Tuesday, June 11, 2013

stinkRknits and Operation Gratitude

You may not know this about me, but I was a military brat. My father was in the Air Force all my life and we lived all over the country. He would get new orders every two years or so and we would move wherever he was sent. (Except Thule, Greenland. He was on his own up there!)

I have been surrounded by the military my whole life. There is a special place in my heart for the families of soldiers serving today. My father was gone two to three weeks of every month for many years. I appreciate the sacrifice the families today are making.



This the first year I have had my Etsy shop ready for the Fourth of July. I really wanted to do something special, something patriotic, to show my love for veterans and soldiers. I always cry when I hear the National Anthem. I love the commercials that show surprise homecomings of military dads! I've been learning a lot about perspective in my personal life, so I wanted to do something practical, too. Somewhere on the internet I came across Operation Gratitude.



Operation Gratitude sends care packages to soldiers overseas, the families here at home, Wounded Warriors, Veterans, and First Responders. The packages are filled with snacks, entertainment, gifts, and even letters of appreciation. This organization simply wants to say thank you and put a smile on someone's face. I love this! It's practical and uplifting. Don't you love to get something in the mail? Wouldn't you love to get a care package of goodies? How about a letter from someone thankful that you do what you do? I think Operation Gratitude is doing something really remarkable and touching the lives of so many people. This is a truly wonderful way to show gratitude to these soldiers and remind them that they are not forgotten.



In my shop through the month of June, ending July 5th, I have a special section just for Operation Gratitude. The purchase of any of the red, white, and blue cup cozies will provide a donation to Operation Gratitude. I always have a 10% donation in this section, but for the period of June through July 5th, 2013, I am donating 50% of the sale price to Operation Gratitude. I want to support their amazing work!

Check out their website! You can find out how to get involved. You can volunteer to put packages together. You can request a package be sent to someone deserving. You can find other ways to support their cause, like a Mud Run! There is a lot of great information.

For me, it's all about perspective right now. I am so blessed. I need to remember that. I need to pass it on! How are you spending your summer? You can read about mine so far here.