Newsletter - October 2014

Dear Blanketeers,

Welcome fall!  Has anyone had a chance to drive through the canyons?  I couldn't believe how the colors are so quickly changing!  What a beautiful time of year!

North Valley blanket day will be held, Monday, October 6th from 10:00am until about 2:00pm.  Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 2500 E 3900 S, Holladay.  We have a wonderful group - we hope you can join us!

Service Sunday—“God’s Work - Our Hands”

         Once a year several Salt Lake valley protestant churches gather together to give service to the community in as many ways as they can.  One of the ways this year was to make blankets for Project Linus to be given to the Maliheh Free Clinic.  The clinic offers medical care to people who have neither insurance nor the ability to pay. 

      Pictured here are some of the volunteers who purchased materials and donated their time on that Sunday.   There is a happiness and satisfaction in giving and in knowing that someone in crisis or in need will be given a cuddly hug in the form of a Project Linus beautiful blanket.      

                            

Blanketeer Spotlight   ----   Linda Kesler

       Utah born and raised, Linda Kesler, is a devoted Project Linus volunteer.  Her early years were spent in Bingham Canyon and she later went to school in Sandy.   As a girl, her family always loved music and encouraged her and her brother to play.   She played the clarinet in the school band and orchestra.  She has two daughters and four grandchildren.  Must also mention her two cats, Kati and Kali. 

    

      Her friends, Carol Holmes and Shirley Geary, recruited her to Project Linus four years ago, and she has been making blankets ever since.  Her aunt taught her to crochet and embroider, so it was fun for her to pick it up again in later years.

     Linda has had an impressive career of 29 years of service as a nurse.  She first earned her LPN and worked at Holy Cross Hospital.  Later, with the help of a program called “Upward Mobility”, she was assisted by the V. A. hospital in earning her RN degree.    

     Linda still enjoys music and sings in the church choir.  She also paints with water- color, makes jewelry, and enjoys meeting with the “Red Hat” ladies.   Our chapter is pleased to enjoy Linda’s company and appreciative of her talent and contributions.  

        

              Sharing the purpose and meaning of  “Project Linus” with children

      Laura Nixon of Herriman, Utah planned several craft projects in which her family members could participate at their annual Nixon family reunion.  Pictured here are her niece  and nephew showing off the quilts that they worked on.  Laura planned the experience so quilts could be completed in the single day.  She cut the fabric and batting in advance to have it ready so the kids could have the “hands on” experience of tying the quilts.     

     How nice that kids can learn to give, and to help other little ones who need the hug of a cuddly blanket.  Thanks Laura!

We picked up some very nice quilts at Quilts, Etc and have no idea who made them!  If you leave blankets at one of our drop offs, please leave us a note!  

A blanket making reminder...

We love all kinds and types of blankets that are new and homemade in kid friendly prints, in soft and washable fabrics.  Here is a tip for afghans...

Please use small knitting needles or crochet hooks and soft yarn to make preemie/baby afghans.  Litle fingers and toes, and medical instruments, can get caught in big stitches.  Please use soft washable yarns, we are unable to accept blankets with wool or wool blends (due to allergies and washability).  If you prefer using larger size crochet hooks or knitting needles, please consider making bigger afghans in larger child and teen sizes.  Weave in all yarn ends on crocheted and knitted afghans, do not just tie and cut them off since yarn stretches and knots may come apart on your wonderful work!

Thank you to everyone who contributes to our chapter.  It's been a great year!  We know that some specific requests for blankets come in for the holidays and special events, so we are working hard to meet everyone's requests in our distribution.  Your continued support allows us to distribute and provide for many children in Salt Lake County.  All of our blanketeers make an impact.  Thank you for your part!

We hope to see you soon!

Millie & Kristin

email:slcprojectlinus@gmail.com