16 January 2010

Knitting for Troops 20/365 The Ships Project

Getting back to suggestions on how to help troops:

If you can knit (or want to learn: I can rebuild a trachea, but still can't knit. M. swears it is easy!)

one way to support the troops is by knitting comfort items like hats, slippers and neck coolers. I can tell you that when I was in Iraq in JAN I was freezing my patootie off!! M. had knit me a green camouflage blanket and a desert camouflage hoodie and they were put to good use!

A great place to start is the Ships Project:

http://www.theshipsproject.com/Home.htm

They started by knitting warm slippers for sailors who would get cold in their berths, but send items to land and sea troops. They will coordinate group mailings and have a very clear guide to help choose which items to knit.
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14 comments:

  1. Mary PSunday, January 17, 2010 at 10:30:00 AM EST

    Hi Chris,
    Alas, I can't knit either! But I have worked with a group that makes quilts for The Quilts of Valor Foundation. http://www.qovf.org

    Mary

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  2. JabulaniSunday, January 17, 2010 at 11:29:00 AM EST

    This is such a fabulous idea. And yes, I DO knit (and quilt). Of course it's as easy as rebuilding a trachea, just less messy and you don't need gloves!!
    Now ... I just have to figure out if there's a UK equivalent!! Thanks to you - and all those other splendid chaps (and chapettes!!) so far from home doing such a hard job. God bless you all.

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  3. ChrisSunday, January 17, 2010 at 11:54:00 AM EST

    Dear Mary and Jabulani, Thanks for saying hi! The quilts are a great idea. I saw lots of injured troops who were very appreciative of a warm quilt over their legs during a cold plane ride home. I've looked around for a UK group: found some good ones that knit for babies. I'm sure there are groups that help soldiers, but if you can't find one, it's a chance to start your own!

    Take care,

    Chris

    ReplyDelete
  4. Debra A. EstepTuesday, January 19, 2010 at 7:08:00 AM EST

    Thanks for the message Chris. I've sent a message to join the group.

    xo xo
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousTuesday, January 19, 2010 at 9:00:00 AM EST

    If the person in the UK really wants to start up a group over there, they should contact the head of Ship's Project, as there are members in the UK who are shipping articles to the US, which are then shipped to wherever the troops are currently deployed. Also, if you sew, the hot months will soon be here, and the need will be for cool-ties. Instructions for those are also on-line at www.theshipsproject.com. New members are always welcomed to join us in making quality Hugs from Home for the deployed troops.

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  6. Becky H in VATuesday, January 19, 2010 at 9:32:00 AM EST

    I knit with the Ships Project. It is a great organization filled with caring people. I am always touched by the notes we receive from the troops. It is a small thing I can do here at home to help.

    Even if you don't knit, you can use iGive.com to help with shipping cost (Ellen Harpin for The Ships Project).

    Check Ravelry for a UK group, I am sure they are out there.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousTuesday, January 19, 2010 at 10:17:00 AM EST

    I knit for The Ships Project and they do awesome work for our deployed military. I also belong to a group Socks for Soldiers that I know has members around the world.

    ReplyDelete
  8. trailbeeTuesday, January 19, 2010 at 1:38:00 PM EST

    I have knitted for this group for many years, removing the sting of being too old to enlist after 9/11. I know and respect Ellen Harpin our group's creator, and am satisfied that her entire focus is on making certain our deserving troops, no matter where, are the recipients of our efforts. Thank you for mentioning The Ships Project.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousTuesday, January 19, 2010 at 3:26:00 PM EST

    We've been knitting,crocheting,and sewing for Ellen's group for the past 2 years --- it's the least we can do to support all the soldiers that are protecting us, all over the world!

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousTuesday, January 19, 2010 at 11:16:00 PM EST

    I just recently joined the group and have sent crocheted hats. My next package to go will have my first attempt at slippers and possibly my first attempt at actually knitting something. They'll also take 7" crocheted squares to be pieced together for the men & women who act as point of contact (POC) for the Ships Project. Their guidelines are listed on their website. I've also been using Igive for web searches.

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousWednesday, February 24, 2010 at 3:52:00 PM EST

    Hi, Chris:
    I have been crocheting hats and slippers for the Ships Project since it began in 2001. I think it is wonderful that Ellen started this gruop. It gives me a way to help the troops and show my support for all of you. Thank you for your service and God bless.
    Sue T.

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  12. AnonymousThursday, June 17, 2010 at 6:58:00 PM EDT

    hi

    ReplyDelete
  13. cerebritisWednesday, June 23, 2010 at 10:54:00 PM EDT

    Hello the troops are very helpful and the ship project is quite interesting so let me add that any help will be more that welcome.

    ReplyDelete
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