The Project Linus Chapter of Wake County, NC was started in 1996 by Susie Holmes. Over 50,000 blankets have been delivered to many local groups and agencies that help seriously ill or traumatized children who need a HUG from a blanket including: Wake Med Hospitals, Rex Hospital, Duke Hospital NICU, Safe Space (for children of abused women receiving support), Hospice (for their Reflections program for grieving children and teens), Make a Wish Foundation, the children at Salvation Army, Children's Flight of Hope, and Wake County Social Services.



Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Knit-a-Thon a Success

We had a successful day at our Knit-a-Thon, with 10 blanketeers joining in the fun. We raised $500 for Project Linus from sponsors and $15 from the sale of goods.

Our thanks go to Karissa Brinkley for hosting this event, to Coats and Clark for the donation of yarn, to Glover Printing for printing posters and handouts and to the UPS store for duplicating.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Do you ever wonder...

...what happens to a blanket that you have donated to Project Linus?  You may never know about the child that cuddles one of your blankets, or the situation that brought about the need for a comforting "blanket hug".  Occasionally we do receive notes that tell us how special your handmade blankets are.  If you ever doubt that you are making a difference, read the letters below...

Hello,

I just wanted to write and thank you for the beautiful quilt that was given to my three year old last night at the N. Wake ER.  We thought he might have swallowed a small toy since he choked on part of it after he put in his mouth.  We were all very frightened.   He was terrified of being in the ER and then a beautiful quilt with bright colors and little lizards all over it was brought out to him.  He shifted attention to it and it made the whole incident much easier to deal with.

I wanted to cry when I saw the handiwork and craftsman(woman)ship that went into making this beautiful quilt.  From the careful selection of fabrics, to the design, and the many hours it must have taken to create.  To think that someone would do something that kind for a frightened child they will never meet, filled my heart with a great feeling of humanity.

I think your program is wonderful and I was wondering if there was any way possible to personally thank the wonderful person who made it?  Also, we were amazed by the size of the quilt!  It was large enough to use on a bed.  It is truly one of the most memorable gifts my son has ever received and I will always be touched by the generosity of the lovely soul who did something to ease the pain of a small frightened child.

The main colors were teal, yellow, green and red and like I said it had some lizards on it and little parts of it said "Wild Thing" on it.  My son loved it and I would love to tell them personally how much my son and my husband and I appreciate the time, effort, and love that went into it.  I have not seen such a pure act of love in a long time, it chokes me up!

Thanks very much for your help and for ALL that you do.  I am so happy to know there are people like you and your fellow blanketeers out there in the world and I KNOW the world is better place because of it.

A Heartfelt Thanks
Wake Forest, NC

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear Susie,

My friend Gillian called this morning to tell me that the quilts had been delivered to Eileen. When Gillian went to the home, she explained what Project Linus did, and when they opened the box Eileen said, "How did the woman know?" All the quilts/fleeces were perfect! The surf board went to the one that just got a boogy board for Christmas, the yellow and green one went to the daughter whose favorite color is yellow. And the skate board one went to the one who loves to skate. All four of them went to exactly to the right child! It brought happiness for a moment into their home.

The weather was very cold that day and rainy. Eileen's mother came over after the funeral and was very sad and cold. Gillian and Eileen wrapped her up in one of the quilts and made her a cup of tea. The woman started to cry again. All three of them could not believe that someone would take the time to read about the family online and find the right blanket for each child! You rock!

So I hope this brightens your cold cold day ...

Cheers,
Sarah

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hello,

Two years ago this week, my son was born six weeks prematurely.  I had pre-eclampsia and my organs were starting to fail, so he was delivered early.  He weighed only 3.8 pounds and was so tiny, as he didn't get enough blood supply from me.  His "Linus" blanket was so sweet and adorable and is something he still treasures.

When we were in Rex Hospital, I felt so honored when they rolled my son, Bobby, into my room wrapped in one of your Project Linus blankets.  I’d heard of you and it made us feel so special.  I’m keeping it for when he’s grown up, but he still likes it.  I guess it’s been with him from the beginning so it feels special.

When he was born early, I was so scared, but I had to smile when I saw the blanket.  It was God touching us with that very appropriate blanket.  I just want you all to know how much I appreciate that.  Today, Bobby has completely "caught up" and is an active, normal toddler.  He turned two on Saturday.  We are so blessed and are better because of Project Linus.

Thanks again!

Friday, March 5, 2010

March Knit-a-Thon

On Saturday March 20th, we will be holding our first Project Linus Wake County Chapter Knit-a-Thon at the Diapering Doula, a children’s clothing and diapering store at 4109 Grace Park Drive, Morrisville, North Carolina.

There are many ways to take part in all the fun.

- Come to the Knit-a-Thon, bring your knitting or crochet and enjoy yourself
- Get sponsorship from family and friends and donate the money to Project Linus
- Donate materials such as yarn, fabric or fleece to our ongoing blanketeers


For full details for this event, click here. You can also download a sponsorship form.


The Knit-a-Thon will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and you can attend for all day or part of the day. If you are planning to attend, please sign up with Vickie Kloster. If you have any questions, please contact Janet Rapp

We will have some yarn available which has been donated by Coats and Clark, or you can bring along your own yarn, previously made squares, or ongoing project.

Whatever you do, come and enjoy the fun.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Thank You Blanketmakers!

Dear Project Linus Blanketmakers,

            Thank you all so much for your hard work on Make a Blanket Day last Saturday. We finished well over 300 blankets and have many more ready to label. I’m about to go deliver the first batch to Wake Med right now. Our chapter has now delivered over 17,600 blankets to comfort children in our area. Please know that we could never do any of this without the kindness of all of you.

            Special thanks to Deanna Winick, who works hard on MABD all year round.

            Our next big event is for knitters and crocheters. The Knit-A-Thon will be Saturday, March 20 from 10-6 in Morrisville. More details will be posted later – come on out!!

Many thanks,
Susie Holmes
Project Linus Coordinator, Raleigh

P.S.  Thanks also to Pam Wilson for sharing her photos of Make A Blanket Day.  Click here to visit her website and see what a great time we had!