From the Mailbox

Thank you blanketeers for all that you do to provide comfort and security to a child in need.  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...

These thank you notes were sent to National HQ.  No specific chapter was named--just a thank you to all.

I received a blanket from this project when I was 16. I had attempted suicide. I sleep with this blanket every night and it reminds me of my recovery and how far I've come. Thank you for all that you do. It makes the biggest difference.

~ ~ ~

I received a Project Linus blanket when I was twelve, back in 2007. To this day it brings me lots of comfort and I couldn't sleep without it. Now that I'm older, I really appreciate all the kind hands that went into making my blanket. Thank you for what you do, it truly helped me survive.

Thank you so much for donating blankets to our local children's hospital!

My son received one when undergoing surgery this week. He has special needs and gets very anxious, but the blanket is soothing to him. He loves it and has been using it all during his recovery. He is 9 years old. We talked about how someone made that blanket especially for him to help him feel better. It has clearly been a great comfort to him.

I just wanted to write a thank you to whomever left a blanket for my son last night while in the hospital. My son Giovanni is 18 days old today, and last week we found out that he was born with DiGeorge Syndrome which is a partial deletion of the 22nd chromosome. It has an ongoing list of features, varying from heart defects to immune system problems, to mild facial features. He is only 4lbs 11oz, but he is the strongest little boy I've ever seen. Last night he had to have emergency surgery for a hernia, which is another feature of the DiGeorge Syndrome. When my son was in the recovery room someone left a blanket on his car seat. Neither my husband nor myself were in the room at the time, so we weren't able to meet or thank whomever left it. Walking into the room and seeing the blanket gave me a sense of comfort- so not only did it warm my son, it helped me as well. So, thank you for your wonderful program.

 

Dear Ms. Holmes,

     I was informed that the Linus Project donated blankets to the participants (elementary age children) in our literacy program Read and Feed which takes place in their neighborhood every week.  They were thrilled to receive something so warm on the cold, chilly night last evening turn out to be!

     Please extend my staff's appreciation to all involved.

Kim

Kimberly Lillig, LCSW

School Social Worker

East Cary Middle School

Carpenter Elementary School

Coordinator,  Regional Hispanic Team

Dear Susie AND blanketeer extraordinaire, Ms. Kathleen Vockeroth!! (Please fwd to this wonderful woman, if you can!)

We wanted to extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all of you that are a part of Project Linus!!! We were blown away with gratitude!!

Late last night, my husband rushed our 6 year old daughter to the ER  with major breathing difficulties, spiked fever, rapid heartbeat and severe cough that came out of nowhere.  It was really scary and time stood still...until it was determined she was going to be ok. At some point in this very stressful time at the hospital for both my daughter and husband, a wonderful gift was given to my daughter - her new favorite blanket! 

When she was finally discharged around 4:30am, our very sick and exhausted little 6 yr old daughter came running to me to show me what she received for being such a good patient at the hospital and said "I want to sleep with this forever!" Her words say it all and wanted to let you know what comfort it brought to her. The blanket is perfect in every way- down to the colors and patchwork pieces (especially the sparkly fabric ones!). What a comfort it served to her thru all the tests and xrays!!!! And what a blessing to us as her parents.

Thank you so very much for this amazing way to give to the little ones. These blankets DO make a difference and am forever thankful, especially to you - Ms. Vockeroth!

With sincere gratitude,

Ann and Mike H.

Blankets came from all across the country to comfort the students of Chardon High School after the tragic shooting incident there in February 2012.  This is a thank-you from the Project Linus coordinator in Cleveland, Ohio...

Thanks to everyone who sent blankets to help cover the Chardon High School kids in love. Thanks also to those who weren't able to send blankets, but sent along their care and concern in their thoughts and prayers.

The response was AMAZING!!!!!! We had well over 1100 blankets piled high on long tables in the gym. Kids came into the gym in groups, and with our volunteers were helped to pick out a blanket of their choice. Some picked right away, some took a good long time trying to spot the perfect one. But everyone went away happy. The teachers commented that the kids were smiling! One added - even the boys!

I've received lots of thank you notes. The kids "wore" the blankets home on the bus. One math teacher let the kids make blanket tents and take their team tests in their tents. Parents mentioned the kids wrapped in their blankets on the weekend. Most of the notes mentioned not just their own happiness, but the joy of everyone!

When I talked to Carol initially about what we could do, she assured me we could cover all the kids, saying, "This is what we do." She's right! This IS what we do and it's WHY we do what we do.

Thanks to all of you for what you do every day!

Mary Ellen
Cleveland Ohio Area

I am 17 years old and I recently had brain surgery, and while I was in the hospital I received a blanket. I wanted to say thank you so much for what this organization is doing. It gave me the feeling that I was cared about, and that each and everyone matters. I hope I can help others feel the same way.

Caroline

Dear Susie,

We received a generous donation of blankets from your chapter of Project Linus. Those blankets are going to children of deployed soldiers and I am certain they will provide comfort and warmth as they await their parent’s return. Thank you and all of your volunteers for your time and generous spirit.

Diana Wright
Family Readiness Support Assistant
264^th Combat Sustainment
Support Battalion
Fort Bragg, NC

We received a large delivery of blankets today at WakeMed North.  I wanted to thank you for such a wonderful gift.  We truly enjoy handing out such beautiful creations to our patients.  I have seen the eyes of a sick child or an elderly patient twinkle when receiving a blanket.

We have several quilters among us and also enjoy admiring your handiwork.  As a quilter myself I especially appreciate the love and hard work that goes into creating each blanket.

Thank you for all your effort.

Sincerely,
Melodie Goswick, RN BSN CEN
Clinical Educator/Supervisor
Emergency Department
WakeMed North Healthplex
10000 Falls Of Neuse Road
Raleigh, NC 27614

Hi,

My name is Crystal and my son Caleb recently had a visit to the emergency room. The nurse gave Caleb one of your blankets and he loves it. It really comforted him during the long hours that we were in the hospital. This was a week ago and he still sleeps with it and carries it around everywhere.

My mother sees how this blanket effected Caleb and now she really wants to get involved to help other children. How can she get information?

Thank you.

Fifty blankets were sent to the TAPS bereavement camp for children who are grieving the loss of a family member who served in the military...

Hi Susie,

     I want to thank you again for the beautiful blankets for our kiddos!!! We were able to provide every kid at our Fort Bragg camp and Fort Campbell camp with a blanket. The kids are matched up one-on-one with a soldier or a marine for the entire weekend to be a mentor to the child. They become their "big brother" or "big sister" and keep in touch with the kid even after the camp is over. On the last day of the camp, we set all the blankets out on a table and had ONLY the mentors come in and pick out a blanket for their kid. The mentor then presents the blanket to the kid and tells them why they chose that blanket. This is something the kids love because it is a comfort reminder of the huge support system they had throughout the weekend.

     Thank you so very much for making this possible for our kiddos and mentors!!!!

Sheri Beck
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

 

Susie,

I just wanted to thank you & your workers who donated, sewed and handcrafted the "provide security thru blankets"! My daughter went to North Wake Hospital located on Falls of Neuse Road on Tuesday Morning and mentioned she was cold and they provided her with the most beautiful blanket I've ever seen and it made her feel so much better just knowing that other people care when you are sick. She had a very serious sinus infection and lung congestion which with meds and great nurses and doctors care - she is on the way to recovery but most of all the beautiful blanket that was given to her at her lowest point of illness.

Please pass the on and also if you would send the address where your chapter is so we can make a donation so someone else also can receive just a wonderful gesture of love!!

Dear Susie,

When my now 5 year-old was admitted to the hospital at 4 days old and stayed for a week we got a blanket at Big Wake. And when she was admitted at 6 weeks with meningitis, we got one too. I loved it as a parent and it has stuck with me.

Yesterday, my 2 year-old needed stitches on her forehead.  We went to North Wake, and she was a mess, and crying non-stop. A nurse brought her a blanket and she clung to it for dear life. She even wanted to be covered by it in the car even though it had gotten so hot yesterday. And she took it to bed last night. It was amazing to see what comfort it brought to her. And it prompted me to get in touch :)

Thanks!
 

Susie,

Thank you for the blankets--I will be giving the smaller ones to Hilltop Home, the medium to the Boys and Girls Club of Wake County, and the larger ones to the Tammy Lynne Center. I really think the volunteers for Project Linus get as excited as the children--especially with the wide variety and the love that went into each. I know I have a great time looking at the patterns and styles.

Carolyn

Susie,

The blankets you selected and sent are absolutely gorgeous—they are a perfect blend for all of the ages we serve. Unpacking them I could immediately feel the joy they will bring to our clients and how excited they will be! There is such diversity. Thanks to you and Irene and of course all the generous craftspeople for your compassion!

Thanks again and I will be in touch in the near future,

Molly F.
Child and Teen Grief Counselor
Horizons Grief Center, a division of Hospice of Wake County

Blankets were delivered to a 4 year old boy who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor, and his 8 year old sister who is understandably upset.  This note is from their grandmother...

Susie,

As I'm sure you'll understand I am a bit overwhelmed at this point, but I wanted to let you know the blankets have been a big hit with Benjamin and his big sister, Colette.  Please pass on this story:

Benjamin came home yesterday with the blanket you all gave him.  As we drove home he asked me for "minestrone soup".  I didn't even know he knew what that was.  We stopped and got him some.  When we got home he asked me if I would read him a book.  So I microwave the soup and got a book.  We sat on the floor with cups of minestrone and him wrapped in his blanket.  I asked him why he wanted a book and minestrone soup.  He told me that on the Disney channel Goofy was sick and Minnie Mouse made Goofy "Minnie-strone" soup and read him a book as he was wrapped in a blanket.  The blanket, book, and soup made him "ALL BETTER".  So right now, Benjamin is again wrapped in the blanket, sipping Minniestrone soup and says he feels better already.

Benjamin is wrapped in love.

Susie, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you. My 11 yr. old daughter was admitted to Rex hospital in October after emergency surgery for what we thought was a staph infection in her knee. We were all nervous and she was scared to be away from her bed and home. As soon as we got into her room after the surgery someone from the hospital arrived with a care package from you guys. The pillows and the blanket were a great source of comfort to her during her stay at Rex. This morning when I was making her bed I spread out her afghan, from you guys, across the bottom of her bed. She loves the blanket and has had it on her bed everyday since the hospital. Thank you for making these blankets and pillows. Hers is much loved!

Dear ladies,
    I am a PICU nurse at WakeMed in Raleigh, NC. I wanted to thank you on behalf of my patients, their parents, and my fellow nurses. It is such a good feeling to be able to use your blankets in my work of helping critically ill children. The blankets make a scary, sterile, hospital setting more cheerful and welcoming for a sick child. They light up the face of a mom whose child has been on a ventilator for days when she comes in the room and sees her child wrapped in your love!  Thank you all.

 

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!