I'll start right off with some of the fantastic responses we've had to our 2009 Holiday Drive Scarves and Hats and then tell you how you can continue to help this year:

"I received the wonderful scarf you made in my care package. Believe it or not, I have it wrapped around my neck right now. It is the perfect color! It is the same color as my inside garment so I can wear it while in uniform. Iraq is getting cold now that winter is approaching so I am very thankful. I just wanted to thank you and send some good motivation your way. Our troops out here are stronger and have never-ending endurance thanks to the great support we receive from the people like you all back home.  I salute you.  Sincerely,  A1C John P.  Iraq"

"I love it!!  I received a knit cap "handmade" from you and I absolutely love it!  It came on Christmas day to the USS Nimitz where I am currently deployed.  It's perfect because my office is really cold!  I know I'm not "supposed to" wear it (not part of my uniform) but I keep it on until someone opens the door.  I wish I had a way of sending you a photo...I'll have to work on that!  Eric C."

There are so many letters I want you to see that I'll be sending out Part 2 in a few weeks! 

Operation Gratitude's volunteers enthusiastically prepared and sent over 50,000 care packages to troops deployed overseas this past winter, and I'm so pleased to announce that we were able to put an item of warmth in about half of the packages--more than double the amount we sent out last year! 

Every day we receive touching letters of thanks confirming the impact of your loving efforts:

"Thank you for the most beautiful hand-made scarf.......I just can't believe how amazing and selfless you all are. You all brought a huge smile to my face and heart.   Jennifer L."

Many letters elaborated on the color:

"Someone in my unit received a care package with a dark purple scarf.  The gentleman that received the package decided that purple was not for him, so he knew just who to ask...you see, I am a huge Green bay Packer Fan, and secretly, a huge Brett Favre fan!  Since he has moved to the Packers arch rival teams, I have had to keep my admiration for him quiet.  I wear a lot of dark green in support of my team, but now I proudly wear that one piece of purple!  Those types of items in the packages, mean so much....the time you spent and the thought you put into it. God bless and have a wonderful Holiday Season.  You made mine a bit brighter.   LS1 Barbara R., USN

"The scarf I received in my care package is perfect as the colors (purple and white) are the same colors as my high school.  While I may not get a chance to wear it much when I go home since the weather rarely drops below 40 (Tucson, AZ), when it does I will display my scarf and tell the story about it with pride.  Again thank you for supporting the US Military, it means a lot to us out here.  Sincerely, LT Yuval F., USN"

Not only have you brought joy to our care package recipients, but you have touched the lives of others too:

"I just received a package from Operation Gratitude and found your handmade scarf. Thank you very much. With your permission, I would like to give it to an Afghani child, they will need it more than I will this winter. Have a great holiday season.  v/r, Dennis"

"I have to admit - I had a young Soldier that thought your scarf set was pretty so I gave it her and she was tickled pink.  It is wonderful what you do and I truly appreciate it!   SSG Kathy A. R."