How to Become a Blanketeer and Give Back to Your Community

Do you quilt, crochet, or knit ? A wonderful way to give back to your community, is to become a "blanketeer" (blanket maker) through ProjectLinus. After you make a blanket, they are collected locally and then given out to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need. How comforting, for a child in need, to receive a blanket made especially for them!

The mission of ProjectLinus is to provide a sense of security, love, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through these new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers", as well as provide rewarding and fun service opportunites for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.

I actually came across this site when I was researching crochet patterns for a baby afghan I wanted to make. I was having my first girl, and I made a darling pink one. When I gave birth, my baby ended up in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit ( NICU) I was brought to tears when I saw her with a tiny, handmade knitted pink cap on her tiny head. The nurse explained to me that volunteers make blankets and caps for the sick babies in the NICU. I never realized how one single act of kindness could be so meaningful. Sadly, she also said that some babies don't ever make it out of the NICU, and the blankets are then given to the parents as something tangible. Something they are able to take home, as a reminder of their baby. As sad as that may sound, it really does comfort a parent to know that their baby was wrapped in a cozy blanket during it's stay in the hospital, handmade lovingly by a blanketeer! Imagine, something that took you just hours to make, will comfort a grieving parent for the rest of their lives !

For the sick children, imagine how comforting it is to have their own, cozy blanket to see them through treatments. It really is a fantastic project. Even if you don't have a local chapter near you, you can still make a blanket, and donate it to your local hospital ! They have many patterns to choose from, whether you knit, crochet, or quilt. They even have a NO SEW fleece blanket you can make !

They have many patterns to choose from, whether you knit, crochet, or quilt.

AllPurposeKnittedAfghan Knit this fast and easy afghan. A favorite of blanketeers !

Crochet this BlanketPattern I made this one for my baby. Ironically, it's the pattern preferred by hospital staffers due to the closely crocheted stitches as it has "No Holes".

easypreemiequilt Quilt- A Colorful & animal print fabrics make this quilt fast and fun!

HappyHeartsQuiltBlock Quilt a pattern of Happy Hearts !

WheatEarsBabyAfghan Knit this beautiful baby afghan !

All patterns & links can be found here- http://www.projectlinus.org/links.html

Project Linus is geographically based. Check here for chapterlistings to see if a local chapter is in your area. If not, start your own, or simply make a blanket, and donate it to your local hospital. What a great way to give back to your community !

Project Linus has distributed over two million blankets to children in need since their inception in 1995 !