Deadline of November 14 Approaching”

Wow! Thanksgiving 2021 was a fabulous success! Many thanks to all who gave their talent and time to the people served by Burke UMC’s Food Co-op. Potholder weavers from all over the U.S.A. donated 247 potholders to the Burke UMC Food Co-op for distribution to families in need at Thanksgiving.Continue reading “Potholder Weavers and Food Co-op Volunteers Rock Thanksgiving 2021!”

I am so pleased to announce that the Thanksgiving Potholder Project is expanding to serve 3 locations in 2022. Two new locations in MD are joining the program! We hope you will help us reach this year’s goal of serving 500 families! Send your donation of hand-woven potholders today! (scrollContinue reading “ThxGPP 2022 aspires to serve 500 families in need.”

Wow! Thanksgiving 2021 was a fabulous success! Many thanks to all who gave their talent and time to the people served by Burke UMC’s Food Co-op. Potholder weavers from all over the U.S.A. donated 247 potholders to the Burke UMC Food Co-op for distribution to families in need at Thanksgiving.Continue reading “Potholder Weavers and Food Co-op Volunteers Rock Thanksgiving 2021!”