Project Linus seeks volunteers to make security blankets

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • February 16, 2013
  • 322
                        
Summary: Project Linus is seeking volunteers to make blankets that will be donated to local children who are critically ill or traumatized. A Blanket Day will be held at a Dover fabric shop on Feb. 23. Project Linus, named for Linus Van Pelt of Peanuts fame who was never seen without his blue security blanket, is a nationwide organization that makes handmade blankets for children who are critically ill or have experienced trauma. Locally a Project Linus chapter representing Tuscarawas County is gathering at Material Girl Fabric Outlet at 112 E. 4th St. at Dover on Feb 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Blanket Day, a day of sewing, knitting, and crocheting new blankets for local children who need a little comfort. Chapter Tuscarawas County representative Donna Watson will be on hand to share refreshments and information about the organization that was founded in 1995 when a Colorado mother was inspired to help others after reading an article about a young child with cancer that relied on her special blanket while undergoing two years of treatment. Now based in Bloomington, IL, Project Linus has chapters in all 50 states. In the region the Project Linus chapter consists of “blanketeers” from Holmes, Tuscarawas and Wayne Counties and his headed up by Tami Bucklew of Berlin. Donna Watson of Dover organizes the Tuscarawas County events and donations. “I had approached Wendy (Lab), the owner of Material Girl about a drop-off point for blankets for Project Linus,” said Donna Watson. “She has been so wonderful to work with. She is so enthusiastic. We came up with the idea to have a blanket day where we make blankets in the shop and it has been very successful. Working with others and sharing ideas is great. This is an event that skilled seamstresses and beginners can do. It’s also great for those that have not sewed in a while and serves as a refresher course. ” In 2012 the “blanketeers” donated 165 handmade blankets to local hospitals and shelters. “It is surprising the number of sick and abused children right here in Tuscarawas County,” said Watson. “Making blankets for them is one way we can help. The blankets we make here in Tuscarawas County are for the kids that are here. The day we drop off blankets at the hospitals is special. The nurses are always excited to see what we’ve made for their young patients.” Blanket Day at Material Girl is open to crafters of all ages and skill levels. “We have a 4H group, the Tusky Valley Farmers who are working with some of the residents at Hennis Care Centre making blankets,” said Watson. “They are taking the opportunity to help others as a service project for their club.” Project Linus accepts quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Blankets must be new, handmade and washable. In addition, they must come from a smoke-free environment. The mission of Project Linus is twofold, provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers” and provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children. For more information about Project Linus and Blanket Day or to make a monetary or material donation contact Donna Watson at 330-231-5985.


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