The mission of 501(c)(3) charity Operation Caregiver, a sub-charity of Nice Guys of San Diego, is to provide comfort and hygiene to American troops deployed overseas. Many members of the armed forces are unable to spend holidays with their families. The Sgt. Knit Witty Knitting Corp of Operation Caregiver seeks to supply an entire battalion with handmade hats. According to knitting director Eva LaMar, handmade caps "speak to the heart of the recipient in a way no store-bought one can".

Because soldiers wear these hats on days off, there are no fiber requirements for the yarn you use. Operation Caregiver recommends that you knit or crochet with Wool-Ease in Mushroom, Wood Print, or Sage. You may also use Homespun in Barley, Harvest, or Edwardian. Knitters should use the pattern supplied on the Operation Caregiver website; click here to access the pattern. We recommend our quick and easy Einstein Hat pattern for crocheters who are using Homespun. Operation Caregiver also encourages you to write a letter to include with your donation. Each hat provides a soldier with warmth, comfort, and joy.

In addition to knitted and crocheted hats, Operation Caregiver is currently seeking monetary donations in any amount to fund shipping packages overseas. Checks should be made payable to Nice Guys. Each package costs $26.00 to ship and supplies 6 soldiers with comfort and hygiene supplies. Because Operation Caregiver operates with no overhead costs, 100% of every donation goes toward purchasing and shipping packages.

All handmade and monetary donations should be sent to the following address:
Operation Caregiver
PO Box 722289
San Diego, CA 92174

For more information on Operation Caregiver, visit their website at OperationCaregiver.org.