Operation Marine Corps Kids

700,000 children in this country have a parent at war. When babies are born to deployed troops, it's doubly hard for both mom and dad. The dad must wait weeks or months to meet his newest child. The mom has responsibilities of both parents, juggling the exhausting care of a newborn while meeting the needs of other children without the help of her husband. It's a sacrifice, and one that military families make every single day. Operation Marine Corps Kids is an effort designed to support the quiet heroines of this war and the littlest heroes - the kids that miss their daddy but know that he is helping protect them against some very bad people. Care packages are sent to the families of deployed troops when babies are born while the dad is deployed. The packages will include a hand crocheted baby afghan, perhaps a tiny cover (bonnet), or combat booties. With sufficient resources, we'll be able to include a handmade toy for other kids in the family. It's a small, but significant, gesture of love and support for those who keep the home fires burning alone.

Please Visit the Marine Corps Kids Blog site.

A recent e-mail from a young mother who delivered her first child - a girl - while her husband was deployed, describes how this program makes a difference:

I received your gift yesterday. Thank you so much. It was absolutely wonderful. I know that Baby M. will look beautiful in all the wonderful blankets and hats. The little pig is also adorable and I am sure she will love cuddling with it.

This is a great organization you have going here. I often feel like I'm the only one going through this and that no one understands, but after your gift and prayers, I know that we are going to be alright with the help and care of people like you.

Thank you so much. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I appreciate it.

Thanks again, J

WWe were able to start the project with a donation from the VA Mortgage Center for postage. Crocheters all over the United States are working on the initial supply of baby afghans. Patterns and more information can be found at the Operation Marine Corps Kids blog.

If you'd like to order a t-shirt with the MCK logo - any size from newborn through adult XL . . . or even a maternity shirt for an expecting mom - click here. Each item sold will provide another dollar or two that will be used for postage expenses.

Or, if you'd like to send a donation to support this project, click the button below.

For more information, e-mail Delia.

Contributions of baby items can be sent to:

Marine Corps Kids
4524 E Beardsley Drive
Bloomington, IN 47401