We are starting our first “Call to Action”–a Knit-a-Thon. We are calling upon creative crafters to help us give homemade scarves to local homeless and down-on-their-luck veterans during the upcoming winter/holiday season. It means a lot to receive a homemade gift and we want veterans to know that we love and respect them for their service to our country. No veteran left behind or forgotten this holiday season.
Knitting scarves for our homeless vets has become a tradition for the Brinker family. I (Kelly Brinker) started to knit scarves when my Dad (Bob Brinker) became the Veterans Committee Chairperson for the UAW Local 160. He was participating in a yearly event called a “Stand Down,” a three day event providing supplies and services to homeless veterans. The event is held at the local V.A.. I wanted to do something to help keep these guys warm during the frigid winter months in Detroit. Eventually, my sister learned how to knit as did extended family members. We would like to keep this tradition going and invite others to join us.
You don’t have to live in Detroit to participate. Anyone who is interested in making a scarf–which you can knit, crochet, sew or use no-sew fleece–can participate and donate to homeless veterans at their local V.A., VFW or American Legion. Maybe you want to start your own Knit-a-thon event in your area. (Did you ever see that episode of Gilmore Girls where they had a Knit-a-thon? Could be a fun thing to do with friends). Every little bit helps.
Our goal for this holiday season is to provide the handmade scarves to the 50+ veterans receiving assistance through Vets Returning Home. My fingers are crossed that we will surpass our goal and help those seeking assistance through additional programs as well.
