In Honor of Memorial Day: Craft for the Armed Forces

Memorial Day hails the beginning of summer. It’s marked with a barbecue or get-together, traditionally decorated with red, white, and blue. But it’s also a day to honor armed forces members who’ve been lost in service. We pause for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3pm local time. However, if you want to do even more, we’ve found three organizations that help. Each of these groups use crafting to honor the service people who’ve made a momentous commitment to the USA. Read on to see how you can help them.

Crafts for Memorial Day

Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude

First on our list is Operation Gratitude, which focus on small ways everyday Americans can say ‘thank you’ to those who serve. One of their projects is Scarves for Troops Program. They include handmade scarves in winter-time care packages, and are always in need of crafters who want to make them!

You can visit their website for more details, because there are some specifications. For instance, scarves should be between 4″ and 6″ wide, and no longer than 50″. In addition, they advise that you focus on a palette of subtle, earthy tones, and colors that are appropriate for someone of any gender. They’ve also recently received approval for scarves made in red, white & blue!

Their website includes information about how to donate, a copy of their donation form, and suggestions for including a hand-written note, which is recommended.

Warmth for Warriors

Warmth for Warriors

Another organization making handmade items for service people is Warmth for Warriors. Their group focuses on hats, knit and crochet, as well as making small Christmas stockings at the holidays. Visit this page of their site for pattern suggestions, and more information! You can also share with them the contact information for military personnel and veterans who might appreciate handmade gifts by filling out their form.

Knots of Love

Veterans Cap Drive

If you’re looking to craft with veterans in mind, Knots of Love has a Veterans Cap Drive that would greatly appreciate your contribution. You can serve those who have served, just by spending time crafting!

They do have a required list of yarns, so be sure to visit their website to learn more. You can also find a list of awesome patterns they suggest, to use for both men and women.

Honoring Our Service Members

While Memorial Day is a special opportunity to come together as a nation for a Moment of Remembrance, crafting for our service members is an amazing way to honor them all year long. Do you craft for a charity that serves our service members? We’d love to hear about other organizations to include on our list. Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to take a moment at 3pm on Monday, wherever you are.