Pillows for soldiers: Softening the load
Last Updated on 2/4/2012
Published on 9/8/2009
By Kelly Marshall Fuller
Kfuller@gtowntimes.com
Georgetown residents say their friends and neighbors could soon be heading overseas -- and they want to provide comfort items before they go.
The 178th Field Artillery unit is on alert, but has not received orders to deploy, said Col. Pete Brooks, spokesman for the National Guard. There is no word when the group will head overseas.
Being on alert means they can leave at any time.
Several groups say they want to be ready for anything, and are already working to accomplish that goal.
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Hats 4 Heroes, an effort brought together by the S.C. Daughters of the American Revolution, is knittng thousands of hats that can be worn under heavy helmets.
Some hats could be given at a local deployment ceremony, said Kathy Davis, a DAR member who started Hats 4 Heroes.
"My bedroom is piled high with hats,'' she said. "We have enough hats for sure for our fellows who will be deployed this year.''
Some local Hats 4 Heroes knitting is taking place at Joyfilled Garden and Gifts on Front Street, said Winyah DAR member Kathy Hubbard.
Joyfilled Gifts owner Ellen McClinton has discounted the yarn, so more people can participate in the program, Davis said.
Notes from local schoolchildren, well wishes from the DAR and candy are placed inside each hat, Davis said.
The hats are knitted in shades of military brown and green. The yarn is a soft, pliable fiber made in Turkey. The hats are made of 100 percent wool, Davis said.
The soft hats are not the only effort being made to help soldiers.
Pillows for Patriots is also asking for support for the local National Guard unit, so they can have their own pillows when they are deployed.
"We want to be able to supply these pillows when they are deployed,'' said Beaufort resident Barbara Farrior, who started Pillows for Patriots.
"Any donations can be held back for this unit, until it's needed.''
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Want to help?
Knitting hats for the Hats 4 Heroes programs is encouraged. Call Joyfilled Garden and Gifts in Georgetown at 545-5344
Pillows for Patriots is seeking sponsors to help purchase pillows for local soldiers. Call 843-525-9262.
