Memory Pillows for TAPS

A while back, I think through one of the Mystery Stole KAL's, I met ClaireLeah who is another knitter here in the general Washington DC area. We would chat periodically when both of us were online at the same time and I met one of her friends at MDS&W one year, but as far as I know, ClaireLeah and I have never actually met in person - we know each other in a casual Internet kind of way.

She is involved in a project for a charity called TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). TAPS was founded in 1992 to support and assist those who had lost loved ones to military service. They were in Arlington, VA after September 11, 2001 to provide support for the families of those who died in service to America. They have conferences throughout the year in various parts of the country, but on Memorial Day every year, they have their main survivor conference as well as a Good Grief camp for kids here in the DC area.

ClaireLeah told me about this charity because she is collecting Memory Pillows for the 2009 Memorial Day event to give to the kids at Good Grief camp - she's hoping to get 350 pillows! A memory pillow is an 8-12 inch square pillow (although it can be another shape as well - rectangle or heart, etc.) with a pocket on it. The pocket is a place for the child to keep a memory as they work through their loss. If you are interested in helping out and making a pillow or two, there is a Ravelry Group - Knitters and Crocheters Care that will be working on these (as well as other charity projects). If you aren't a member of Ravelry, you can still participate. Once your pillow is ready, send it here:
Claire Wudowsky
PO Box 3036
Merrifield, VA 22116

Or if you live in the Washington DC area, you can deliver it to Aylin's Woolgatherer, Uniquities, or Nature's Yarns.


I think the bright colors I used in the stripes on my Basic Chic Hoodie would make a great Memory Pillow!