Spring 2013 “Scarves for Troops” Update

Another guest post from our wonderful Scarves for Troops Program coordinator, Elaine Campbell:

The letters, emails and photos have been pouring in from recipients of Operation Gratitude’s 2012 Holiday Drive care packages! Here are a few:

My name is LTC J.M. and I am soldier stationed in Jordan supporting the current Syrian crisis. My unit received many of the care packages that your organization put together for the holidays. I wanted to take just a moment to express my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for your thoughtfulness and kindness….Several weeks ago we were hit by a very severe snow storm and the knitted scarves were a very welcome gift. I specifically received one from “Bonnie from California” and although I do not personally know Miss Bonnie, I wanted to let her and all of you wonderful people know that your efforts were very much appreciated. We do not have much here and due to our close living conditions we cannot have a lot of personal items, but I can honestly tell you that we all made room for the wonderful scarves that you sent. Thank you again for your generosity. You will never fully know how much we appreciate your support. With Kindest Regards, LTC J.M.

*****

I just wanted to say thank you so much for the support that you give to the Service members that are deployed. We really appreciate the care packages that we receive and they definitely brighten up our days. I was one of the lucky recipients of a beautiful scarf and as it starts to cool off I am very excited to be able to put it to good use. Thank you again for all of your support. V/R, SFC A.R.

*****

My name is Chief Warrant Officer Three M.J. I am an AH-64D Attack Helicopter Pilot. I have a scarf here that you sent as a gift, and I wanted to thank you so very much for your effort in sending a little bit of “home” to us over here in Afghanistan. The Holidays are particularly difficult for us so far away from home. I’ve been married for 10 years, and have three children with my wife; I have spent five years of our ten together away from home on deployments. I miss my family terribly. You, however, gave me a moment of grace and peace from combat with your gift that reminded of me of the good things back home. I wish to sincerely thank you for your gift. God Bless you, may God cause his countenance to shine upon you, and give you peace. Sincerely, CW3 M.J.

Because of the caring, love and support of so many all across this great country, we received 30,542 items of warmth during the 2012 Holiday Drive!!

In addition to our overseas care packages, Scarves for Troops will increasingly be adding to our support of veterans, wounded warriors, military families and caregivers of wounded warriors.

We also were able to send nine pallets of assorted items for Hurricane Sandy relief which included blankets and over-sized scarves.

MANY THANKS to all! As you can tell by these gracious letters of appreciation, your efforts mean a great deal to our men and women deployed around the world.

Thank you to Vonne who has shared a beautiful new free crochet scarf pattern with us: “In Service 2012 Scarf”

Many hands really DO make light work……

Fernanda Maria Chapter–NSDAR delivered over 400 scarves–made by members, friends and family–for the 2012 Holiday Drive. Pictured at left are Lynn Neill and Audrey Prest, two of the chapter’s members, who made at least 200 of the scarves.

Heading Into Spring!  Our hope is that even though the 2012 Holiday drive has ended, you all will be inspired to keep your hands and needles busy making scarves for the March to a Million 2013 Holiday Drive. Our goal is to have an item of warmth in every package this year!!

So, we will surely need your help! Need some inspiration to get started? Take a few minutes to read about two amazing Operation Gratitude volunteers:

Nancy Pappas
Kelly South

Want to get started? Find sample patterns for scarves, hats and cool-ties here: PATTERNS

Check out our Pinterest board here: {scarves…hats…cool-ties}

Questions? Find answers here: FAQs — or send us an email (see below).

Find our Shipping and Donation Information here.

“Busy Hands ~ Happy Heart”

With love and gratitude,
Elaine Campbell
Sharon Howard Scarves for Troops Project Coordinator

Questions? Please contact us: Info@OperationGratitude.com