You’ve got so many things on your plate.
And each one is so important. So necessary.
You can’t possibly add one more thing. Right?
Well, today I’m putting out a plea for us all to use the gifts God has given us to bless another person.
To bless those who are sacrificing big for us each day: the men and women of our armed forces.
They are family members, neighbors, friends and they are sweating it out in a desert somewhere overseas or freezing in a harsh environment every day of the year so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have here in America.
So today, let’s all take a few minutes to first of all, thank God for each of these precious men and women who serve us every day.
And then, let’s take a few minutes and write a letter or sew something simple to show our gratitude today. What a perfect way to get your kids involved!
One organization that is doing this so well is called Operation Gratitude.
Operation Gratitude has been in existence for 20 years and their mission is to honor the men and women who are serving in our armed forces (as well as our first responders) and love on them with all sorts of encouragement.
The reason I mention them here today is that there are so many ways you can sew, knit and crochet items for them and they provide the FREE patterns for each item!!! How awesome is that??!!
And most items look really easy to sew. However, there are some easy and some more challenging patterns for the crochet people out there.
Here is a list of the patterns they offer for sewing:
–Fleece hats, scarves and gaiters for the neck
–“Coolies” to keep their necks cool in the hot summer sun
The website mentions personalizing a store bought pillowcase. I have an easy tutorial on how to make a pillowcase with a French seam, if you want to make one.
They provide free patterns to knit or crochet hats and scarves too.
They also have items such as Amigurumi animals to crochet,
Hacky Sacks, flying discs, Tiny Heroes, and tiny troops.
If you like to make handmade cards, there’s a place for you too.
If you like to braid, you can make paracord lanyards as well!
The Operation Gratitude website answers all your questions on what kinds and colors of fabrics to use, how to get the items to them, should you write a note with your item, etc.
To find the ways to volunteer on their website, click “Get involved”. Then click “Volunteer from Anywhere” and then click on the category you are interested in. You can even donate Beanie Babies and volunteer at a collection drive.
There are also other ways to give and donate your money or your time.
Operation Gratitude is a well oiled machine!
Check out their website and then get creating! You will surely bless a person who might be lonely and needing a “hug” just like this!
And as you know, the more you bless others, the more you are blessed.
So, put down that screen and start blessing!!
The Sewing Garden 