Many of you have been asking for an update on the Snowball Express and I finally have one to give you.
The Gary Sinise Foundation announced yesterday that the Snowball Express will once again be virtual this year. As many of you are aware the Delta variant of the Corona Virus has been surging through the country and is at the moment particularly bad in Florida which is where the in person Snowball Express takes place. I’m sure it was a tough call for them but I am glad they made the call they did.
What does this mean for us and our blankets? Well, we are still in limbo to be honest. The volunteer staff who handles the blanket drive part of the event have left the choice up to us. Donate the blankets to worthy causes or hold onto them for the possibility of a live and in person Snowball Express for 2022. At the moment I have plenty of space for the blankets that are vacuum sealed and can hold them so I think it would be best for me to just hold into them. Each of us made those blankets with a purpose in mind and I’d like for them to go to that purpose. So for now, I will keep the ones I have.
Will we do a drive next year since we didn’t this year? This is a tough call and to be honest it’s something that I cannot answer right now. I will probably wait until January or February to decide this. No one knows what it going to happen with this virus so I don’t feel comfortable giving an answer at the present time. I can tell you that I do absolutely want to do a drive though!
What should I do with my blankets I’ve been holding for donation? I’ll offer you the same options that were given to me. Donate them or hold onto them.
Should I keep making blankets to donate? Yes, absolutely if you want to. I am! Eventually the in person event will come back.
I hope this answers some questions for you. I am disappointed for the Gold Star families but I am so glad measures are being taken for their safety. The good news is they did the event virtually last year so they know exactly what needs to be done to make an awesome virtual event again this year for them.
As always, please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers and do not forget to add the 13 families whose stars turned from blue to gold last week.
Be kind,
-Stephanie