Care Packages

Hope everyone has a blessed upcoming week.  As I mentioned during our service on Sunday, Trinity Youth needs

You for a very important mission project.  We are putting together items for care packages for soldiers who are

Deployed.  Although this is a youth mission project, this is ultimately a Trinity United Methodist Church mission

Project and everyone can participate!  You can participate by:

  1. Gathering the requested items below for a package.  Average cost for one package is $9.  Please remember

To get travel size items as indicated below.  Items must have at least a 6 month expiration.  Do not package anything, just bring lose items.

  1. Provide a donation for shipping the items.
  2. Write a letter, attached are the guidelines.  One guideline is for young folks, the other everyone else.
  3. Knit some items, below is the information.

The Elements Care Kit – This Care Kit is ideal for troops that will be in need of relief from cold weather, mosquitos, and other uncomfortable environments. The average cost to build one (1) Elements Care Kit as defined below is $9.00.

  • 1 Travel Size Hand Sanitizer (2oz)
  • 1 Travel Size Mouthwash (1.2oz)
  • 1 Travel Size Sunscreen (1oz)
  • 1 Travel Size Body Powder (1oz)
  • All Purpose Wipes (30 wipe pack)
  • Insect Repelling Band or Wipes
  • Hand and/or Toe Warmers
  • Gallon Size Freezer Bag (for items)

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HANDMADE WITH LOVE

There’s something about receiving a handmade item that warms the heart, especially when you’re deployed. Why? Because every moment of time, talent, and energy poured into a handmade item is an expression of deep appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the service members who receive our Care Packages.

SCARVES & HATS

In the cold winter months, we include a lovingly handmade scarf or hat in every Care Package we send to the Troops. To make that happen, we need the knitting and crocheting talents of many Volunteers across the country.

FAQ

Is there a pattern for the scarves and hats?

There is no specific pattern to follow so feel free to use your own (or see the patterns we provide at the link below). We 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. If your scarves are a little wider or longer, no worries! They will be given to, and appreciated by, Wounded Heroes or Veterans.

What yarns and colors should I 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, greens, grays, maroon, and black are all good choices, and also appropriate for male and female Troops. Stripes using these colors or multi-colored yarn is acceptable. 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.

Should I attach a letter or note?

Yes! 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. The note can be as simple as “Handmade with Love” or a letter telling about yourself. Include your contact information—an email or “snail mail” address—so the recipient can send you a “thank you” if they have time. 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. 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.

Who benefits from the Care Kits:

Since 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have assembled and shipped the hallmark “Operation Gratitude Care Packages” to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guards deployed overseas.  Each package is personally addressed, by name, to individual service members, and contains up to 50 assorted food, hygiene, entertainment and handmade items plus several letters of appreciation written by American children and adults.  All items included in the packages are donated by individuals, groups, organizations and businesses from all across the nation.  The Care Packages are valued between $50-$100 and cost the organizations $15/each to assemble and send.

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Come on, Trinity, let’s show our love to our US soldiers!!!  We will bless items at the church service on

November 9th.  Items will be dedicated at our annual Veteran’s Day Dinner on November.  Please let

Donald Balcom or myself know if you have questions!

We will have a collection box available next Sunday in the Narthex.

Thanks,

Christie Cook