Memorial Day

On Memorial Day we remember and honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. We also should stop and thank all those who are serving now, or who served in the past.

Marine Corps Kids is dedicated to supporting our military families by welcoming new babies and supporting the children and wives/partners of those serving. We focus on happy times - the birth of a new baby and holidays to send gifts. Many kids, though, are dealing with loss and sadness.

This article talks about the annual "good grief" camp for those military kids who have lost a parent. It's definitely a worth while read.

"More than 4,300 children of U.S. troops killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are growing up, forging their own paths while keeping the connection to their mom or dad alive in ways ranging from annual backyard barbeques on the anniversary of the parent's death to keeping a music box of his favorite song."

Today, let us remember those who gave their lives for us. But tomorrow, lets not forget the men and women who are currently serving and their families. The gifts that Marine Corps Kids send to the babies and children of our military are just a small way to say thank you and let them know that we appreciate their sacrifice.

Gifts from the Girl Scouts

I was recently contacted by Donna, a girl scout troop leader from Florida. She said,

"Our troop is made up of 4 girls ages 12-15. We are a Cadet and Senior troop.

The last 3 years prior to this one our Service project was to send items to soldiers in Iraq. We would collect and buy items and mail to them, along with cards and Xmas items.

We really wanted to continue with another project which would help the US military. So the girls and I searched the net for making craft items for the military and we came across your site. We did some research. The girls really liked this project making baby items and asking for donations of yarn, fabric. The girls made some great items. we went on your site and other to get patterns to make baby hats, booties, blankets. The girls really like doing this and we have been working on more items to be sent at a later date.

The US military is in our hearts. We have 1 girl in our troop who's father is overseas he is in the Navy."

As you can see in the photos, the girls did a GREAT job! They sent in 9 blankets, many hats, booties, bibs and wash cloths. They sewed, crocheted and knitted to make these gifts. I think they should all be very proud of themselves!

Another MCK cutie!

This cutie-pie is Mikka Grace. Mikka's daddy serves in the Marines, and we sent Mikka a welcome gift earlier this month.

Mikka's mom, Ashley, is an accomplished sewer, and makes some of the cutest things - you can see her work as Sew Lovely by Ashley on Facebook. She loves what Marine Corps Kids does, and has been helping us reach more families! She also has become one or our newest donors! She is in the process of making some of the adorable diaper covers (that Mikka is modeling) and mitts for Marine Corps Kids.

Thank you and your husband Ashley. We appreciate your family's service and sacrifice; we love that you are helping to spread the word about Marine Corps Kids to more families; and we're delighted that you're becoming a donor to our cause!

More from Pauline

Today two more blanket hat sets arrived from Pauline in Oregon. I peaked inside the wrapping, and they are two beautiful blue sets for boys.

Thank you so much, Pauline! We are reaching out to more bases and more families, and these will be on their way to the babies soon!

Thank you, Gretna!!

Gretna from South Carolina is a new donor to Marine Corps Kids. Yesterday I received two large boxes with a simple card that read "Made with Love. Gretna".

Well, there was a LOT of love in those boxes. Gretna made 16 blanket and hat sets for the babies! They are all lovely and use wonderful soft yarns!

Thank you so very much, Gretna! These sets are gorgeous and will make a lot of babies and their moms happy!

Another box of lovelies from the men

Yesterday another box of donations came from our inmate group. They amaze me. Their knitting and crocheting is so beautiful!

In this box they included two complete dress/hat/blanket sets. An adorable sweater and coverall set for a boy, three beautiful blankets, and a bunch of darling booties and socks!

I hope this group knows how much their donations are appreciated! I will be packing up many bundles for the babies over the weekend, and I know that the moms will be absolutely thrilled to receive these gorgeous gifts!

Even MORE blankets from Molly!!

Yesterday I received four large boxes of donations! One of them was filled with more of Molly from Oregons beautiful fluffy blankets! This photo only shows a few of the blankets.

Molly, you are so prolific with your crochet! Thank you so much for sending in so many lovely blankets! I'm going to be bundling then off and sending them out this weekend.

More from the guys!

Today I received another box of donations from our inmate group. There work is always to beautiful, and I've been amazed by the gorgeous blankets that they've sent in in the past.

This time they branched out - in addition to blankets they sent in booties, hats and sweaters. The workmanship is really wonderful, and I'm in awe of their talent. I'm told that one of the men can not read a pattern, but if you show him a piece, he can reproduce it in knitting or crochet.

I hope that the photos reflect how beautiful the work is. These pieces are so cute, and will soon be on their way to the babies!

More blankets from Molly

Molly from Oregon sent another 2 boxes filled with her soft and fluffy blankets for the babies! These blankets are perfect for strollers and car seats, and are sure to be a big hit. They are so soft and snuggly - I'm sure the babies will love them!

Thank you so much, Molly, for your continued support!

Fabric available

Angie from MD sent in some fabric with her donation. She doesn't sew, but thought that perhaps one of our donors could create something for the kids out of these fabric pieces.

I'm not an expert on fabrics, but the samples are shown in the photograph. There are 3 woven pieces that I believe are cotton. There is a very pretty woven fabric and also a piece of green flannel.

If you would like to use these fabrics to make something for the kids, please let me know. I'll be happy to mail them to one of our donors!

Thank you, Angie!

Today I received two boxes from Angie in Maryland. Angie is a new donor to Marine Corps Kids. She wrote:

"...Somewhere along the way I stumbled across your blog for Marine Corps Kids. The idea touched my heart. My father, uncle and grandfather all served in the military. I grew up hearing stories about a great-uncle I never knew, he lost his life at age 23 serving World War II.

I have heard many stories, wonderful and sad, about serving in the United States Military branches. Not just from those who serve but also their families at home. All because of the internet that brings the world together."

Angie made and sent some adorable stuffed toys, gorgeous hats, soft and snuggly blankets, and two complete layette sets! Everything is just beautiful!

Thank you so much, Angie! Your donations are very much appreciated and will be treasured by the families that receive them!

More gifts from Ruth!

Ruth from Seattle sent in 2 boxes of her beautiful work! Ruth has been a long time donor to Marine Corps Kids and has made many gorgeous hats for the children.

In this shipment Ruth sent more of her colorful and delightful hats. She also sent 18 flannel burp cloths and 21 colorful pillow cases for the older children.

Thank you, Ruth! Your gifts, as always, are very much appreciated!