Caring Methodist women continue to crochet and knit blankets for our wounded and recovering troops. The women at Memorial United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC have made over 200 blankets for “Blankets for Recovery.” Volunteers make a big difference by knitting and and crocheting their love into every piece of yarn. The giving of heart is so very appreciated by the recipients of the gifts.

FLAGS Across The Nation truly reaches across the nation with volunteers in multiple cities, from Charlotte to Arizona and California. The California volunteers, employees of ASPEN Risk Management Group have been delivering the Memorial United Methodist Church blankets to our recovering troops for years. Since, 2001, ASPEN has been actively participating in supporting our troops with letters, gifts, notecards and support for FLAGS.

Another caring person, this time Karen from Mesa Arizona donated 43 hand made blankets for the FLAGS Across The Nation’s program, “Blankets for Recovery.” Tiffiny Lilley, from My Studio Space Web Design Firm and volunteer for FLAGS, as well as web master recently went to San Diego, CA to drop off the blankets at the Balboa Naval Hospital.

Occasionally, we are asked if artwork for the Flags Across The Nation Art Contest can be submitted via emailed. And as the rules state for this year’s contest, all artwork must be mailed in. One of the really special benefits of this contest is that most of the artwork submitted is sent to our deployed troops who really appreciate knowing that we are thinking of them.

And if you and your kids are still thinking about sending in your artwork submission, there is still time. Just make sure that your envelope is post marked by Aug 1, 2010. Show us your patriotic spirit and create some Red White and Blue artwork for FLAGS Across the Nation and our Heroes here and over seas.

PS – Every entry is a winner and will receive a mini American Flag compliments of Carrot Top.

Thanks for your support!

FLAGS Across The Nation

Calling children artists to participate in a patriotic art contest.

Enjoy your summer, while you create a piece of art for the FLAGS Across The Nation, Patriotic Art Contest.

Children, grades 1to 6 wanted to enter our contest. There is still time. The deadline is August 1. Show your love for the United States of America. Submit your colorful red, white and blue drawings or paintings to FLAGS.

Your winning art will be featured on our website and enjoyed by 1,000’s of active duty military, veterans and patriotic Americans. After the contest, all art will be sent to our deployed troops in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Pick up that pen or pencil and create your magnificent piece of art. Every 1st thru 6th grade artist to submit an entry will receive a mini American Flag!

Our troops love to see drawings of American flags, children saluting the flag, themes of freedom and anything that has red, white and blue.

If you want to add a few words of appreciation or patriotism to your drawing, go ahead and do that. It will be valued.

Enjoy your patriotic summer of fun!

Every artist is a winner and all 2010 art submissions will receive a mini flag (while supplies last!) The delivery of  mini flags would not be possible without Exhibits On Time. Exhibits On Time donated  padded envelopes this week that are needed to mail out the mini flags to all of our contestants. Thank you Exhibits on Time! Exhibits On Time is a Trade Show Installation Service.

Wounded service men and women are allowed to personalized their space with one quilt/blanket. The blankets not only provide warmth, but remind them that someone cares.  Although the quilter and service person may have never met, the blanket ties them together.

Recently 3 dozen crocheted blankets were lovingly made by several North Carolina quilters and crocheters. These thoughtful items will be delivered to wounded service men and women on November 17th, just before Thanksgiving.  Not only are the blankets beautiful, but most have a personal note attached.

One quilter, Mrs. Caroline Derr, 80 years old, sent several blankets and donated dozens others to Balboa Medical Center, San Diego. Additionally, The McGee Family sent hand knit lap blankets.

A mother said her son received a quilt and could not express enough how deeply he appreciated the thoughtfulness and beauty.

Flags Across The Nation would like to sincerely thank all those contributing to the success of our Blankets for Recovery! If you would like to contribute to the blanket program, please contact us.