For the past several months, Heritage House crafters have been hard at work, making hearts, helmet liners and tree skirts for American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The creation of such tokens of gratitude began with a partnership with the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, said Heritage House Director Chris Holley. Since the initial announcement several months ago, an outpouring of support from locals living near the arts and civic center has resulted in more than 200 hearts, 200 tree skirts and more than a dozen helmet liners.
"But we'd like to have many more. There's a lot of need, especially for those helmet liners, which take longer to make," Holley said.
Holley said people often come to the center's open Craft 'n' Crop the first Thursday of each month without a project and, regardless of skill level, there are many others willing to teach the new crafters how to crochet, knit or sew - especially to support the troops.
"People have also been doing it on their own and bringing them in for us to send," she said.
For novice crochet-ers, the city's Moore Road and Eastgate civic centers also offer lessons.
"I'm actually hoping to get back into it myself," Holley said. "I haven't done it in years."
For those who don't have time to craft but still want to contribute, donated items are always a big help, she said.
"Grays, blacks, browns, that type of thing so they don't show up on the battlefield," Holley said. "That donation would help the people who have the skills without the ability to spend the money buying their own [wool]."
The goal of the DAR partnership project is to get as many items collected before shipping them in December, she said. Then, Heritage House will find other community outreach project opportunities, like a partnership with a local Boy Scout troop to create portable stoves for the homeless that can provide warmth and a way to cook.
Items needed for the upcoming Boy Scout partnership include large tomato cans for the stoves and worsted wool in darker colors for the troop project.
For more information on Heritage House, its projects or how to donate, visit chattanooga.gov/youthandfamily/recreation/senior-and-cultural-facilities/heritage-house or call 855-9474.
Email Gabrielle Chevalier at gchevalier@timesfreepress.com.