August news & note

Dear blanketeers,

Just a quick note for our August news. 

North Valley make a blanket day will be Monday, August 5th from 10am to 2pm at Our Saviours Lutheran Church 3900 South 2500 East, Holladay.  We'd love to see you there!!

A note from Millie...

     August Make a Blanket Day will be on August 5^th the first Monday of the month as usual.  Since I will be out of town that day, I will not be doing any fabric cutting.  The procedure for the day will otherwise be the same as usual. 

      You will be able to turn in your new blankets and mark them on the check-in roster.  Robyn Frost, the church secretary, will keep them in her office until I return on Thursday of that week.  I will also leave with her fleece that can be fringed that day, as well as some of the small blankets on which we have been completing the fringe. 

      If you like, you can also leave your fleece that you want to have punched for crochet. Leave it in a bag with your name.   I will cut it on the weekend and get it back to you to pick up.  I know that you all know exactly what to do with or without me there.   Thanks

We received this wonderful note from one of our drop off locations.  I'm so glad we've been donating to Fisher House.  What a great way we can help children of military families!

Dear Millie,

Picture this—a small 4 y/o boy came into the big Fisher House a little bit anxious about entering a strange place. He was accompanied by his mom & grandma and stayed close by their legs. The family had come to pay their last respects to the great grandfather who served during Vietnam conflict and was in the VA hospital in critical condition. The little fellow brought along his favorite cup—a Spider Man cup! I came into the kitchen to give him a Linus blanket in honor of his great grandfather. The blanket I had picked out (without knowing about the cup) was a great pieced quilt devoted entirely to Spider Man! He grabbed the blanket and hugged it to his chest. His mom and grandma were thrilled as he would have a keepsake from his great grandfather. He left for the hospital comforted, happy and smiling.

Thank all the blanketeers for their efforts! Bless you all.

Kay Eagar

SLC Fisher House Social Worker

As we enter into the end of summer...we look forward to blankets to donate for holiday needs.  If you are shopping for fleece, we are in need of 1 1/2 yard pieces for some of our donations in October/November.

We appreciate all that you do & are able to provide comfort for children in crisis.  Thank you for supporting our chapter of Project Linus and for all the love you put into the blankets you make.

Hugs to you all!

Millie & Kristin

July 2013 newsletter

June 25, 2013                                  Blankets delivered:     10742

    

Dear Blanketeers,

 A Scheduling Note From Millie:

      July Make a Blanket Day will be pushed  from the 1^st to the 8^th of July.  This will allow everyone to get through the Independence Day (week) activities without conflicts.

     August Make a Blanket Day will be on August 5^th the first Monday of the month as usual.  Since I will be out of town that day, I will not be doing any fabric cutting.  The procedure for the day will otherwise be the same as usual. 

      You will be able to turn in your new blankets and mark them on the check-in roster.  Robyn Frost, the church secretary, will keep them in her office until I return on Thursday of that week.  I will also leave with her fleece that can be fringed that day, as well as some of the small blankets on which we have been completing the fringe. 

      If you like, you can also leave your fleece that you want to have punched for crochet. Leave it in a bag with your name.   I will cut it on the weekend and get it back to you to pick up.  I know that you all know exactly what to do with or without me there.   Thanks

“Make a Blanket Day” for north VALLEY WILL be Monday july 8th... come join us at Our Saviour’s Lutheran church 3900 S. 2500 E. From 10-2.   Bring your lunch – we have a wonderful time!! 

Blanketeer spotlight - carol holmes

 Carol has been a participant in Project Linus since our Salt Lake County chapter was first organized by Kathy Morrow.  When it became difficult to schedule a convenient place to meet and make blankets, Carol arranged with Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church to accommodate our project.  She has crocheted scores of blankets herself and has taught several women to crochet also.  She brings her granddaughter, Jessica, to blanket day when ever school doesn’t conflict.  

      Carol holds a special spot in her heart for children, and also a great respect for our military service personnel. She was instrumental in organizing TAPS (the grief counseling camp for bereaved children of military service people.)  In fact, for three years, she and her husband Larry paid the shipping costs to send our blankets to Washington DC. 

     In addition to the service she has given Project Linus, Carol has had a long career as a Registered Nurse – 50 years as a matter of fact.   She earned her degree from University of Oregon and spent many years as an operating room nurse working with out-patient surgeries.  Service has been her life and we are so happy to have her with our chapter.  A huge thanks goes out to Carol for her amazing service and devotion to Project Linus.

Neighborhood House Celebrates Its Founders 

  Neighborhood House, has been a positive force in the lives of little children for many years.  Their mission is to provide education in the regular public school setting as well as aftercare and summer programs for children of low-income families.

   

In many cases, parents would not be able to work if not for the help this organization offers in child-care.  Their enrollment at most times hovers around 300 kids.  In the summer there are more.  Project Linus has continued to supply them with blankets for these children.

 Last week the children attended the traditional summer celebration where each one of them was given a handmade blanket and a book.  Here are some pictures of the children with their blankets and also of the volunteers who distributed them.  The kids had a great time – free hot dogs, and snow cones, as well as interaction with police and fire fighters.
                                                                       Such great smiles on all the faces of the children of Neighborhood house!

We still have denim!!  If you are a sewing type, please let Millie or I know if you'd be interested in making some denim quilts.  We have lots of materials that need to be used up and made into blankets for donation.

Thank you for all you continue to do!!  We know summer gets busy & we appreciate you keeping up the good work all year long!  Have a safe & fun 4th of July!  We hope to see you all soon!

Hugs to you all,

Millie & Kristin
Millie #801-272-4024
slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

blanket day for July

Because of the 4th of July holiday - we will hold north valley blanket day on Monday, July 8th.  Hope to see you there!

newsletter...coming soon!

June 2013 newsletter

May 25, 2013                                           Blankets delivered 10597    

Dear Blanketeers,

 Welcome to the new Blanketeers who have joined our chapter during the past month, we’re so glad to have you with us and hope you’ll love Project Linus as much as we do.   Be sure and let Millie or Kristin know if you have any questions.

“Make a Blanket Day” for north VALLEY WILL be Monday june 3rd... come join us at Our Saviour’s Lutheran church 3900 S. 2500 E. From 10-2.   Bring your lunch – we have a wonderful time!!

BLANKETEER SPOTLIGHT #1

A group of dedicated blanketeers meets each Wednesday at Mountain Vista United Methodist Church under the leadership of Jean Ann.   The blankets they have donated to Project Linus are always creatively colorful, well made and so huggable.   Jean Ann will tell you she just organizes the work area so the ladies who attend can make the blankets but, we all know she’s the one who puts the designs together. She has a wonderful eye for color and “fun” blankets.   Her skills at organizing allow so many women to be a part of making blankets for the children.  Jean Ann is from Rapid City, South Dakota and has been making quilts a long time.  She joined Project Linus a little over 5 years ago.  She drives about 40 minutes from her home to gather about a dozen quilt making ladies every week!  Thank you Jean Ann and Mountain Vista Church ladies for all you do for our chapter!  You are all amazing!

BLANKET SPOTLIGHT #2

  Catherine Freeman, a sixth grade student at Highland Park Elementary School, truly understands the importance of volunteerism.  She wanted to do something for other children and so she went on line to Hope of America and found a service project that she was interested in doing.    Hope projects typically involve 12 to 16 hours of service.  She has twin 18 year old siblings who have also done a Hope project to raise awareness for kids with allergies.  Now she has personally made six beautifully fringed blankets for Project Linus by following the directions on the website.  Here are pictures of her blankets and her sweet smiling face .

A wonderful thank you from St Mark's NICU!
     On behalf of the NICU babies we want to give you our sincere thank you for the beautiful, incredible, wonderful blankets you and your Project Linus people donate to us.  We don't get you thanked every time, but please know that you are appreciated each time we see the wonderful bundle!!
     A blanket goes home with each baby who has spent time in our NICU to be that baby's special Linus blanket!
                            Thank you so very very much!
              Nurses, staff and volunteers at St. Mark's NICU

 We are planning ahead to some blanket needs coming up this fall.  We've supported South Jordan's Shop with a Cop for several seasons.  Each year before Christmas they take deserving children, who may not always have much, shopping with a law enforcement officer.  Last year we worked fast & made 110 blankets in a few short weeks.  This year we want to start collecting & setting aside the blankets we need.  Please start to think of this project & bring a 1-1/2 yard piece of fleece in print appropriate for 7-10 year olds.  We'll need both boy and girl prints.  These children have had some contact with law enforcement, sometimes now always positive.  This program allows them to have a good experience & some fun with the police officers.   Thank you to all the loving blanketeers making this project possible! 

We have denim!!  Do you love to sew and wish you could make some jean quilts?  If yes, please contact Millie or Kristin!  We received a generous donation of materials, but need some help getting it all made into blankets & Kathy needs it moved out of her basement.  They don't have to be complicated, just made into wonderful blankets for a deserving child!

Thank you to everyone who contributes to Project Linus in Salt Lake County.  Whether you make blankets, sew labels on, package blankets, yarn or fabric, each one of you helps to grow our chapter so we may give a little bit of love and security to a child in crisis. 

Hugs to you all,

Millie & Kristin

Millie #801-272-4024

email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

May newsletter

April 22, 2013                   Blankets delivered  10520     

Dear Blanketeers,

Be sure and check out our blog - slcprojectlinus.blogspot.com.  On the blog you’ll find the current newsletter, updates on blanket donations, instructions for making fleece blankets (great for people who can’t attend Make a Blanket Day and want to make fleece blankets), and do’s and don’ts.  *** also check the blog for pictures, we try to include  few of the blankets that stand out or are completed by children *** We see so many beautiful blankets that we want to share!!  You ladies are a talented group!

“Make a Blanket Day” for the north VALLEY WILL be next Monday April 29th... come join us at Our Saviour’s Lutheran church 3900 S. 2500 E. From 10-2.   Bring your lunch – we have a wonderful time!!   This work day is in lieu of May's work day!

Blanketeer Spotlight – Denna Wright 

Not surprising if you don’t know this name. Though you don’t see her at Blanket Day, Denna is a very active and important contributor to the success of our Project Linus.  She started making blankets with Kathy Marrow when the project opened in SLC. She doesn’t crochet or make blankets anymore, but she does carry our blankets all over the Wasatch front for delivery. Yes…she is the “UPS” of Project Linus.

Every month for five years, she has made the rounds of SLC in her little van to insure that our blankets arrive safely.  Delivery suits her busy life style very well. Denna is a hiker and road biker as well as a life member of Wasatch Mountain Club. She completed a busy career working for the library system and still volunteers with Salt Lake County Aging Services. She helps individuals to have a fuller and richer life by spending time with them in their home.  Denna is a friend to many and we are lucky enough to have her volunteer services in our Chapter.  A huge thanks to Denna!

Lots of changes!!!

     The past few weeks have been busy & there are some changes we need to share with you...a great announcement, Millie is the new coordinator of our chapter of Project Linus!!  We are so excited to have her taking us forward and continuing our wonderful mission to provide blankets for children.  Also, if you are interested in doing more...contact Millie, she needs your help!!  We could use some great people to help us pick up blankets, prep materials & help with the newsletter & blog.  These items can be done at your home, when you have time to volunteer!    We will also discontinue the south valley work day.  It makes me sad, but there hasn't been regular attendance, except for those great 4  - Kathy, Julie, Edrie & Lynn!  With both Kathy & Kristin leaving, there's just no one to run things.  Kristin's news is that she accepted a job offer, which will keep her very busy & unfortunately make it impossible for her to attend activities during the day.  It's a good opportunity, but that means time will have to be shifted & family & work are taking priority.  Kristin will still be involved as the assistant coordinator & working on her own contributions at home.  For our final news...Kathy has found residence in a new state & will be relocating to Colorado!  Although Kathy stepped down as coordinator a little over a year ago, she didn't go far!  Kristin continued to rely on her expertise & amazing sewing skills to keep things moving for our chapter.  Her move will take a few months, so she'll be by from time to time, but make sure to wish her the best as she starts packing!

So don't be sad, don't worry...we will keep going strong!!!  Please continue to support our chapter of Project Linus.  We have done such amazing things & make a HUGE difference in over 10,500 children's lives!

Also, we have decide to trim down our drop offs...so make sure if you have been dropping off blankets that your location is still on the list:

Mill Creek - The Wool Cabin, 2020 East 3300 South

West Jordan - The Quilt Shop (inside the Fabric Center) 9135 S Redwood Rd

Sandy - Quilts Etc, 8720 S State Street or

             The Cotton Shop 9441 South 700 East

You can also call Millie to arrange a drop off, if none of those work.

 

We are also asked what people can do to contribute & recently found out that gift cards are a great way to keep 100% of the proceeds in our chapter.  So...if you don't have time to shop for materials, just buy a gift card from your favorite fabric store to donate to our chapter & we'll go shopping!!  We also need masking tape, so if you have some extra laying around, or are out & about, grab a roll, we sure could use it!

Thank you to everyone who contributes to Project Linus in Salt Lake County.  Whether you make blankets, sew labels on, package blankets, deliver blankets, donate funds for shipping and stamps, or donate paper, yarn or fabric, each one of you helps to grow our chapter so we may give a little bit of love and security to a child in crisis. 

Hugs to you all,

Millie & Kristin

email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

Millie ph#801-272-4024

Kristin cell 801-386-5917

April Newsletter 2013

March 25, 2013                                 Blankets delivered:    10445    

 Dear Blanketeers,

 Welcome to the new Blanketeers who have joined our chapter during the past month, we’re so glad to have you with us and hope you’ll love Project Linus as much as we do.   Be sure and let Kristin or Millie know if you have any questions.

“Make a Blanket Day” for the north VALLEY WILL be Monday april 1st (no foolin!)... come join us at Our Saviour’s Lutheran church 3900 S. 2500 E. From 10-1.   Bring your lunch – we have a wonderful time!! **keep the date we'll meet again april 29th**

The next South Valley “Make a Blanket Day” will be tuesday april 16th at the South Jordan Library from 10:15 – 1:00.  sorry, no food at the library.

Spring is in the air!!  (or it needs to be)  Please note the dates for North valley.  We will meet April 1st & April 29th to accommodate schedules.  There will not be a North Valley meeting in May.

Here's a note I have to share...this was from an email this morning from West Jordan Guardian ad Litem:

We LOVE your blankets and will always take them if available (plus...
we have our back to back shelter weeks coming up shortly and love to
have supplies on hand)  :)

Love you guys and all you do!

Candi

So if you ever wonder the impact that your beautiful work makes, never doubt again.  I love doing deliveries, because it's so wonderful & everyone is always happy to see us with Project Linus Blankets.  I am always receiving feedback about how wonderful, bright, fun colors & well made our blankets are.  Thank you for all you do!!

BLANKETEER SPOTLIGHT

We love getting phone calls asking us to pick up blankets, but Jean Peterson prefers to deliver them directly to Kristin.  We were so excited to receive that call a couple of weeks ago & Jean has the back of her SUV  full of quilts.  They are bright, fun prints, and have been  pieced & tied. 

Her dedication is wonderful & we are always excited to receive the next batch.  Jean even rallied her young women at church last year to help in her love of blanket making.   If  you look real close, you can see that some of Jean's works of art are embroidered.  She will stitch the squares & then set them into quilts.   Each quilt is hand tied and just perfect.   Thank you Jean for your quilting talents.  We always enjoy your beautiful blankets & know that a child in need is comforted by your works of  love.

Reminder...North Valley ladies you will meet in the West Wing of the Church on Monday, April 1st from 10am-1pm & again Monday, April 29th from 10am-2pm.  There will NOT be a meeting in May.

Thank you for all you do!  Every little part, makes a world of difference! 

Happy Easter,Happy spring!  Happy, Happy Everything!

Hugs to all, Kristin & Millie

March Newsletter 2013

February 25, 2013                             Blankets delivered:  10268    

dEAR BLANKETEERS,

As we come to the end of February, I have my fingers crossed that the groundhog is right & we are almost done with winter!  I am so done with winter & ready for some warmer temperatures & sunshine.  Although, I do love the winter season to be snuggled up in a Project Linus blanket crocheting away.  I hope all of you are doing well & able to get out & spend some time with us at upcoming blanket days.  As always, thank you to each of you who make this project possible.  There is now way we could accomplish what we do without each & every one of you!

“Make a Blanket Day” for the north VALLEY WILL be Monday march 4th ... come join us at Our Saviour’s Lutheran church 3900 S. 2500 E. From 10-2.   Bring your lunch – we have a wonderful time!!

south valley blanket day is cancelled for march...we hope to see you on April 16th!

Women Warriors  

Our Chapter has found a new way to show our appreciation to those who give military service to our country.  We now try to contribute 10 baby blankets a month to the Veteran’s  Hospital Women’s Center, specifically for the new babies of military women.   These women come from many surrounding states for their prenatal care and they – the nurses and each other – give a group baby shower for them every quarter.  We are pleased that our blankets will be part of this wonderful way to give back to our Military!

BLANKETEER SPOTLIGHT!!

blanketeers 2008

This month our spotlight is focused on the original founders of our Salt Lake County Project Linus!   Their names: Kathy Morrow, Carol Holmes, Ellen Silverblatt,  Shirley Geary, and Roma Knuth.   Kathy had originally served as Project Linus coordinator in Cheyenne.  When she moved to Utah, she discovered there was no Linus chapter to join.  So, she organized the ladies, contacted headquarters, and they went to work forming a new chapter. Their mission: “To connect children in need of love and comfort to those talented and generous people who give their love by handmade blankets.”

blanketeers 2013

our founder Kathy, thanks for all you still do!!

 

These "first" ladies shared ideas about where to deliver blankets, how to make them, and they even taught each other to crochet.  Their first delivery was made in January 2007.  Since then, over 10,000 blankets have been delivered to the children of our community.  As they have done for the past 6 years, this north valley core group continues to meet the first Monday of every month at Our Saviours Lutheran Church.  Over the years they have invited dozens of women to join them.

     It is remarkable to remember the early beginnings of the chapter and realize how many children have received a Project Linus blanket.  Thanks to all of those original founders and all of the friends that they have included to build the chapter!

From our beginnings to now, we have grown in fellowship & fulfilled the mission of Project Linus with our kindness.  I'm so glad to be part of such an amazing group!

We receive inquiries on how people can help our project, but they don't have time or opportunity to make blankets.  I recently found out that donating gift cards is a HUGE help to chapters!  The gift cards can be used 100% to purchase supplies for our chapter.  So, if you ever hear about someone wanting to help, but not knowing how a gift card from Walmart, Joann's, Hancocks Fabrics, Fabric Center, The Cotton Shop, Floyd & Lizzies, Quilts, Etc, Hobby Lobby or the Wool Cabin would all be fantastic!  Thank you for your continuing generosity...encourage others to join in!!

Have a fantastic March!! may we see signs of spring & sunshine!

Hugs to you all!

Kristin & Millie

slcprojectlinus@gmail.com
Kristin cell 801-386-5917