Last year, as part of an ongoing effort to honor local military veterans, Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care performed more than 100 “bedside salutes” and pinning ceremonies for veteran patients. The ceremonies include the gift of a handmade red, white and blue blanket, sewn or crocheted by a volunteer.

In response to increasing patient numbers, the Pikes Peak region’s only nonprofit hospice is looking for donations of up to 100 more blankets by March 2.

“We realize this is an ambitious goal,” said Susan Edmondson, executive director of the Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation. “But we definitely have a need to support our veteran patients. We would like to start off the new year with a fresh supply.”

Each year, Pikes Peak Hospice provides care to more than 2,200 patients and their families in the region, nearly 25% of whom are former service members, according to veteran liaison Sonya Bergeron.

“The ceremony, and the presentation of the blanket, is a way to honor and uplift that person’s decision to serve their country,” Bergeron said. “Every blanket we get is such a generous gift. It’s like a hug from the community.”

The nonprofit is encouraging informal knitting and crochet groups and individuals to consider using their talents to create soft throw blankets in red, white and blue designs.

“We think there are a lot of people in the area who love to knit and crochet, and who want to do something meaningful with that,” Edmondson said.

Several members of the Exchange Club of Falcon, a service-based nonprofit, have contributed to the crocheting effort.

“It’s a wonderful way to give back to a community that has given so much to us,” said club official Theresa Koveleski.

“As a Korean, I’ve always felt a connection to American veterans, many of whom served in the Korean War,” said E.J. Harrington, who has crocheted and donated several blankets. “This is my small way to say thanks for their sacrifice and kindness. I feel really great that I was given this opportunity. I am planning to do more.”

Kelle LeRoy, a retired civil servant and veteran spouse, said creating the blankets gave her a “project with a purpose.”

“I thought it was a great opportunity to do something selfless,” LeRoy said. “It’s a simple project, and a simple gift, but it speaks volumes for the veterans and their families.”

Over the past three years, Pikes Peak Hospice has seen a 60% spike in its veteran patient numbers, which creates the need for more blankets, Edmondson said.

“We saw a real increase from 2024-2025,” she said  “We are still looking at our numbers for 2025, but we suspect that the growth is continuing. We want our veteran patients and their families to understand that our community appreciates them.”

The gift of a blanket can be incredibly meaningful, not just for the veterans, but for their families, Bergeron said.

“If the veteran is close to dying, which happens sometimes, they’re not always aware of what is happening,” she said. “But the families are so touched that people in the community cared for their loved one in that way.”

For people who don’t sew or crochet but would like to support the effort, Pikes Peak Hospice has created an Amazon wish list, Edmondson said.

“Even if you don’t have that particular skill, you can still help,” she said. “You can purchase a fleece blanket from the Amazon wish list and donate it to the organization.”

Volunteers and donors can drop off blankets to Pikes Peak Hospice’s offices at 2250 Tenderfoot Hill St. Only new blankets will be accepted, officials said.