Veteran Recognition
As part of Salinas Valley Health’s 70th Anniversary Celebration, we are launching several initiatives to recognize Veterans who receive services at our hospital. One of our staff-inspired ideas is to provide a handmade patriotic lap blanket to every Veteran during their hospitalization.
The blanket would be sent home at discharge as an expression of our gratitude for their service to our country and community, remembrance of the outstanding care they received at Salinas Valley Health Medical Center, and the dedication and appreciation of our volunteers who took time to craft the handmade gift.
Blankets can be knitted, crocheted, quilted or sewn using patriotic colors of red, white, and blue, and should be approximately 36” x 48”. Out of respect for the symbolism of the American flag, we request blankets are not designed to replicate a United States flag. Red, white, and blue stripes are welcome and any other creative designs or combination of patriotic colors are encouraged.
Bringing this idea to fruition is no small feat, as it will require as many as 700 lap blankets each year. There are many ways individuals and organizations can contribute including donation of yarn or craft store gift cards. Many of our dedicated volunteers with the time and talent to create the blankets are on a fixed income so material supplies are a valuable way to contribute to our Veterans Recognition initiative. We know we can achieve our goal of providing a blanket to every unique inpatient Veteran based on the success of our newborn hat program through which our extraordinary volunteers have brought smiles to thousands of families over the years.
If you would like to assist with this project or know someone who could contribute to the cause, please email volunteer@SalinasValleyHealth.com or call 755-0772 for more information.