QUANTICO, VA -- Something as small as a ball of yarn can go a long way to show love for our troops. The National Museum of the Marine Corps outside Washington DC is hoping to mobilize knitters and crocheters across the country. The goal is to make 500 helmet liners for marines stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The liners are worn under the helmets to keep heads warm and dry. A small group of volunteers only has completed only 8 done so far, and they're asking for your help!

If you're interested in chipping in, please note use the following:

*U.S. size 6 and 8 circular needles (16") and a set of US size 8 double pointed needles (or size to get 4.5 st/inch with larger needles) or K and H hook (or size to get 4 st/inch and 5 rows/inch with larger hook).

*100% wool (superwash is fine) in brown, black, charcoal, olive drab, or tan. Only 100% soft wool yarn will be accepted, because our Armed Forces are not allowed to wear synthetic fibers. Wool is inherently non-flammable and won't melt against the skin in the event of an accident and will stay warm even when wet.

Patterns are available for download at http://www.usmcmuseum.org/SupportMarines.asp. Finished liners can be sent to: the National Museum of the Marine Corps; ATTN Ben Kristy; 2014 Anderson Ave.; Quantico, VA 22134.