When we see so many stories of loss and tragedy being suffered by our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, it can be hard to figure out how to take our desire to help and turn it into action. It can be overwhelming and our talents can seem so small compared to the problems our troops are facing. But one organization has shown that all we don’t always shave to do something big. Sometimes small things can make all the difference to our troops.

Sew Much Comfort is a volunteer organization that makes “adaptive clothing” for wounded service members. Sew Much Comfort seamstresses make custom clothing to fit troops who have to face new challenges due to their injuries. Often when our wounded service members leave the hospital they must continue to wear bulky and cumbersome rehabilitation devices…braces, fixators, casts or prosthetics. Some are recovering from serious burns that must be protected. It can be humiliating and frustrating for injured troops to have to face daily life with only a hospital gown to wear. Sew Much Comfort and their volunteer seamstresses provide clothing that can accommodate the needs of our wounded troops free of charge. The organization has received numerous awards for their work including Presidential Recognition and the Newman’s Own Award.

In the face of an ongoing war, divisive public debate and continuing casualties, sewing a few pairs of pants may not seem like a big deal. But to a service member who receives a gift of clothing that will cover his artificial leg, it is a big deal. Sew Much Comfort shows that even the smallest act of gratitude and support can make a world of difference. Maybe we can’t do something huge, maybe we can’t as individuals change the world, but we can change one person’s life.

Everyone has something they can do. It took an act of imagination and a willingness to help by the founder of Sew Much Comfort to get started. There was one person, one sewing machine and a sincere desire to show our troops that they are appreciated and that their sacrifices have not been forgotten. Each of us is capable of doing one small thing to help our troops and their families. We don’t have to agree with the war to support the men and women who are putting themselves in jeopardy for us. But if we value the freedom we have, we owe it to those who are fighting to defend it.