Learning to crochet can lead to making several items that you have no idea what you will do with. Sometimes we have extra scarves or blankets laying around because we just made them to learn a new stitch. Well, if you fit in this category, I want to talk to you about operation gratitude crochet scarf donation.
What is Operation Gratitude?
Operation gratitude is an organization that sends care packages to our troops. If you have ever wanted to volunteer or make a difference in the lives of our military service men and women, now is your chance. Most of this can be done without even leaving your home! So, get those crochet hooks ready!
There is a list of handmade donation items that are accepted, and among this list are a couple crochet items. So, if you find yourself wanting to crochet something, but aren’t sure what, perhaps you can find some inspiration in this post about operation gratitude crochet scarfs.
In addition to handmade cards and paracord lanyards are a couple crochet (and knit!) items that are accepted for donation, EVEN amigurumi! In addition to crochet hats, the operation gratitude crochet scarf is needed for the troops during cold winter months. There is no specific pattern required for your scarf, but there are some guidelines to follow for your item to be accepted.
Operation Gratitude Guidelines
As I said, there is not a specific pattern that has to be followed for the operation gratitude crochet scarf, and there is a free pattern available for download if that is helpful for you. Most of the guidelines are regarding the operation gratitude crochet scarf size and colors. It is requested that you do not use bulky yarn or bulky stitches as this complicates the packaging of items. The recommended yarn is the size 4, medium worsted weight yarn.
The size guidelines for the operation gratitude crochet scarf are as follows: they should measure between 4 to 5 inches in width and should be 48 to 50 inches in length. And again, no bulky yarn or stitches.
As far as colors go, operation gratitude requests that you use deep shades of blue, green, gray, red, brown, tan, and black. Basically, they want something that will not stand out against a uniform. You can choose to do something with more than one color, but they do request no solid white hats or scarves.
Where to send your operation gratitude crochet scarves
Once you have your crochet donation items completed, you need to send them to operation gratitude! There is a donation form on the website that you will fill out and send with your items. Once everything is packaged up, you will send the box to:
Operation Gratitude
9409 Owensmouth
Chatsworth, CA 91311
The donation form is required so that operation gratitude knows who the package is from. Each volunteer who sends in handmade donations will get a thank you letter back acknowledging the package has been received.
There is also a link provided on the operation gratitude website to get a reduced price on the postage for your donation box, up to 50 pounds!
When to send your package
Depending on how fast you crochet your items, you might want to know the best times to send your package. There is no “deadline” for packages, they are accepted all year long. That being said, there are some challenges that are put on that do have deadlines for donations. If you are intending to send items for specifically for Christmas, you want to make sure they are received by operation gratitude by October. That is when they will be shipped out for a Christmas time arrival.
Operation Gratitude in Action Facebook Group
Operation gratitude also has a Facebook group where volunteers can join and ask questions, share items, etc. The name of the Facebook page is Operation Gratitude in Action. If donation is something you are interested in, whether it be crochet, cards, or whatever, I recommend joining the Facebook group so you can get off to the right start!
If you enjoy my blog, please sign up for my email list. I send out instructions for a “stitch of the week” each week and will soon be starting the project of the month emails as well. No spam, I promise!
