Operation Gratitude’s Scarves for Troops Program is more popular than ever thanks to the dedicated and generous support from talented people like YOU all across the country! These handmade-with-love gifts are treasured by all who receive them! 
If you have knitting or crocheting skills, we invite you to join us — starting now — so we can include one of these precious gifts in each of the winter-time care packages we send! Want to get started? Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions…and Answers!
- Is there a pattern for the scarves and hats? There is no specific pattern to follow so feel free to use your own — or you can find some here: PATTERNS. We do recommend that you keep them simple and perhaps use slightly larger needles so more can be made! Please keep your scarves within our size restrictions (no larger than 4″-6″ wide, 48″-50″ long) so they fit into our care packages. No fringe. You may notice that the size guidelines are a bit smaller than in the past. Do NOT be concerned if yours are a little wider or longer. It is still absolutely fine. Our scarves that are a bit too large for our regular boxes are enjoyed and appreciated by our Wounded Heroes or our Veterans.
- What yarns and colors should we use? Any soft yarn is fine and any color will be accepted, but if possible please keep the colors on the subtle side–blues, browns, olives,
grays, maroon, and black are all good choices, as well as appropriate for male and female troops! Stripes using these colors or multi-colored yarn is acceptable. NOTE: We have reviewed our policy with our Military advisors and have been cleared to accept scarves and hats made with a red, white and blue color combination.
Please note: The scarves and hats we send are gifts from home. This message is from Carolyn Blashek, Founder of Operation Gratitude:
“The importance of the scarves in our packages is to send the very warm and loving message that people at home care enough to take the time and effort to make something as beautiful as a scarf. Our scarves, hats, etc. are not ‘regulation,’ so they can only be worn by the troops during their moments of rest and when they go home. Nevertheless, the message they send is enduring. Due to potential allergies and/or Military uniform restrictions, please list the fiber content on your ‘Made With Love’ note that you attach to the scarf.”
- Should I attach a letter or note? We make sure that all hand-made items
include a short note and an e-mail address. If you could do so for each of your hats and scarves (include the fiber content information, too) it would be most helpful! Notes make the gift even more special when the item is personalized. The note can be as simple as “Handmade with love” OR a letter telling about yourself, including your email address or your home address. (If you are uncomfortable using your personal address, feel free to use ours — info@operationgratitude.com — but please also include your full name so we can be sure to forward replies on to you!)
- Will I get a letter of acknowledgment from Operation Gratitude? Yes, we will keep track of all the scarves and hats you send or deliver to the armory, then send you a thank you letter within 12 weeks. If you want confirmation of delivery of your shipment(s), please use the tracking system provided by your shipper.
- Where should I send my donations? Please send them to the address below, and please remember to fill out this Donation Form:
Operation Gratitude
21100 Lassen Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311-4278Find helpful shipping tips, cost-saving ideas and important information here: Donation & Shipping Info. If you want confirmation of delivery on your shipments of item donations prior to receipt of our acknowledgment letter (allow up to 12 weeks), please use the tracking system provided by your shipper.
- Can I drop off my donations in person? Yes, donation drop offs, product deliveries, and recycled phones are accepted during all Volunteer Hours at our facility (“The FOB”) in Chatsworth, CA: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- When do you accept donations of hand-made items? We can accept them year-round.
More questions? Please send us an email: Info@OperationGratitude.com – we’ll reply asap! Here are a few more tips to keep in mind… 
1. The best way to attach your personal notes to your scarves is with a piece of yarn through a hole in the note and then tied to the scarf (shown, left). Include your contact information — an email or “snail mail” address — so the recipient can send you a “thank you” if they have time!
2. Many of you are thoughtful to place each scarf in an individual plastic zip-lock bag. That is not necessary. Instead, when mailing to the Armory, please place scarves all together in one large plastic zip-lock or draw-string bag so the scarves remain clean and dry during transit to us and while waiting to be shipped to the troops.
3. For more information about the Hand-Made Items program, patterns for Scarves, Hats, Paracord “Survival” Bracelets and Bandana Cool-Ties to knit, crochet and sew, check out our website:
4. Be sure to visit our Pinterest board for more inspiration and ideas. Our hope is that you will be inspired to keep your hands and needles busy making these gifts all year round! Our goal is to send 50,000+ every year!! We definitely need your help.
Last but not least: Is your loved one deployed? Request an Operation Gratitude care package today.
Thank you again for all your generous support! “Busy Hands, Happy Heart!”
MORE QUESTIONS? Send them to: Info@OperationGratitude.com
THANK YOU!
Operation Gratitude Blog 
My family has many members who have served: my father, 22 years in the Army, 2 1-year tours in Vietnam (now deceased); two brothers who served in the Navy (older brother deceased); my brother-in-law is a Marine veteran and also served in Vietnam; my first father-in-law served 30 years in the Air Force, was a WWII fighter pilot, and served in the war with Korea (now deceased); my husband is an Army veteran, was a Combat Medic in the first desert conflict; and my husband’s father was an Army veteran, and served as a recruiter, as well (now deceased). I am a proud Army “Brat” and love my connection to our Armed Forces! I have been looking for a way to give back for a long time, and this cause just came up on a crochet page I belong to on Facebook. What a great way to show our troops we care, we think about them, and appreciate all they’ve sacrificed for us! I can hardly wait to get started! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
Thank you for your support, Robin!
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I am very interested in making scarfs. I hope you are still taking donations.
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I have several friends in the local Senior Center interested in knitting scarves for our soldiers. Can donation forms be sent in the packages to you as some members to do not have computers etc.
Yes, that would be totally fine — thank you! Please pass our thanks along to your friends at the Senior Center, too! If you have additional questions, please send an email to Info@OperationGratitude.com.
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I would like to start doing this once I am healed.
I just got this site a few days ago and have already finished a scarf! I am honoured to make something for these heroes.
THANK YOU, Sherry! We are grateful for your support!
Have been doing this for 2 years. However I find the shipping cost high, $1/scarf”. How does everyone send their packages?
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Can the scarves donated be larger than 4 x 36 inches?
Yes! We won’t turn any scarf donations down. Thank you!
I was in Joanns looking at yarn next a young lady doing the same thing. She mentioned Op Grat and the rest is history. Not only are our troops Angels, but sometimes you find them in the yarn department.. I have 2 dozen ready and will be sending..
Wow, Marie! We are thankful for the young lady mentioning our cause, and we are thankful for you joining us to support our nation’s heroes! 🙂
This is a great project!!
I read your comment that you are doing this also to honour Captain Luis Carlos montalvan. We have lost a beautiful man he has left a legacy behind of advocacy and we must keep his story alive and keep telling people about him and his service dog Tuesday.
Looking forward to donating for next year.
Looking forward to being a part of this program. I have a son-in-law who has finished 4 tours as a Marine, and may be going again; two grand-sons who are in the Marines; and we lost a grand-son (Marine) in Afghanistan.
Kathleen, we are honored by your support and deeply grateful for your family’s service and sacrifices. Words don’t seem at all adequate — but THANK YOU.
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I have injured my hands and am unable to knit anymore. Would loom-knit scarves and hats be acceptable? I haven’t tried it since my injury but would love to contribute if possible.
Yes — we accept loom-knit hats and scarves, too. Thank you for your support! If you have additional questions, please send them to Kelly@OperationGratitude.com and she will reply asap.
I have been looking for a service project for a while now. I was so happy to see this in my news feed on facebook. My husband is getting ready to retire after 19 years in the Army so the military has been something near and dear to my heart for years. I’ll miss out on making any scarves this year, but plan to send a bunch next year.
Thank you, Amy! We’ll look forward to receiving those scarves whenever you’re ready to send them. 🙂 Please pass along our sincerest thanks to your husband for his service in the U.S. Army!
I am so excited to get to be involved with this program! I am so amazed with this scarf program! And I will be most definitely doing this! I have been working on some scarves here n there so I will be so happy to make more!! I am also going to be recruiting some of my friends and family! Even if they help in donating some yarn or time I’m going to take them up on it plz let me know what other handmade products you are in need of and I will get recruits for that! Thank you all for this opportunity cause right now I’m dealing with Bell’s palsy and I need to keep myself as busy as I can!
Thank you so very much, Roberta — we are grateful for your support! Scarves, hats, and paracord “survival” bracelets are what we send the most — you can find more ideas on our “Handmade-with-Love” Pinterest board. Please let us know if you have more questions by sending an email to Kelly@OperationGratitude.com and she’ll get back to you asap! Thank you again!
You all are very welcome! I’m happy to do this for them as the do so much more for us protecting us and keeping everyone safe!
What a wonderful idea! I’m an Army National Guard soldier and the wife of a disabled veteran, and I would love to help. My question is, I generally arm knit instead of using needles, so the scarves are a little bulkier and the loops are bigger. I can either sew the ends together to make an infinity scarf or leave them open like a traditional scarf. Will this be acceptable?
Thank you — and your husband! — for your service! Thank you, too, for your interest in making scarves for our care packages. Your question is a good one and I’ve forwarded it to Kelly@OperationGratitude.com. She will get back to you asap! Thank you again!
so happy I saw this this morning..I will be sending scarves your way !!
Thank you! We’re happy you saw this, too! 🙂
I can’t wait to start working on hats and scarfs for the troops.
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This page just recently came up on my Face Book news feed, and I was excited to see it. I have my own crochet page which you can find on FB (left 2 crochet). I am the mom to 3 AF sons and 1 Navy son-in-law. I call them my Blue Stars. Two of them are currently deployed, so I understand more than I used to about the needs of our service men and women. I will begin crocheting scarves this weekend! Is it ok to crochet hats as well?
Yes, absolutely — hats are great, too! We have some suggested patterns linked in the blog post, but feel free to use your own patterns. We are grateful for your sons’ and son-in-law’s service and hope the two who are deployed are signed up to receive one of our free care packages. If you have more questions, please let us know: Kelly@OperationGratitude.com can answer all your “handmade with love” questions and you can email Info@OperationGratitude.com for everything else. THANK YOU for your support!
I just found this site, What a great idea. I love it. Is it too late to make and donate some scarfs? I’m kind of new to crocheting , but would love to try and make some, if it’s not too late.
It’s never too late! We accept them year-round. Thank you for your support! If you have more questions, please let us know. Send an email to Kelly@OperationGratitude.com and she’ll get back to you asap.
Great, Thanks
Now to get busy. Lol
Is there a specific color or type of Yarn you prefer?
Neutral colors and color combos that could be worn by both men and women are best, but we’ll gratefully accept ALL colors. Thank you!
I’m very interested in knitting scarves and hats for our troops! I have so much yarn that I was wondering what to do with and now I know! My son currently serves in the US Navy!
We are grateful for your son’s service, and we hope you’ll sign him up for one of our care packages if he deploys.
Thank you for your interest in our Scarves for Troops program!
I was looking for a service project I can do since I am home bound. This fits what I can do. Thank you for organizing such a great project. Our service people need to know we appreciate them. Lee miller in florida
Thank you, Lee. We are grateful for your support!
How do we get the boxes to ship scarfs in. I have some that I can donate but they have matching ear muffles and not hats. I had them made up to donate to a shelter. Don’t remember what type of yarn for sure but I think wool.
Is there any way to make afghans/blankets for the soldiers? I know space is limited with the scarves, but I’m sure they can always use a blanket as well.
I have some made up with matching ear muffles. I don’t have any way to print off the donation form. I will get them in the mail. I think all are made with wool.
I have cats that love to “help” me crochet. Due to allergies, if they are launderer before sending is that acceptable? I have an alternative place without pet hair to store, pack, ship, launder, etc.
Tonya, thanks for your thoughtful consideration of those with allergies! What you suggest — laundering the scarves before sending them to us — sounds like a good plan. Thank you again! If you have more questions, please let us know via email: Kelly@OperationGratitude.com
I belong to Knitters for Charity in Hudson and Bayonet Point, Florida in the winter. Love making scarves. Will be sending them.
Thank you so much! 🙂
I belong to the Knitters For Charity in Hudson and Bayonet Point, Florida. Will be making scarves right away. Right now I am in Massachusetts. Thank you for the opportunity.
Do we have to use the donation form? I have no way of printing it out.
If you can write out and provide us with all the info we’re asking for on the donation form, it doesn’t have to be the exact form — that will work, too. We want to be able to acknowledge your donation with a “thank you”/receipt. Please let us know if you have more questions by sending an email to Info@OperationGratitude.com Thank you!
Do you accept scarves from Canada?
Absolutely! Thank you, Diane! If you have additional questions, please let us know: Info@OperationGratitude.com
I would love to help but I only have my smartphone and can not print out ur donation form would tht be a problem?
Not a problem, Nicky…we’d just ask that when you make a donation, you write out a list of what you’re sending, along with your contact information so we can send you a donation receipt and a thank you! 🙂 If you have additional questions, please let us know: Info@OperationGratitude.com
I did not know this program existed, I am a veteran and a military mom so would love to help in some way if I can.
Thank you for your service, Kelly, and thanks for your support!
Did not know this program existed. I crochet and will definitely get some together. What a great idea to show the brave men and women that we truly care and are in our prayers.
Thank you for your support, Linda! Please let us know if you have any questions — you can send us an email: Kelly@OperationGratitude.com and we’ll get back to you asap! Thanks again!
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Reblogged this on Bookgirl and commented:
I will definitely be participating this year.
Thank you so much, Karen!
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Thank you for sharing info about our Scarves (and hats!) for Troops Program! 🙂
Awesome site👍
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Sounds like a terrific idea and I want to participate. When do you want the items sent to you, i.e., when do you start assembling the packages that would include these scarves? Thanks!
We send scarves and hats in the fall and winter months — starting around late September. Thank you for your support! If you have additional questions, please send us an email: Info@OperationGratitude.com
I would like to participate. I am a 60% disabled veteran. I have a lot of yarn, to crochet with.
Thank you
Christine Roberson
Yes!! I’ll be doing this with a few friends!! Great idea❤️
Great idea. Will get my Knitting Club working away!
Thank you, CJ! 🙂
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My friend and I would like to crochet and donate some scarves. One question, do you also accept fingerless gloves?
Yes, we do — fingerless gloves would be great. Thank you for your support!
Just learned of this and thought of a way we’d like to help! We’ll reimburse for the yarn for creative folk who will make the scarves using our wonderful alpaca yarn: http://purelyalpaca.com/blogs/purelyalpaca-blog/128566531-purely-alpaca-supports-scarves-for-the-troops
Many thanks for your kind and generous support!
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So excited to see this program. I work for a non profit in southwest Va. so I am always looking for good programs. I am in the process of trying to get several programs going at the moment, but I cant wait to get myself and my friends started on this one.
I live in the Piedmont of Virginia and I am interested in what other programs your non profit group is doing, since I am looking for new opportunities to help others.
Thanks for your interest, Emily. Here’s info on our other programs: http://bit.ly/OperationGratitudePrograms If you have additional questions, please send us an email: Info@OperationGratitude.com
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This organization is awesome! I had a great time making scarves and it is so cool to know that they are going to somebody who is protecting me. You guys rock!!!
Thank you so much for your support, Lindsay! 🙂
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Thank you for your support!
Hi my name is Suzanna Padilla. I have a lot of scarves made-up, that I use to sell, but I would really like to give them. I only have females made is that ok?. Let me know and I will gladly put them in the mail. Thank you Suzanna Padilla
Thank you, Suzanna — we would gratefully accept your donations. If you have additional questions, please let us know: Info@OperationGratitude.com
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I got a group of about 10 people we have been making the scarfs. And I would like to know if I can drop them off at the office?
Thank you so much! We appreciate your support. We can accept drop-off donations 9am to 2pm, Monday through Friday. Check here for more info: http://bit.ly/OpGratDonationInfo.
Sharing this with friends that knit and crochet! Never knew about this! (I’m a Navy mom. My son is a career Corpsman. I’m always sending care packages to his friends that are deployed and I personally cannot thank you enough!! I know how important these packages are!!!)
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My Brother bought me about 15 skeins of yarn and I am making some scarves with some of it. I’m wondering if it would be OK to make some lapghans for our Wounded Warriors? Please let me know if this is OK. Thank you for giving me something to do for our Country. God Bless You and keep up the great work!
Jeannette, thank you so much for making scarves for our care packages! Lapghans would be wonderful to make and donate at your local VA Hospital, but they’d be too big for our boxes. If you have any additional questions, please send them to Info@OperationGratitude.com Thank you again!
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I am so honored and thankful to be knitting for our troops! I’m working on a scarf right now 🙂 What a wonderful program, God bless you and God bless our troops! Sincerely Ann
Thank you, Ann, for your kind support!
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I bought yesterday wool. This was something new for me, to find subtle colours and a little bit thicker one. But I got it. Normally I use more vivid colours, socks and blankets/blankies.
At home I have little metal lables in heart shape “Made with love”. Is it ok to put them on the scarves ?
I’ll start tomorrow or Saturday.
Thank you so much for your kind support! Yes — those little metal labels should be fine. Thank you again!
Hi i’m in the UK and would love to get involved in something like this. Do you know of something similar in the UK, i’m just thinking about the cost of sending items to you.
Thanks
Jeanette
I found two possibilities, Jeanette. Check with Support Our Soldiers and Soldiers Off The Street — they may welcome your handmade donations.
Hi Jeanette did u find anything in the uk as iam looking for one in the UK to angie x
Here are a couple to check out, Angie: http://www.supportoursoldiers.org.uk/ and http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
I see one picture that appears to have a cowl instead of a regular scarf. Is a cowl acceptable as well?
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Hello, I think this is great, I would love to do something special, I don’t know how to knit…yet… but I am a musician, could I send a CD single in with my friends scarves?
That would be great, Michol! Thank you!
Hello
I have some beanie babies would like to donate and saw the great website about other items to donate or make…
My only concern now with donating beanies some have red,whit,blue pattern that look like flags
thought this would be great Idea only not sure if Ok ?
Please advise if I should remove these beanie babies
Thank you ,Erica
Thank you, Erica! We can accept those Beanie Babies, too! Here’s more info: http://bit.ly/BeanieBabies We appreciate your support!
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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Reblogged this on The Texas Phoenix Blog and commented:
This is a great program! If you can knit or crochet, please consider participating.
Thank you for sharing this with your readers!
You’re welcome! Thank you for everything you do for our Warriors!
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Kathy stevens says
I have knitted over 30 scarves 4 ur troups in iqra back in the year of 2011
and I always wanted 2do something like this again
and I would like 2 do it again but this time I would like 2 knit something in our troup colors if I can
Sounds great! Thank you so much!
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Reblogged this on realism redefined and commented:
Sharing this with you today. Sharing hats and scarves soon.
Thanks for this post. I knitted hats for the troops one winter. Nothing more rewarding. Getting started on scarves today!!!
Thank YOU for supporting our troops!!
I’m loving this project! We are 25 women strong (and growing) crocheting away to donate to the troops this year!
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Thank you, thank you, thank you! 🙂
You’re very welcome!
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My Father-in-law, a widower, was looking for something to do. He learned to crochet as a boy, when sick with whooping cough. I told him about your scarf program and he’s been shipping scarves to you folks for about 2 years now. He also makes lap blankets for our Veteran’s Home. A touch of home – no matter where in the world you are – feels like love, doesn’t it? 🙂
MJ
How wonderful! Thank you for telling your father-in-law about us! Please pass along our sincere thanks to him for his kindness and generosity.
I have and will do so again 🙂
🙂
Reblogged this on The Founder's Blog and commented:
If you knit or crochet, or know someone who does, here is an opportunity to send a heartfelt “Thank You” to a serviceman of woman.