January 2021 Newsletter

January 2021 Newsletter

Dear Blanketeers, 

 

Wishing everyone good health, happiness, and return of old- fashioned social interaction.

 

    The last time we met as a group to make blankets was January 2020.  Our plan to meet in February was canceled by a huge snow-storm and from March to December you already know that story – the pandemic!  

     However, when there is a will there is a way.  The biggest part of our mission is to make and distribute security blankets to children in need of comfort.  Though we have missed the sharing, socializing, working together in groups for this entire past year, we have continued to carry on with the most important part of our mission.  We have adapted, donated, produced amazing blankets, and made deliveries to hundreds of children in need.

 

     Our Statistics for the year – 2643 comfort blankets - delivered to children of the county.

  

     Since our Salt Lake County chapter was founded by Kathy Marrow, in consort with Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church - a grand total of 27,966 blankets have been distributed.  

 

      Kristin Vance continued in the position of Coordinator when Kathy moved out of state.  Then the baton was passed to me – Millie - and with the capable assistance of Patsy Bueno we have kept moving on.  The challenge of this past year has involved individual and virtual communication with blanketeers.   Like all of you, we have learned to adapt to our challenges.

 

 

        “Pay It Forward”  - The new name for the police project - “Shop With A Cop"

        This picture is Officer Dustin Parks as he picks up the blankets that will be given to children.  The usual event involved officers picking up children, driving them to breakfast, taking them shopping at Walmart.  At that event they also received a Linus blanket.  

     In the face of “the virus”, the Unified Police had to find a new way to forge positive connections with children.  They contacted designated families, got a list of what the children wanted for Christmas, and then Walmart accumulated a package for each child (which included one of our blankets.)    Then on the 20^th of December, the cars drove through the parking lot, and the officers gave the gift packages.  

     We are so proud to be able to support this project again this year.

                                        Blanket Requirements

 

       This article may seem like “preaching to the choir” as all of you who subscribe to this blog already know the expectations for our blankets.  However, now this blog is listed through the national office at projectlinus.org and shows it as a “web site.”  Therefore, people see who we are and begin to make blankets to contribute without contacting us first to find out what we require and what we need.  This often results in time wasted and products we cannot distribute.  

       For example – we distribute no fleece blankets with knots around the edges.  We also need tightly crocheted baby blankets to be done with no large spaces in which babies could get fingers caught.   

     If you are a person reading this message and you want to participate we welcome you.  However, please call or email in advance to slcprojectlinus@gmail.com  or call Millie at 801-656-9229 or Patsy at 435-630-4110.   

 

Happy 2021,     Millie and Patsy 

PL News - Thanksgiving and Christmas 2020

Hello Blanketeers

    Obviously I am a little late on the monthly communication - actually missed November altogether! I am writing you just in time to say Happy Thanksgiving.  And, of course to let you know how much we appreciate your amazing dedication to the project of making and giving security blankets to children.  

     The month of November has been very busy.  Patsy and I have been dropping off supplies to your homes and have been picking up finished blankets from front porches and drop sites. You all have contributed huge numbers of blankets and we were able to deliver to kids -318 so far.
                             Kearns Elementary School Project

                        

Here pictured are Kyndal, Katelan and Madeleine as they are picking up the van load of blankets for the children's project they are planning for every student in their elementary school.  I backed off 6 feet and they took off their masks for the picture.  

Note of Appreciation 

     I received a lovely thank-you note and picture from Karen Pendleton that I wanted to share with you. She received a blanket for her baby and she says:       

    "We were in the hospital longer than expected and the warm blanket Margaret made kept our little guy warm day after day  We are grateful; it's such a beautiful blanket. Thanks you for taking the time; it will be treasured as the blanket from a loving friend" 

                     And Now About Christmas:

    Our usual Christmas celebration and luncheon would ordinarily have been enjoyed own December 7th the first Monday in December.   But...not this year.  Our Saviour's Lutheran Church where we have always  met each month, is still closed.  Also most of us are still staying home and not gathering in groups at the present time.  For most of us it will be the quietest and smallest Christmas celebration in our histories.  

     I urge you to send your Christmas messages to one another.  We all look forward to being able to gather again soon.  In the meantime stay safe, and know that you are appreciated and loved.  

     December is the "month of giving" and our National Headquarters has asked chapters to communicate their need for donations.  You can contact me if you wish to donate.  

   Hugs and good wishes,    Millie and Patsy

     

  October Project Linus News 

Dear Blanketeers, 

      Thanks always for your continuing work

            It seems that volunteers never forget their selfless devotion to children in need, even when times are challenging for us all. 

             Our sincere thanks to all of you who continue to work and produce beautiful hand-made blankets for children.  There are so many of you out there continuing the work.   

And, surprising enough, many have come forward to participate who are anxious to become active in our project. We have many new contributors who have reached us by email and phone.  Patsy and I have sent instructions and patterns and have picked up their blankets at drop off sites.  

            Also, thanks to those of you who contribute money, label, package and deliver blankets.

Special Thanks to Barbara Brae, long time participating blanketeer, for the very generous donation she arranged for, from her employer – Yardi Systems. 

 

            Maybe you need a new T Shirt

      You can order Project Linus T-shirts, women’s style as well as men’s.  The link is here if you want to see them and/order them.  There is also a polo jacket available.  www.projectlinusshop.org    

 

                                        Letters of Thanks

Received a touching letter from Susi who mailed two beautiful crocheted baby blankets from Texas.  She says:  

      “Please accept these in memory of my mother and my sister.  I hope the Children 

       and families who receive these enjoy them for many years to come.”

 

Looking forward to Fall weather

Hugs to all,  Millie and Patsy 

August Newsletter 2020

 

Hello Blanketeers,

 

    Apologies for not getting in touch with all of you earlier in the month by blog.  Just want to assure you that the work is going on.  Blankets are coming in from many of you who are staying home and using that home time to sew.  Wonderful blankets have been submitted over the past month.  Patsy and I have been able to keep up our distribution at the same level as before corona virus trapped us all.  We simply have a new way of functioning.

    We have been happy to pick up from the porches of blanket makers to collect the amazing blankets they have been creating.  They have been labeled, packaged, and delivered to children all over the Wasatch front.  

 

     For example, the Children’s Justice Center in West Jordan has received blankets and has  been especially appreciative in recognizing your work on their face book page.  Your blankets are given to the children who experience the traumatic forensic examinations.  The comfort of the security blanket at this stressful time in their lives is especially important.  A picture from their face book page here: 

 

Maybe you were close to the accidental plane crash into a house in West Jordan.  We were asked by the coordinator in Virginia to be sure that the 3-year old boy (Cody) who survived that crash would get a blanket.  That was done and I hope it gives him some comfort as he recovers from the burns he sustained.   

 

We are looking forward to seeing all of you sometime soon and meeting together soon.  Missing our fun days chatting, looking over each other’s work, and generally socializing.  Sometime soon we hope.  In the meantime, keep up the important work.  Rest assured that our mission is still successful, and we are all devoted to helping kids cope by making sure they have a security blanket to cuddle with. 

Hugs,  Millie and Patsy

July 2020 Newsletter Project Linus 

Hello Blanketeers,

    Wishing you all good health and patience to deal with our new way of living safely.  Nobody wants to be sick!  

                                                The New Protocol For Quilting

     If you want to do something bad enough you can surely find a way to make it happen.  That’s what I have learned about quilters.  Usually part of quilting guilds is to spend time sewing together in close proximity.  Obviously, they can’t do that at this time of pandemic.  So, here is what “Sweet Charity Sisters”, who donate to Project Linus, have worked out.

    They gather in sets of 10 on a given day at a large home. Then they are sent to separate quilt frames that are set in separate locations.  Two go to the deck, two go to the lawn, two go to the family room, and two go to the front room, and two work in the basement area.  Of course - they all wear masks and wash hands regularly.  Usually they would have lunch together, but have had to give that part up.  I will be picking up their second batch of quilts next week. Thank you Claudeen Luckart and Sharon Allred and all your quilters.  

                                     Service Projects for Kids

     When school is out and recreation sites are in limited safe access, it is difficult to keep children occupied.   Jackie Cohen, who is one of our regular and active blanketeers, had a great idea.  She had them make blankets.   Last week her daughter, Michele, was in town with her two foster children.  She wanted to impress the lesson of doing service for children who are less fortunate, ill, or in need of a security blanket.  And also, Antonisha who is 7 and Anthony who is 6 needed to have a fun project.  And don’t they look like they are having fun?!   

                                    Business as Usual  

     Thanks to all of you blanketeers for finding ways to continue to make blankets and send them through Project Linus.  In June we received 217 blankets in and distributed 216.  We are so proud of all of you for your continued effort. 

Stay safe, 

Millie and Patsy 

SlC Chapter Project Linus June 4, 2020

Hello Blanketeers,

                                    Our Uncertain Times

      Yes, these are difficult times.  But as our national organization director says: “The need for blankets continues and in fact may be greater now than ever before.”  Dropping them off at usual sites has become difficult as many of the stores have been closed.  Also some locations that we deliver to usually, are temporarily closed or operating under restrictions on what can be accepted at the site.  

    Patsy and I are coordinating that distribution effort and most of you are aware of what we accept and how to get it to us.  If you are not sure about any of this please contact Millie or Patsy before making blankets for our chapter.  We can let you know specifications and needs before you begin a project.

    Please continue to make blankets as you are able.  We will help you with fabric and will arrange drop off and pick up with you.  

Blanket Types

     Sine we are not able to meet in large areas together, we have not been getting our usual number of the fringe fleece blankets.  If you have a large space to work at home on fringe fleece, contact us for instructions and perhaps we will have enough fabric to supply your project.

                          Staying Safe - And Working Together

     Since I (Millie) have a large outside deck to work on this is something I tried that worked out really well for kids that need to be occupied as well as for us who need blankets finished.

I prepared the fleece and did the cutting.  Then on a lovely day I had my little great grandkids over.  They are grades  K – 1st – 3rd and 5^th;  and I have not been able to spend time with them for months.  I wore my mask by the way.  I served them lunch outside and then each one finished a blanket – the part where they push the fringe thru the holes.  They were so proud that they could make something for a child less fortunate than themselves.  

                      Here are the proud kids:  Phoenix,Emillia,Valiant and Bravery

                          Riverton Blanket Group

      Jackie Cohen has organized another parking lot “meet-up” set for June 26^th.  She will coordinate directly with you about time and place.  Thanks to Jackie is overdue.  Her effort is huge and your Riverton Group is very productive.  

     The tradition of quilting and sewing as a social event is missing from our lives right now.  We all miss spending time, working and sharing together in the group setting.  But, please keep in touch and let us know what you need to keep on sewing, knitting, crocheting and getting things out to kids in crisis.  

     You are an amazing and productive group of blanketeers.  Your efforts have not been halted, only made less social.  We all look forward to seeing you somewhere else than on Zoom!  

     

Sending love and hugs,

Millie and Patsy

Project Linus News – May – 2020 

Dear Blanketeers,

     Thank you for your amazing continued work through the weeks and weeks of the pandemic. Obviously, the quilting groups have not been able to meet together, but quilts have still been coming in.  We all miss the social part of getting together with our friends and creating beautiful quilts and blankets for kids.  But you know how to create these gifts for kids and you have been doing just that on your own.   Patsy and I have been distributing them.  Also, Jackie Cohen has been successfully doing tail gate “meet-ups” with blanketeers in the parking lot of Riverton Senior Center.  

     The need is still there for security blankets.  Recently there has been an increased need in battered women’s shelters, in homeless family shelters, as well as for Refugees.  

     I was thrilled to get a call from St. Marks NICU yesterday asking for baby blankets.  Things are beginning to open in safe ways, so let’s not be discouraged.  We are all learning to do what is necessary in different ways than we used to do them. 

    We will not be able to meet in June at OSLC as the church is not open yet.  Please keep in touch and let us know if you need anything to work on or if you need your blankets picked up.  We can do that without face to face contact and without putting anyone in danger of the virus. 

     It is important work that you do for children.  Thank you for everything you have done.  

 Hope to see you all face to face soon.   

Millie and Patsy

March 2020 PL Newsletter

  HI BLANKETEERS     

     February 3^rd we woke up to amazing crippling snow.  We followed the lead of all the schools in the valley and we called a “snow day” time out from blanket day.   I was able to send a notice via email to everyone in our google group that morning.  If we ever have to cancel a blanket day I will always send a notice thru google groups. 

    Though we missed our time together, we were able to get in touch with almost everyone individually during the next few days after the snow.  The blankets came in and the blankets went out as usual.  We delivered 217 blankets.  

  Blanket Making Days for March 

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church – Monday March 2^nd – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Riverton Senior Center – Friday March 27^th – 9:30 to noon

   Of course, everyone is invited to join us on either or both days.  Please come and enjoy.

             The Circle of Helping and Generous Hands

      Blanketeer, Jackie Cohen, pointed out an interesting sequence of events that started with an “in kind” donation and then passed thru several sets of hands. Finally ended up as blankets for children. Here is how it happened:

      Bernadette Turner, who belongs to an active local quilting group , Quilts for Kids ,found that she had excess flannel fabric.  Since she only uses quilt cotton, she offered the flannel to Jackie who picked up a carload of fabric.  Pictured here. 

Jackie then sorted the fabric and matched a dozen or so flannel pieces together to be used for the fronts and backs of receiving blankets. 

    Then the fabric was taken to JoAnn Hurst who happened recently to offer free of charge hem stitching service to our chapter.  Now the edges of the matched pieces were ready to be crocheted.   

     From there the crochet work was done by other blanketeers and the fabric became beautiful artful receiving blankets such as the one pictured here.  Unique and lovingly made gifts for babies in the NICU are the outcome of this chain of generosity.

                   “Knit and Crochet Along”

Again this year PL Headquarters is sponsoring this event.   You can participate and receive the info by going to projectlinus.org and clicking on the event link.  You will receive the pattern for the quilt and the steps to completion monthly.  Register before March 7^th.   Your registration fee of $15.00 for the project will be credited to our chapter if you identify us as the recipient.   Have fun!  

Thanks for all you do and best wishes for a Happy Spring,    

Millie and Patsy

February 2020 PL Newsletter 

Hello Blanketers,

Our year 2020 is off to a great start.  We have already had two successful blanket making days. The depleted shelves from the Christmas rush are beginning to fill up again.  

Blanket making days for February:

February 3^rd – Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (or as long as you want to stay)

February 28^th – Riverton Senior Center – 9:30 am to noon

SOME NEW DEVELOPMENTS:

A volunteer – JoAnn Hurst - has agreed to do hemstitching for us free of charge!   So now the people who have been paying $4.00 for every receiving blanket to be stitched will be able to experience some financial relief.  Thanks so very much JoAnn.  

A volunteer, Dani Vaughn, has donated more yarn.  I do have quite a bit and you are welcome to come and shop at my house if you would like to choose some yarn.

JoAnn Fabric stores have agreed with PL Headquarters to place a drop box for our donations near their front door.  This will be very convenient for people dropping off finished blankets and for us to pick them up. Remember we only drop to JoAnns on 33^rd South and the one on Redwood Road.

Recently one of our regular blanketeers, Karen Langley, has been doing extra duty and assisting Patsy and me with the labeling process.  Thank you so much Karen.

Every blanket submitted to our chapter is inspected for quality, condition, and appropriateness for children.  Then it receives our label and is packaged with a card to identify the creator of it.  Granted, it’s a lot of work.  But….then the rewarding thing about this is that we get to see – up close and personal – all of your amazing and creative blankets.  

Why we do what we do:

When Liam broke his arm, the only thing he wanted with him at the hospital (where he had to stay all night) was his Bronco’s blanket!

Thanks to all blanketeers, whether you label, sew, package, deliver, shop, fringe, crochet, quilt, donate, or just smile at us as we work. 

Millie and Patsy