Philanthropic projects are encouraged to provide support to charitable and non-profit  organizations.  In 2013 we will be focusing on supporting two organizations: Operation Gratitude and Tête-à-Tête Hats.

For questions or suggestions for future charities, contact Carolyn Balkwell.

Operation Gratitude Mission Statement

Posted on August 5, 2010 by Operation Gratitude

Nothing expresses respect and “thank you” quite like an item made with love.  Our recipients are always deeply touched by your efforts.  We send ~100,000 care packages each year and like to include a handmade item in every package!

Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness and consideration of Operation Gratitude’s patriotic cause. You will be putting smiles on the faces of tens of thousands of service members during a very difficult time away from home and loved ones.  They and we will be forever grateful.

Tens of thousands of American Service Members are deployed in hostile and remote regions of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, and on ships throughout international waters. The physical conditions they must endure are difficult and they may be separated from loved ones for long periods of time. Operation Gratitude provides civilians anywhere in America a way to express their respect and appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. Military in an active, hands-on manner.

Operation Gratitude seeks to lift morale and put smiles on faces by sending care packages addressed to individual Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed in harm's way.  Care packages contain food, hygiene products, entertainment items, hats, scarves and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support.

Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-based corporation, funded entirely by private donations.

For more information visit their website, www.opgratitude.com

The goal of Tête-à-Tête Hats is to provide handmade hats free of charge to chemotherapy patients, hospitalized infants and children, and others in need of head coverings. We are located in the Carmel Valley area of San Diego.

3/10 Met with Shelley and Taylor to donate 100+ hats.  See the latest blog update http://tete-a-tete-hats.blogspot.com/

Check out their blog: http://tete-a-tete-hats.blogspot.com