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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Reflecting on a Year of Gratitude and Service

As we reach the end of 2024, I find it hard to believe that almost a whole year has passed since I took on the role of coordinator from Millie. It's been a wonderfully busy year, full of learning, growth, and most importantly, making a difference in the lives of children in need. Millie has been an exceptional mentor throughout this journey, and I truly couldn't have done it with out her guidance and the unwavering support of all our dedicated Blanketeers.

I am deeply grateful for the kindness, generosity, and hard work of everyone involved in our efforts. Together, we have touched the lives of many - almost 2500 blankets to children this year - and I am excited to continue this important work with all of you in the year to come.

As we look forward to 2025, I am eager to continue serving the children in need throughout our county and beyond. Thank you to each and every one of you for your contributions, and I look forward to another year of collaboration, compassion, and making a real difference.

Happy holidays to all!

Karen

Season of Giving 2024 - a message from Patty Gregory, President/CEO Project Linus

Please indicate "Salt Lake County Utah Project Linus" on your donation if you want the funds to go to our local chapter.

A Heartfelt Act of Charity: Antonisha's Crocheted Fleece Blanket

By Jackie Cohen

The photo below features a beautiful crocheted-edge fleece blanket, crafted with love by my granddaughter, Antonisha. She became a part of our family through the Florida foster care system. After a long four-year journey, my daughter was finally granted permanent custody of her about 18 months ago. Throughout the summers and falls of the pandemic, Antonisha visited us in Utah many times. During these visits, we have tried to teach her the value of charity and helping those less fortunate. One of her favorite activities has been assisting me with fringe fleece blankets for Project Linus.

Antonisha Antonisha's Blanket

Last year, Antonisha expressed a desire to learn how to crochet. Although it was a challenge for her at first, she persisted, mastering the technique of turning simple chains into rows that would grow into something greater. By the time summer came this year, she was eager to take on a new project. She asked me to help her punch fleece so she could crochet an edge for a blanket she had in mind.

With a little guidance, she quickly picked up the skill, though at first, she was pulling the stitches a bit too tight. A few adjustments later, she was off and running. The result is this beautiful finished blanket, made with care and attention to detail.

Antonisha has a deep understanding of charitable work, having experienced the struggles of children in difficult circumstances firsthand. She has a soft spot for babies and was thrilled to create this blanket for a child who might be sick or in need.

For Antonisha, this act of charity for Project Linus is a meaningful, life-changing experience. She's learned the power of giving, and I believe this project has impacted her more than it will the recipient. In the end, I think I've gained a new "Blanketeer" for Project Linus!

We welcome Antonisha to our family of "Blanketeers"!💖

A Generous Gift: Quilts for Elderly Grandmas of the Hopi Tribe

Project Linus serves children in need up to the age of 18. Our chapter is grateful to be the recipient of many beautiful quilts generously donated by quilting groups, which we pass on to children in need. However, we are not the only ones benefiting from these thoughtful gifts. Many of the quilt groups also provide blankets to many others beyond the age of 18, beyond our county and even beyond our state.

The quilting group at the Mountain Vista Methodist Church is a regular monthly donor of lovely blankets and quilts to our chapter. In a recent collaboration with the non-profit organization Buffalo Blessings, 8 stunning handmade quilts from the quilting group were donated to some of the most vulnerable elderly grandmas in the Hopi Tribe of Northern Arizona.

The quilts were delivered to several villages, including Old Oraibi, the oldest inhabited village in the Hopi Tribe, located near the Hopi Cultural Center. These grandmas, many of whom live in challenging conditions, were deeply appreciative of the warmth and care that these quilts provided.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the quilting group at Mountain Vista Methodist Church for their hard work and dedication in creating these beautiful quilts. Their generosity not only warmed the bodies of the elderly grandmas but also brought them to a sense of comfort and connection. Many thanks to everyone involved in sharing these wonderful quilts with those in need.

Sew Saturday

By Jackie Cohen

Once again, a "sew-Saturday" was held at the home of Chris Nash on November 16th. Twelve ladies toting their sewing machines descended into the basement workshop. My son dropped by to deliver a machine and exclaimed that it looked like "Santa's Workshop"! We all had a great time and there was a lot of "shopping" done by everyone from the hordes of material that was recently donated (8 bins of lovely quilting fabric!). We should have a bunch of new quilts in the next few months to donate.

Annual Christmas Luncheon - Blanket Making Day

This month, we couldn't use our usual space at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church due to ongoing remodeling. But the good new is, we're excited to return in 2025 to a newly improved space!

In the meantime, we were fortunate to be able to use the meeting room at Christ United Methodist Church. Their hospitality was outstanding, and we are so grateful for their warm welcome. It was a beautiful day of blanket making, reconnecting with fellow blanketeers, and enjoying a delicious lunch together.

Although the table space was a bit limited, our dedicated volunteers didn't miss a beat, turning to the floor to create their blankets with determination and teamwork. It's always inspiring to see such commitment!

Thank you to everyone who came out to make this day a success, and we look forward to our future blanket making days in the new space at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in 2025!