Project Linus : Blankets for Sick and Traumatized Children

"It is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need."

Project Linus is the dream of Karen Loucks-Baker of Colorado. She was inspired on Christmas Eve 1995, by a photo of 3 year old cancer patient Laura W. and her special blankie. Karen decided to provide homemade security blankets to Denver's Rocky Mountain Children's Cancer Centre and Project Linus was born. Since 1995 Project Linus has become an international orgaization with tens of thousands of "blanketeers" (blanket making volunteers) making and distributing over 4 million blankets to sick, scared and needy children under the age of 18. Many of the blankets find their ways into Children's hospitals, where the touch of something colourful and homemade brings cheer to these children. Other blankets fin their way to child victims of tragedies like fires and floods. Wherever a blanket finds a child it helps to brighten the dark time the child is facing. No matter what happens the child has the blanket to keep forever. A little security in an insecure world.

All Project Linus blankets are homemade. This helps the child feel special when they need it most, since homemade blankets are made with love. Blankets are collected and distrubited by the local Project chapters, and most blankets are distributed locally. These chapters may organize events such as "make a blanket day" or "blanket making challenges". Finding a group to get together and make blankets can add a social experience to the volunteering.

There are 3 easy ways you can help with Project Linus.

The first way is to make a blanket. Blankets can be made of polar fleece, knitted or crocheted from acrylic yarn, tied or quilted quilts. The recomended size for blankets is no larger than 40X60 inches. This keeps the blankets to a size that is easy to handle for the child and wash for the adults. All blankets must be machine washable and dryable. (Think of the industrial washers they will have to go through in the hospital... sturdy is good). Blankets need to be in child friendly colours and prints. It is also important to remember not to use wool yarn as there are allergy concerns. If you have any questions feel free to contact the coordinator of your local group.

A second way to help out is to donate materials for the creation of blankets to your local group. Groups can use these materials to make blankets on gathering days, or have individulas make them and then get the blankets passed out to the children, All donations are appreciated.

A third way to support the Project is to donate financially. (As with all non-profit groups any additional funding is appreciated). Another (more painless) way to lend financial support to the project is to use the Goodsearch engine found on the US Linus site (see links). They also have an arangement with some online vendors where there is a donation for sales generated through that site. See site for more details.

Making a basic blanket for Project Linus is not only a great way to help a child in need, but can be the way to learn a new skill. Some groups are willing to teach newcomers the basics of knitting, crochet or quilting. Contact your local chapter to find out what is available in your area.

There may also be Project Linus blanket programs where your local supplies are sold. My local quilt shop (before I moved) used to run Project Linus blanket days once a month. It was a great way to meet new people and work on my skills. Give it a shot, you might just enjoy it, and you can be certain that the blanket you are making will make the unbearable just a little easier for a child somewhere.