Blankets are a source of warmth, comfort, and protection for people all ages, all over the world. As a sixteen-year-old, I still sleep with my baby blanket from when I was younger every single night and I’m really not ashamed. In fact, I’m quite proud of how good of shape it’s in, and I know that I can rest easy whenever it’s resting on my cheek. While I am lucky to sleep soundly at night with my blanket, there are many kids who don’t have the same luxury. One organization is working to change that.

Project Linus is an organization that takes hand-made blankets and donates them to children all over the country who are in need of love. Blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug.

Their mission is as follows:

• "FIRST: Provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
• SECOND: Provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities"

Project Linus is comprised of nearly 400 chapters across the United States. All are directed by volunteers who work from their homes. More than 5,850,380 blankets have been delivered since 1995.

I first heard about this organization in middle school as the head of my student council charity team. I felt a strong connection to my blanket, and I had always helped my Nana make knot blankets for fun, so when I heard about Project Linus, I figured, why not get my classmates involved, too? I worked out the funds, had a few instructional meetings, and during our lunches, a group of kids would come in and make knot blankets to be donated to our local chapter. It was through this simple act of cutting and tying fabric that I really saw compassion in its purest form. My friends, who had lunches to eat right outside of the door, would come inside and help create of lasting love something for someone out there who needed it. It was selfless and generous, and it inspired me.

For those who don't know how to make blankets by sewing or knitting, a knot blanket is probably the easiest way to go. Instructions with pictures can be found below, as well as the link to an instructional video:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Tied...

The guidelines for donations as well as other ways to get involved can be found on the Project Linus website. With so many chapters all around the country, it shouldn't be hard to find one near-by you. I urge you to take time to make something that could one day end up bringing a child comfort, love, and hope. It will not only bring a child joy to hold the blanket you create, but hopefully, you will feel the same feeling of joy while taking time to make it for them.

http://www.projectlinus.org/