Printed letter credited for massive response to charity

Dear Readers: I am often asked, “Do you ever hear back from the people who write to you?” The answer is yes.

A year ago, “Claire G. in California” wrote in an effort to raise awareness of Knitted Knockers. The group’s members knit or crochet soft, lightweight prostheses for breast-cancer survivors and provide them free to women who need them.

A few weeks ago, I received this follow-up:

Dear Abby: Our whole world changed when you printed our letter last December. We now support more than 450 medical clinics nationwide. We are in 16 countries and give away 1,000 knockers a month to women, provided by literally thousands of volunteer knitters and crocheters.

Much of this resulted from the huge response generated by the letter Dear Abby published. Ten thousand knockers have been given out since then, and hundreds of knitters and crocheters signed up to help their own communities.

Thank you, Abby, for making a difference in this challenging world we live in.

You’re welcome, and thank you for the update. Readers who are interested can go to knittedknockers.org and learn more about the worthwhile cause.

Dear Abby: My husband and I have been hosting my in-laws for the holidays and really do enjoy it.

But one of them picked up a respiratory virus. It wouldn’t be a big deal, except that no matter how often I talk about how important it is to cough into sleeves (rather than hands), they don’t do it.

They walk into the kitchen coughing and covering their mouths with their hands, then touched the food; the dishes; the cabinet doors; and my infant’s hands, face and food.

I mentioned it to my husband because I think it’s his place to say something, given that my “kind reminders” and hints didn’t work.

How can I handle this tactfully and without offending?

It is a big deal. You didn’t mention whether your baby picked up any viruses from his/her grandparents, but if it didn’t happen, you are lucky.

Tell the grandparents that if either of them is exhibiting cold symptoms to not visit until they are well again.