Unwanted blankets? Project Linus has got you covered
There are certain indelible images associated with a blanket, most notably Linus, the disheveled best friend of Charlie Brown, the younger brother of Lucy van Pelt and older brother of Rerun van Pelt.
The character’s creator, Charles M. Schulz, said, “Linus, my serious side, is the house intellectual, bright, well-informed which, I suppose may contribute to his feelings of insecurity.”
Lee Mendelson, producer of the majority of the “Peanuts” television specials, said Linus is his favorite character. “He made sucking your thumb and holding a security blanket OK. I think he’s one of the most original fictional characters of all time — blending childish behavior with great wisdom.”
So, what better character to carry the name of a volunteer organization that provides comfort and security to seriously ill and traumatized children through handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
Project Linus, begun in the mid-1990s, has been responsible for the distribution of more than 2.5 million blankets to children in need of comfort. And in April, a Project Linus chapter began in Greene County, guided by Kelley Hardie as chapter coordinator.
“Through the mission of Project Linus, children who have been challenged with a difficult event will be provided with love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort,” Hardie said. “We may never see the smile this new blanket may bring to a child in need, but we will always feel their love in our hearts,” she said.
Since the Greene County chapter began, Hardie said it has distributed 100 handmade blankets to the Ronald McDonald House in Morgantown, W.Va.
Hardie said individuals, churches, schools, social groups, senior centers, 4-H clubs and Scout troops can coordinate projects to make blankets, “in any size,” she said.
Project Linus will accept new, handmade, washable blankets and afghans for giving to children ages 0-18 years. Project Linus blankets are not donated to adults.
As a national policy Project Linus accepts all sizes and styles, although some chapters may have more narrow requirements based on the needs of the facilities to which they donate.
Project Linus has a non-smoking policy for chapter coordinators. Coordinators must be non-smokers and live and store blankets in a smoke-free environment. Project Linus blankets must be of excellent quality and free from contaminants. Special care should be taken to ensure blankets are free of smoky smells or any chemicals which could cause problems for a child. Ensure that blankets are free of pet or animal hair. Hospitals will not accept these blankets, and they will most likely be discarded.
Recent studies show that laundering these blankets does not remove contamination, and in some cases can even make it worse. Always check blankets carefully for pins, and remove any embellishments such as buttons that could be swallowed.
Hardie explained what handmade exactly means.
“When we say ‘handmade’ or ‘homemade’ we mean something that is not commercially manufactured or purchased. Of course, home sewing machines, knitting machines, etc. are fine,” she said. “Purchased blankets are nice, but handmade blankets are from the heart.”
Hardie said if someone knows of a child who really needs a blanket, and is not sure how to obtain one, “then call me at 724-852-3461,” Hardie said. “As coordinator, I can also be contacted through email at khardie@waynesburg.edu.”
Most children receive a Project Linus blanket through a local hospital, shelter or other agency, Hardie said.
“I am so pleased with the response we have had so far in Greene County,” she said. “I think Project Linus will continue to grow here because there are a lot of kids who could benefit from something as simple as a warm, cozy blanket.”