OPERATION TOASTY TOES, Chapter 7
Program history

   The initial goal was to send a box of 100 slippers in answer to grandson David’s request for slippers. It was founded by Irene Silliman of Madison, Ohio, a 79-year-old grandmother. It started in December 1997, Irene received a letter from her grandson, David Ward, who is a U.S. Navy cryptologist stationed on the U.S.S. Carney. In this letter he thanks his grandmother for homemade brownies.
David wrote “I was telling the guys I work with about your world famous slippers, so if you can find some time to make a few pairs, I know some sailors who would love to have them.”
   Irene’s husband Bob, U.S. Army two year POW in Korea, had just passed away. She enlisted the help of three friends. The box of 100 dropped via a helicopter was greeted with shock by the officer of the deck, seeing a seaman jumping up and down yelling “There here, the booties are here.” The 100 went fast. He contacted Irene again asking for the remaining 220 pairs needed for the rest of the crew. Irene went in action, with 50 friends. Their mission was to knit 1,000 pairs of slippers within six weeks. They did it. Irene said “We’re too old to get out there and fight. This is the way we fight --- with our knitting needles.”
    Since that day, the original three ladies have grown to 21 chapters. The program has been well received and many across our nation have already volunteered. The reason remains constant “as Americans’ we must do what we can to support our military.” Winters are cold in Iraq, Afghanistan, Greenland, Korea, Japan and Alaska, be it a base or on a ship.

What is covered by your financial donations?
Postage, printing, publicity and yarn purchase when needed. It costs $30 to $35 to ship to Europe and the Middle East. It takes twice that, for the Pacific rim. This is a grass roots program to assist in America’s fight against terrorism.

On a card or piece of paper, please include the following:

Donation for OPERATION TOASTY TOES, Chapter 7
NAME:
ADDRESS:
My donation is $_____________ Check No. ___________ Cash__________
Send your donation to: OPERATION TOASTY TOES, Chapter 7
105 Campbell Dr. Flat Rock, NC 28731

What is Operation Toasty Toes?

    Originally, it was the making of handmade knitted and crocheted slippers. Now, it includes dickeys, headbands, helmets, watch caps and wristlets. These items are mailed to our Armed Forces stationed overseas.

What does it accomplish?

Besides warming the service persons feet, heads and hands, they carry a message of support. That a stranger would take the time to make a pair of slippers, shows that we at home do care. It enables many in our local community to participate. World War II had Rosie the Riveter. Today this is a way to participate. Many, who have not knitted or crocheted in years, have found their needles and hooks. Those who can no longer craft have found the perfect solution for bags of yarn, old needles and hooks. Those who never learned to knit or crochet can make financial donations. Make your own choice.

Program in Henderson County.
Chapter 7 was formed in February 2002. Thousands of pairs of slippers along with the single strand items: dickeys, headbands, helmets, watch caps (a.k.a. beanies or helmet liners for land forces and with a cuff for sailors) wristlets (a.k.a. fingerless mitts) have been sent from this chapter. These ladies will tell you “As long as we are America, as long as we have Americans away from home, the reason to send these “booties” as they have been nicknamed, will remain. We must continue to SUPPORT THE TROOPS overseas.”
   This is our way of fighting. After reading the thank you notes and letters enclosed in the original information packet and the many cards and letters sent to members, these ladies decided to get involved. We decided this was our way to fight. Your donation will assist in postage, printing, program publicity and yarn purchases. Many, who have not knitted or crocheted in years, have found their needles and hooks. Those who can no longer craft have found the perfect solution for bags of yarn, old needles and hooks. For those who never learned how to knit or crochet, you can participate by making financial donations. Thank you for taking the time to read this message.

How can you join this effort?
Anyone can participate by knitting or crocheting for the Armed Forces, patterns are available. Chapters are available to assist in anyway they can. Please assist OPERATION TOASTY TOES, Chapter 7 in its endeavors.

Patricia-Lee Pirog, Chairlady
E-mail: info@operationtoastytoes.org
http://www.operationtoastytoes.org

NOTE: Feel free to copy this and insert your chapter's information

Donation Sheet Flyer Download (pdf file)