December Newsletter 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, in this newsletter, we reflect on the inspiring stories and milestones that have made this year so special.  Thanks to your unwavering support, we are on track to donate over 2,500 blankets this year, bringing comfort and warmth to children in need.

We are deeply grateful for each and every one of you who has contributed to the success of our chapter.  Your generosity and dedication make all the difference.

Wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday season, and a bright and hopeful New Year ahead!

Karen & Millie

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November Newsletter 2024

November Newsletter 2024

Welcome November, the month of giving thanks and counting our blessings.  I want to tell you how busy we've been making, receiving and delivering blankets again this month, but it's becoming our normal!  Again this month we've received and donated about 200 blankets.  We've received blankets from our regular dedicated blanketeers and have received donations from those wanting to give back.

As we embrace the spirit of giving thanks this month, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation to all of you.  Your support has made a tremendous difference, and in this newsletter we are excited to share an update on Smith's Inspiring Donations, messages we've received and pictures of some of our blanket donations.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Warm regards,

    Karen & Millie

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October Newsletter 2024

It's officially fall and we are gearing up for another busy holiday season.  We've already started receiving requests for information about our chapter from organizations wanting to participate in service projects throughout the holiday season and beyond.  Again this month we distributed almost as many blankets as we've received - averaging about 200 of each.  Keep up the good work!  

In this month's newsletter, we have a piece about Hearts Knit Together, one of the non-profits to which we donate and a little short story.  Enjoy!

Warm regards,

    Karen & Millie

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September Newsletter 2024

Here we are at the beginning of fall, kids are back in school, and our days are getting shorter and cooler.  In the past month, our blanketeers, Sweet Charity Sisters and anonymous donors have continued to create lovely blankets for us to donate to the local organizations that we support.  Again this last month we received over 200 blankets and donated over 200!  Thank you all!

In this month's newsletter we have information about a new organization to which we are donating, a story shared with me from Jackie Cohen, a special thank you and pictures of the many beautiful blanket creations from this past month.  

Warm regards,

Karen & Millie

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August Newsletter 2024

Here we are already in the dog days of summer...it's hot hot hot! 

This month we have received approximately 200 blankets and have donated approximately 200 blankets to local children in need.  We delivered blankets to the Salt Lake City Police Department to be distributed to children at their "Pay It Forward" event on August 17th.  We will be making another donation to them for their upcoming December event.

Thank you to all of our dedicated Blanketeers and to Sweet Charity Sisters for your generous donations this month.  We couldn't do what we do without all of your support.

A quick reminder to our dedicated quilters out there, please check and double check your quilts for stray pins.  Recently, HQ Project Linus received a complaint from a distraught mother whose child was stuck with a pin.  We check the blankets when labeling and packaging them, but ask that you check them prior to donation as well.

In this month's newsletter, read about a special journey our blankets took in June, get an update on our fundraising, read a special thank you, and view pictures of blankets donated to our cause.

Warm regards,

Karen & Millie

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July Newsletter 2024

 HAPPY JULY!

Although we are in the heat of the summer, we are still providing warm blanket hugs to local children in need.  This month we received almost 200 blankets and distributed 200 to the many organizations we serve.

In this month's newsletter we have some very exciting news about Project Linus reaching a major milestone, a highlight of a kid's camp who received our blankets and pictures from June's blanket day and potluck at Mountain Vista Methodist Church.

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Warm Regards,

Karen & Millie

June Newsletter 2024

 Welcome Summer!

As we welcome the warm summer days of June, let us not forget the children in need who cherish a blanket hug!  It's been another busy month for our chapter as we've received and produced many incredible blankets that were distributed to the various organizations we support.  We thank the groups who have donated blankets and heartfelt thanks to our committed blanketeers who month after month produce lovely blankets for distribution to local children. 

In this month's newsletter, we have an inspiring article from Jackie Cohen about a local junior high school sewing class, a highlight of a camp to whom we donated and a variety of pictures of blanket creations!

Reminder about upcoming blanket making days - 

The Mountain Vista Methodist Church group will meet Wednesday, June 19th, 1:00 - 3:00 for blanket making and potluck.

The Our Saviour Lutheran Church group will meet Monday, July 8th, 10:00 - 1:00.

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Happy summer, be safe, buckle up, wear a helmet, designate a water watcher, hydrate and have fun!

Karen & Millie

May Newsletter 2024

Happy May to all of you!

It's been a busy month for our chapter!  We have received 200 blankets and distributed 177 all thanks to our dedicated volunteers.  

In this month's newsletter, we'll share with you a blanket's journey after it's received, a special thank you note from a grandma, a story about "Sew Saturday" and information about Smith's Inspiring Donations.   

Click "read more" below to see the entire newsletter.

Thank you for visiting our blog and viewing our newsletter!

Warm regards,

Karen & Millie

April Newsletter 2024

 April Newsletter 2024

As April welcomes us with open arms, the air is filled with the sweet scent of cherry blossoms, heralding the arrival of spring - a season synonymous with rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings.  Mother Nature also treated us to a solar eclipse!

It's been a busy early spring for our Blanketeers.  In addition to the consistent blanket donations from our dedicated Blanketeers, the quilters at Mountain Vista Methodist Church and the quilters of Sweet Charity Sisters have generously donated many lovely quilts for our cause.  We are deeply grateful for their contributions that have made a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.

We are often asked, "Where do your blankets go?"  Over the past month, we have distributed approximately 180 blankets to children in need through the following organizations:

• Alta View & Riverton Hospitals
• Children's Justice Center
• Guardian Ad Litem (West Jordan & Salt Lake City)
• DDI Vantage
• Hearts Knit Together
• Joyful Welcome
• Refugee Services

While making our deliveries, we often hear heartfelt stories of how meaningful the blankets are to the children and how grateful they are to receive something so beautiful and lovingly made for them.  These blankets are not just pieces of fabric; they carry with them the hope of brighter days and the promise of a new chapter in the lives of these young ones.

In March, several of our dedicated Blanketeers participated in the World Wide Quilt Day event at the Sandy Senior Center.  We had the opportunity to connect with fellow quilters and quilting groups in our community.  During the event, our Blanketeers were hard at work, diligently piecing together quilt tops and sharing our mission and their skills with others.  It was a day filled with camaraderie, creativity, and the joy of giving back.

We are excited about the possibilities that spring brings and the opportunity to continue making a positive impact in the lives of children through our blanket donations.  Together, we can make a difference - one blanket, one child at a time.

And lastly, I want to share the beautiful Easter Sunday sunrise at Dewey Beach, Delaware!

Happy Spring,

Karen & Millie

Easter Sunday Sunrise

Dewey Beach, DE

March Newsletter 2024

Happy (almost) spring!

With the arrival of March comes the familiar ritual of turning our clocks forward, signaling the promise of longer days and warmer weather ahead.

Reflecting on February, we are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our blanketeers and the local community.  Thanks to their efforts, over 200 blankets were either donated or lovingly crafted by our dedicated blanketeers.  These blankets have brought warmth and comfort to over 180 children across various organizations within our community.  In the upcoming months we will be spotlighting some of the organizations to which we donate.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce our participation in the upcoming "Pay It Forward" event this fall where local law enforcement and staff host children from the Salt Lake City School District.  They anticipate approximately 80 children participating in two events scheduled for August and December.  We are committed to providing each child with a blanket of their own.  This initiative not only exemplifies our mission to serve our community but also underscores the importance of spreading kindness and support to those who need it most.

Our blog will be undergoing some exciting updates and getting a fresh new look in the coming months.  While we work behind the scenes to enhance our site, please note that our blog may be temporarily "under construction".  If you have any ideas or suggestions for content you would like to see on our refreshed site, we'd love to hear from you!  Please send your ideas and feedback to our email address at slcprojectlinus@gmail.com.

Lastly, all are welcome to join us at our upcoming "blanket making days":

Thursday, March 21st, 1:00-3:00, Mountain Vista Methodist Church, 8931 S 3200 W, West Jordan

Monday, April 8th, 10:00-1:00, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 2500 E 3900 S, Salt Lake City

Enjoy the wonders of spring!

Karen & Millie

In Memoriam

 In Memory of Shirley Geary

June 25, 1936 - February 21, 2024

Last week we said goodbye to our dear friend, Shirley Geary.  She was a talented and productive member of our Salt Lake County Chapter of Project Linus.  She joined our chapter when it was opened in 2008.  She created beautiful crochet and fleece blankets continuously to the last week of her life.  She has given comfort to countless little children.  How fortunate we have been to have enjoyed these years with her.  We will miss her every day.

February Newsletter 2024

Greetings Blanketeers!

Happy February! With Punxsutawney Phil not seeing his shadow, it looks like spring might be just around the corner! As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of warmer days and blooming flowers, we're also undergoing some exciting transitions within our chapter.

It's with nervous excitement, I announce that I, Karen Heaton, will be transitioning into the role of Project Coordinator for our chapter. I'm excited about this opportunity to further serve our community.

However, I wouldn't be able to embark on this journey without the support and guidance of an exceptional mentor. That's why I'm grateful to announce that Millie Martensen will remain an active and vital part of our chapter as the assistant. Millie has been an invaluable source of knowledge and inspiration, and I'll be relying heavily on her expertise to maintain the high level of service to our community that she has consistently achieved.

As we transition roles and gear up for the upcoming spring season, I encourage each of you to bring forth your ideas, enthusiasm, and dedication. Together, we can make a positive impact on our community and continue to uphold the values of our chapter.

Thank you all for your ongoing support and commitment. Here's to an exciting journey ahead as we embrace the changes and hopefully welcome spring soon!

Please feel free to call, text or email me if you have any questions, concerns, ideas, etc., at 801.573.5271 or slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

Regards,

Karen & Millie

January Project Linus Newsletter 2024

Dear Blanketeers,

      Well, here we go again!  Are you ready to jump into 2024?  Before we start, we want to congratulate all of you for your amazing work during 2023.  Here is a summary of what your cooperative work accomplished in blanket deliveries to kids in need.

 Dontions to:

    Health and Hospitals            828

    Social Services                    1511

     Military Families                189

     Emergencies                        17

Total Donations in 2023        2545

Total since opening chapter    36,249

    Pretty amazing ins't it?  This is what you have created out of compassion for those little ones who need the security of a blanket hug.  Congratulations and thank you to all of you.  You Know Who You Are.  We hope you can feel the love.

                            Blanket Making Days 2024

     We will be maintaining our usual meeting days to work on blankets.  North Valley volunteers meet the first Monday of every  month at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.  South Valley volunteers meet the third Thursday of every month at Mount Vista Methodist Church.  Anyone interested is certainly invited to either or both.  Thanks goes out to Jackie Cohen for her leadership of this productive Riverton  arm of our county chapter.  

  North Valley  OSLC 10:00 - 1:00            South Valley MVMC  1:00 - 3:00

January 8                                                     January 17

February 5                                                   February 15

March 4                                                       March 21

April 1                                                        April 18

May 6                                                          May 16

June  3                                                         June 20

July 1                                                          July 18

August 5                                                    August 15

September 9                                              September 19

October 7                                                  October 17

November 4                                              November 21

December 2                                              December 19  

     We Celebrate Your Participation and Generosity.  

Best wishes for 2024

Millie and Karen