Iraqi Handmade Gifts

Baghdad Bracelets

The Power of Women -- a Tradition in Iraq Becomes a Fundraiser for TAPS.

When I served in Baghdad, Iraq, I was so moved by the love and care of the Iraqi women and their overwhelming appreciation for the sacrifice of the Americans serving there. It was common for many of the Iraqi women I worked with to give away jewelry to their friends, and they often wore many of these beautiful beaded bracelets for just this opportunity. It meant more to them to share a gift and show their love than to have a material possession, even something precious. Several Iraqi women I came to know placed bracelets on my wrists and gave me a hug. I wear them to this day to remember their selfless courage.

As a fundraiser for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, (TAPS), I was able to find a source in the Middle East for a limited number of these bracelets, which make very special gifts. Please help us support TAPS and our programs for the families of those who have died in the military this year by buying them to wear and, in the tradition of the Iraqi women, to share.

Please let us know if you would like to purchase a bracelet or if we can send you a sample kit of the bracelets to sell as a fundraiser for TAPS!

Gratefully, Bonnie Carroll