After the Storm

"Superstorm" Sandy wreaked havoc along the eastern United States, and the need for blankets far surpassed the number available in the devastated areas.  A call went out from Project Linus headquarters to all chapters, and blankets were sent from all over the country to Project Linus chapters in the northeast. The Raleigh chapter sent 200 blankets--thank you to all of the blanketeers who helped make this possible!

Here are excerpts from notes received from the chapter coordinators:

      I took the blankets out of the shipping boxes, refolded them if needed, and stacked them in heavy duty clear plastic bags. I've tried to keep chapter blankets together in a bag, but some bags are a combo of chapters. Each bag is attached with a tag that explains how the blankets should - and shouldn't - be used, but also has lines to add the number of blankets and where they came from. When I brought the blankets to the donation/distribution center, the people who I spoke to & who knew I was coming, were so amazed at how beautiful the blankets were that they put them in an office and called all the staff in to see them. One question asked several times was, "where on earth did you find all these wonderful women?" I pointed to the tags & showed them the different chapters! They all read the tag explaining how the blankets should be used & then looked at the PL pamphlet. They guaranteed that each and every blanket would find its way to a child and more than a few staff members voiced that they could feel the love coming from all of you and yes, a few got choked up! These are the volunteers - imagine how the families will feel!

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      The blankets are coming in in force! I've already received blankets from PA, NC, GA, and SC!! I also had the true pleasure of meeting Arlene K. and her husband who drove up from MD to deliver blankets to me! There are several wonderful, amazing things I've experienced with all that has happened such as being overjoyed in knowing there are SO MANY wonderful, loving people in this organization,and seeing all of these beautiful blankets from all over the country all together in my home and knowing that my home will be emptied very quickly because the need is so great! -(I can't really explain how amazing the sight of all of them together is, but it really is amazing!)It has been such a pleasure for me to see all the beautiful blankets from all over,and I've learned so many new things about different ways to make blankets (I never thought of crocheting around the little squares of fleece that get cut off of the fleece blankets and then putting them together like a crocheted granny square blanket!), packaging them, etc!
      I'm getting ready to head down the shore to deliver the blankets. Everyone I spoke to is eager to receive them. I've been told by a few, who do understand these blankets are for the children, that they can use as many as we can give them. I haven't asked for more - you all have your own chapters to worry about and you've all already given so much - but if any of you still want to send blankets, I know they will be welcomed and used!
      Thank you all so much!! I hope you all have a peaceful, happy Thanksgiving! I know this year when I sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, I have a great deal to be thankful for!!

Marianne McCarthy
South Jersey Chapter