volunteering isn't what it is all cracked up to be

[waterflow]

I’m not sure if I will keep up with this. Making the baby hats is suppose to be a happy relaxing thing for me to do while I sit and watch tv. It is turning into a headache. The first baby hats I was told were too small. They gave me their pattern and measurements but told me I could use my own pattern as long as they measured what they wanted. 6 to 7 ½ wide and had to stretch easily with 7 inches long. I made two using my own yarn but their pattern. Wanted to make sure I got it right before taking their yarn. The lady who is head of the saying they look ok said the two were all right to I took their yarn. I made 16 hats all together. Some with their pattern and some mine. Well, the lady today who runs the volunteering place (but doesn’t know about knitting or crocheting) said they were too big. I told her they measured what their pattern said and she told me they only want their pattern made. She was nice about all this but I was getting mad but kept my cool. She showed me a hat made by someone else and it was smaller then mine but mine still measured what she wanted. I took their yarn and told her I would use a smaller knitting needle and I found they wouldn’t pay me if I buy the yarn myself. Going back and forth to the hospital is out of my way and gas prices are getting too high. She is going to ask another woman who volunteers, who lives just a few minutes from me, if I could pick the yarn up at her house. Otherwise, I don’t think I will be doing this much longer. After going to PT my pain level was 4. After going to the hospital and the hats it went right back up to 8 and even with laying down I can’t get it to go back down to 4. Ugh………..I don’t mind someone telling me if I don’t know what I am doing but I do know how to knit and crochet and measure. Isn’t volunteering suppose to be peaceful and happy???? Nothing ever goes right with me. I try to help and someone always complains. Giving it one more try and if they say something about them being wrong then I won't make anymore.

[sacausa]

I took their yarn and told her I would use a smaller knitting needle and I found they wouldn’t pay me if I buy the yarn myself.

If this is volunteering, why would they pay you? Usually volunteering comes at some sort of "cost" to the individual volunteering.

[ihurttoo]

Mary, I just sent you a pm. I am sorry that they are so picky. I hope that you are able to work things out there. You are doing such a good thing by putting your talents and love to use for those babies! I hope you dont let this get you down.

Sending hugs,
Amy

[yvette]

Awww ((((((((Mary))))))))....sorry its been more trouble than its worth...can I offer a suggestion from my own wisdom and experience of having IC for so long?

Maybe right now isn't the best time to volunteer, sounds like you need to focus on you right now and as much as helping others is a nice idea.....I think you're spreading yourself too thin. You seem to have a lot of balls up in the air, trying to juggle it....well... it just too much.

Well whatever you decide, I hope things even out for you....I've been in the same situation..you have to do what's right for you and your sanity

hugs,
y.

[waterflow]

They're not paying me much. just enough for some gas. I wasn't expecting them to pay for my time but I am also not going to any of the get togethers they hold or picnics to pay back the volunteers.

I am giving it one more try. If they say not right size ect. then I won't do it anymore. If only I had a newborn around to measure their head width. One thing too their pattern says it has to be an easy stretch to 6- 7 1/2 wide. She tole me today it has to be a snug tight fit. Big difference between easy and tight.

I want to do this while I watch tv. I just can't sit there and do nothing. Like knitting and have lots of time for it. Will see what happens.

[leelee88]

I wouldnt give up yet Mary.. You are doing a wonderful thing, but I can see how frustrating it would be for them to say you are doing them wrong.. I hope you get it resolved good luck..

[sacausa]

Oh ok... sorry I didn't mean to be catty... I was just wondering

I'm sure you could still donate the ones they didn't take to a place like planned parenthood etc.. that make up completely filled diaper bags for poor unwed mothers...

one more thing... if they're so picky, maybe they don't have a dire need of volunteers? One of the things that makes volunteering nice, is knowing that you're "needed" and that you're making a difference. Perhaps there's somewhere else where you'll be more needed....

[kadi]

It's not uncommon to have things like that happen with volunteering. I've had similar experiences. Try not to take it personally, the hospital has probably had problems with people donating things that don't work, then getting offended it wasn't used. So now, they may be overdoing the "requirements"...

If it doesn't work out, move on! There are other places that might love your hats (foster care, crisis pregnancy center, international aid agency etc.)--

[waterflow]

I never thought about other groups maybe wanting some things. THanks! I made one last night so it would be a tight fit. Takes a smaller knitting needle. I was also thinking the hat she compared mine with might have been for a preemie. They are the only hospital around here that takes care of preemies.

THanks for the help on this. Sure has helped me to go on helping.

[ICLori]

I'm sorry they are being so picky - I can understand why you are feeling frustrated with the situation - I would be too! It's such a wonderful thing you are doing, though, I hope you will be able to find a way to continue in some volunteering capacity. I've also read about some people knitting afghan blankets for newborns, too, or crocheting them - then size doesn't matter as much, you don't have to be so precise - do they have a program like that, too? Just wondering.

Blessings,
Lori

[kadi]

Hi Mary,
I don't know if you knit sweaters, but this organization takes handmade knit sweaters for children & sends them to children in need around the world.

http://www.knitforkids.org/index.asp

Kadi

[waterflow]

IClori, I took 8 baby blankets in the beginning. She told me they don't take baby blankets anymore but would pass them out. She didn't seem to want anymore. I mentioned seeing the Linus for blankets group but she didn't seem to know what it was. So, I gave up on that one and then she asked me about making the baby hats.

Kadi, Thanks! I used to knit sweaters but didn't have anyone else to make them for. Thanks for the website.

[Janie Miranda]

Sorry they are giving you such a hard time. Reminds me of the tongue in cheek saying, "no good deed goes unpunished".

[Rosalie]

Its sad that your kindness in making these items is being snubbed. Don't stop, there must be many many charitable organizations who would love to have the clothing you make.