A recent story on the CBS2 Chicago web site details how two local women are spearheading an effort to support the families of people who are stationed overseas. Called "Operation Comfort," the group makes blankets to show the families of soldiers that people here in the states care. The full story can be found at this link.
Operation Comfort was co-founded Mary Soenksen and Jan Strickland, who started simply by giving blankets to friends who had children serving overseas. But, they wanted to do more so last year, they started teaching students at a local high school how to make blankets. It is now a very popular public service project at the school.
How does this relate to a craft business? One of the most effective ways to increase visibility for your business is through public relations. A charity project like this can bring great press coverage for your business. Not only are you doing a good deed, but you can raise the profile of your business and bring good will from potential customers.
Just make sure you don't step across the line from doing something good to crass commercialism. The charity is what matters, and you need to stress the results of the charitable efforts, not your business. Make sure that everyone knows how they can help out with the charity, and your business will share in the rewards.
Have a great crafting weekend!
Chuck
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1 comment:
I think this is a great idea. My husband spent a year in Iraq 2004-2005 And as a military spouse and mother of two young boys who were 3yrs. and newborn at the time, born 2 mos. after my husband deployed. It is a very tough time on parents but even a harder and sometimes a misunderstaood time on young children. Not being able to understand why there mother or father is not there, and also wondering if mom or dad is coming back home. No matter how many times you try to reassure them they still always question.We were given blankets similar to these for our children, that were made by a girl scout troop in Kansas. They were handed out by the girl scouts themselves to the kids of the unit at a company picnic after our unit had returned to the states. The kids were able to pick out which blanket they wanted and they all loved them. I know that on a personal basis my sons loved their blankets and still sleep with them just for the fact of why and where they were given to them. As a military spouse I know first hand that children of any age have a hard time dealing with their loved ones being away. And they need all the comforting they can get, blankets are a great way of making a child feel safe and secure,especially in times like this. I would like to say thank you to the ladies that started this project and let them know that the time and energy they have spent on making the children feel that someone cares is greatly appreciated. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Jennifer Sites, U.S Army spouse(retired)
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