The It’s Crochet O’Clock tribe will be participating in the Snowball Express again this year! For those of you who are joining us for the first time and may not know all the details please read the following:
The Snowball Express is one of the many charities that Gary Sinise (Lt Dan from Forest Gump) champions. It is an organization that is dedicated to serving the families of fallen heroes. Each year they take these families, the children and their surviving parent or guardian on an all expense paid holiday during the holiday season to Disney World in Orlando. The “Gold Star Families” are flown to Orlando, put up in a hotel and partake in several events through out the park over four days.
The children participate in many events during their time in Orlando and are given a multitude of gifts. One of those gifts is a hand made blanket. That is where we come in. The blankets are all donations from volunteers all over the USA! If you would like to participate the details are as follows:
Question: What type of blankets are acceptable?
Answer: Any type as long as they are handmade. The blankets can be quilts, crocheted, knitted or fleece. If they are fleece they must only be ONE layer.
Question: What type of fibers are we allowed to use?
Answer: Acrylic is best, cotton is good as well. Please do not send animal fiber blankets such as wool.
The fibers must be free of any odors which includes cigarette smoke, pet smells and perfumes such as laundry detergent or fabric softener.
Question: What size does the blanket need to be?
Answer: The blankets must be at least 45×60 inches. Blankets that are smaller will not be accepted by the charity.
Question: Can I post photos of my blanket before I mail it off?
Answer: Please do! Use the hashtag #snowballexpress & #itscrochetoclock so we can all follow them and see your lovely creations.
Question: Can I send a personal note along with my blanket for the family?
Answer: Unfortunately no. Your blanket must be free of all identifying markers this includes letters to the families as well as sewn on tags with your brand name or your actual name on them.
Question: What is the deadline?
Answer: All blankets must be delivered before August 15, 2020.
Question: Where do I mail my blanket?
Answer:
It’s Crochet O’Clock
P.O. Box 5364
Clovis, NM 88101
Some do’s and don’ts for you:
Do’s:
Service specific blankets. (IE: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard)
Super Hero, Disney & Camouflage (traditional green & tan as well as pink and grey!) are highly enjoyed by the children.
National Sports teams are also coveted blankets or sports themed blankets.
Entirely crocheted blankets are a huge hit with the children. They do not need to be extremely detailed.
Use hypoallergenic fibers such as acrylic or cotton.
Don’ts:
Do NOT send blankets that resemble American Flags. These flags are draped over caskets and will most certainly remind them of one of the most terrible days of their lives.
No baby themes. The youngest child is 5 years old.
No college teams.
No Christmas or holiday specific themes please.
Do not send blankets made from animal fibers. A lot of people have allergies and we do not want one of these babies being allergic to the blanket they choose.
If you have any questions concerning the Snowball Express drive please contact me using the contact form on this website. I will do my best to respond as quickly as possible.