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National Headquarters
Founded in 2004 by military mom and volunteer founder Ann Flaherty to soothe her grandchildren from missing their dad, now dozens of dedicated volunteers lovingly create custom hand-crafted photo-transfer quilts and pillowcases to help children cope with the stress and loneliness that comes with separation from their deployed parent. Thousands of quilts and pillowcases have been distributed around the country. Read the story of how Operation Kid Comfort quilts helped a Gold Star military family through the loss of a deployed father.
In 2023, Operation Kid Comfort expanded at ASYMCA Hampton Roads with the addition of “Lovies,” a keepsake stuffed animal that can be filled with photos and mementos of the deployed parent.
My sister came home from the hurricane evacuation to find a beautiful quilt. It had her in tears to come home to such comfort. My nephew has had a very difficult time during his father’s deployment and none of the experts on base could help. My sister was told he was too young to know that his father was gone, but we all know that isn’t true. The letter saying it is okay to cry and miss him really helped both of them. This good work means the world to the people you are helping. Thank you. Military Family Member, Operation Kid Comfort
If you are stationed at a military installation served by ASYMCA Branches: Alaska, Camp Pendleton, Hampton Roads, Killeen or Fort Liberty; or the Pikes Peak Region YMCA, click the tile below and follow instructions on how to submit a request. Only military families stationed at these locations will be served by the local branch.
If you are stationed anywhere else in the continental United States and Hawaii, then select the “Camp Pendleton” option below and volunteer quilters will fulfill nationwide requests as availability allows.
ASYMCA ALASKA
Open to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve families based anywhere in the state of Alaska.
ASYMCA CAMP PENDLETON
Open to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve families based at Camp Pendleton and all other installations in the continental U.S. and Hawaii.
ASYMCA FORT LIBERTY
Open to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve families based at Fort Liberty.
ASYMCA KILLEEN
Open to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve families based at Fort Cavazos.
PIKES PEAK REGION YMCA
Open to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve families based anywhere in the state of Colorado.
ASYMCA HAMPTON ROADS
Open to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve families based at installations in the Hampton Roads region.
ASYMCA Oklahoma
Open to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve families based at Lawton/Fort Sill and Altus Air Force Base.
We need more volunteers! Help bring comfort to military children experienceing separation from a deployed parent by volunteering your quliting skills.
Volunteer with Us
The Armed Services YMCA is committed to expanding this volunteer-led initiative. For just $100, help us invest in the emotional health and well-being of a military child.
Give Today
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