Angel Blog

Corporate Volunteer Opportunities: No-Sew Blankets for Veterans and Service Members

When companies look for corporate volunteer opportunities, they often want something that is hands-on, meaningful, and easy for everyone to participate in. The best projects create a sense of connection among employees while producing something tangible that will make a real difference in someone’s life.

Making No-Sew Blankets checks every box.

With just fleece fabric, scissors, and a little teamwork, employees can create warm, handmade blankets that are distributed to Veteran patients in VA hospitals. These blankets provide more than physical warmth. They deliver comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that someone cares.

This article is the first in our Corporate Engagement Series, highlighting simple ways businesses can turn team-building events into acts of service.

Why No-Sew Blankets Are Perfect for Corporate Events

Some volunteer activities require specialized skills or extensive planning. No-Sew Blankets are different because anyone can make one.

No sewing experience is required, and employees of all ages and abilities can participate. Whether your company is organizing a lunchtime service project, an annual day of giving, a holiday event, or a leadership retreat, No-Sew Blankets offer a fun and inclusive opportunity to work together for a meaningful cause.

The activity naturally encourages conversation and collaboration. Employees pair up to cut and tie the fleece, share stories, and connect around a common purpose. By the end of the event, each participant can see the direct result of their efforts and know that a Veteran or Service Member will receive something made by hand with gratitude and care.

A Blanket Can Mean More Than You Imagine

Hospitals can be cold and sitting alone in a room can feel isolating. For Veterans receiving treatment, a handmade blanket can provide comfort during a difficult time.

Soldiers’ Angels volunteers have received heartfelt messages from recipients years after they were given a blanket, sharing that it became a cherished possession and a reminder that their service was appreciated. Most blankets are hand-delivered to Veteran patients in VA hospitals nationwide, though some are also provided to wounded Service Members, deployed troops, and Military families.

“Today I am sitting in the infusion clinic at the Palo Alto VA and in come two gentlemen handing out beautiful quilts and beanies. My quilt is a gorgeous olive green knitted quilt and I absolutely love it. The veteran sitting next to me received a red, white, and blue quilt and he is so touched by the kindness of the volunteers. I am grateful and touched by such kindness. A simple thank you is not nearly enough to convey my appreciation.”

What may feel like a simple craft project in a conference room can become a treasured source of warmth and encouragement for someone who has sacrificed greatly.

Easy to Organize, Scalable for Any Size Company

One of the reasons No-Sew Blanket events are so popular is their flexibility. A small office can create a handful of blankets during an afternoon team-building session. A large corporation can turn the project into a company-wide volunteer event involving hundreds of employees across multiple locations.

Overall, around 750 Navy Federal team members volunteered to make over 800 blankets for Veterans in honor of Veterans & Military Families Month. This was a coast-to-coast effort, as volunteers rallied at their campus locations across Vienna and Winchester, Virginia; Pensacola, Florida; and San Diego, California.

Many companies choose to:

  • Incorporate blanket-making into corporate social responsibility initiatives
  • Host volunteer events during Military Appreciation Month or the holiday season
  • Include families and children in community service days
  • Create friendly competitions between departments
  • Pair blanket-making with fundraising or donation drives

Because the materials are affordable and the instructions are straightforward, planning is simple and the impact can be substantial.

How to Host a No-Sew Blanket Event

Getting started is easier than you might think.

Participants need:

  • Four yards of fleece fabric (typically two yards of patterned fleece and two yards of coordinating solid fleece)
  • Scissors
  • A cardboard template
  • Tape
  • Ribbon and an optional thank-you note

Employees cut fringe around the edges and tie the pieces together to form a cozy, durable blanket. Soldiers’ Angels provides step-by-step instructions and video tutorials to guide participants through the process. How to Make a No-Sew Blanket

Completed blankets are then shipped to Soldiers’ Angels headquarters in San Antonio, where they are distributed to Veterans and Service Members.

Soldiers’ Angels Makes It Easy

The Soldiers’ Angels Corporate Engagement Program is designed to help companies of all sizes create meaningful volunteer experiences. Whether your organization is looking for a one-time service project or a long-term partnership, Soldiers’ Angels provides guidance, materials, and support to ensure your event is both simple to execute and deeply impactful.

As highlighted in Mission Accomplished: Corporate Engagement, these partnerships do more than generate donations. They build connections between corporate teams and the Military and Veteran communities they serve.

Ready to Get Started?

If your organization is exploring corporate volunteer opportunities, hosting a No-Sew Blanket event is a simple way to create lasting impact.

A few yards of fleece. A room full of employees. An afternoon of teamwork.

The result is a handmade gift that may bring warmth and comfort to a Veteran in a hospital bed or a Service Member far from home.

That is the power of corporate engagement done with heart.

To learn more about organizing a No-Sew Blanket event or exploring other opportunities, visit Corporate Engagement Opportunities.

Ashley Ray has been a member of the Soldiers’ Angels communications team since 2012. She supports blog writing and social media and loves telling stories of Angel volunteers, Service Members, and Veterans.