August blanket day cancelled

Due to a scheduling conflict, we are cancelling the August blanket day.  If you have finished blankets to donate that month, please drop off at one of our donation sites (please include a note with your name and contact information) or contact Millie or Kristin.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

June 2015 Newsletter

Dear Blanketeers,

Our next make a blanket day will be Monday, June 1st at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 2500 E 3900 South from 10:00am to 2:00pm.  Please join us for fellowship and making some beautiful blankets for children.

 I received a “thank you” message that I wanted to share with all the blanketeers.  A young girl named Marin Hardy called to thank us.   There was a fire in their apartment after which the fire fighters gave them our blankets wrap up in.  She was very grateful, as a wrap-up warm hug is a great comfort when people are in crisis.     I pass this “thanks” on to all of you.      Millie

                                            PROJECT SANCTUARY

      This project is a “non-profit” designed to meet the needs of military families in need of physical, spiritual, and emotional healing.  Since the whole family serves when one is in the military, this project aims to take them from battle ready to family ready. 

     The week-long retreat took place at the new Abilities Center in Park City under the direction of Missy Hyatt.  The teens participated in several kinds of events and also received our blankets.  The program is similar to the Project Good Grief (part of the TAPS program in Washington DC that we have been involved with in the past.)

     

 Here is a picture of them having fun with our blankets.   Missy says: “Thanks for agreeing to make these amazing blankets for our kids.”

                                      AUTUMN HILLS WARD PROJECT

      Jackie Cohen and Chris Nash who are active blanketeers and contributors to our chapter have completed a project with their LDS ward relief society.  They taught the fringed fleece technique to their ladies and completed 20 blankets, all of them beautiful and carefully done.  Thanks so much to Jackie and Chris and to the Autumn Hills women. 

                             

     Spotlight on - Blanketeer Barbara Vogel 

      Barbara joined our chapter at blanket day about 5 years ago and has been a regular participant since then.   She has always loved handwork and sewing.  The era in which she grew up – the 50’s - all teen-age girls learned embroidery and they carefully sewed the dish- towels and pillowcases they accumulated for their “hope chests”.   She excelled at cross stitch Christmas stockings. 

     Barbara grew up in Chicago and moved to Utah in the 70’s with her husband Eddy, who was a district sales representative for W.W. Grainger in Idaho and Utah.   They raised their two daughters Colleen and Karen and sons John and Danny in Salt Lake. 

     Barbara worked at Granite School District Offices for 25 years, where she met me – (Millie.)  Since those working years we have remained great friends, sharing activities – golf - skiing – card playing – traveling  - scrapbooking – and finally crocheting Linus Blankets.  Last December she personally made 15 lovely blankets for the Head Start pre-kindergarten at Sargent Shriver Center. 

   We miss you at blanket day Barb and hope you will soon be feeling well enough to join us.  Thank you for all your great contributions to our chapter of Project Linus.  Many children are now enjoying your beautiful blankets.    

Awesome students of Copper Canyon Elementary donate $500!

Friday, May 8^th, the students of Copper Canyon Elementary in the Tooele School District presented our Salt Lake County Chapter of Project Linus with a $500 check.  This money was raised through a snack bar with profits going to help children in need.  The generous donation was presented in an assembly where the student body first watched a Project Linus video filled with children wrapped in loving blankets. 

The students cheered as one of our blanketeers, Beckie Bailey, walked to the front of the assembly to receive this amazing donation.  Big cheers to Copper Canyon Elementary for their amazing gift that will touch the lives of many children through the comfort and security a handmade blanket provides.

Thank you for all you do!  We hope to see you soon!

Millie & Kristin

coordinators

email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

May 2015 Newsletter

Dear Blanketeers,

We had a great 1st quarter of 2015!  In the first three months of 2015 we received 505 blankets in and distributed 502!  This brings our grand total of blankets distributed to 14,274!!  So many children that have been comforted by a blanket hug!  Thank you for all the amazing work you do!  We love all of our blanketeers!

North Valley blanket day will be held on Monday, May 4th from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 2500 East 3900 South in Holladay.  We hope to see you all!

                                                     Angels In Action

Oh – wait a minute -- I guess the official name is “Associates in Action”. 

Pictured below are four associates from Kohl’s at the Brickyard store.  Yes, they are making Linus Blankets along with our regular blanketeers.    They are:  Belinda Latham, (volunteer coordinator for Brickyard store), Carol Dedow, Liz Dedow, and Judy Kocherhans.   All of them are careful blanket makers, and Belinda (who is a whirlwind of energy) even made short work of folding and stacking tables and chairs. 

 Left to right: Liz, Carol, Belinda, Judy

The Kohl’s associates chose our SLC chapter on which to focus their volunteerism.  That means that they come in to physically help, providing five associates, who join us to work a minimum of three hours on the project – total of 15 hours.  

When this is done, the corporate Kohl’s sends a grant of $500.00, which we receive thru our national Linus account.   As you probably know, our national Linus organization requires us to raise at least $500.00 each year in order to maintain our status as an official Linus chapter. 

The grant money can be used for any of our expenses – fabric – yarn – blanket labels and printing tags – tape – mailing – brochure printing - cutting blades – or any other expenses we incur.

A huge hug and many thanks to all these enthusiastic and fun associates for their willingness to be involved in helping children in need of comfort. 

A sweet thank you...

Dear Project Linus of Salt Lake County,

I just wanted to thank you for the blankets we received from the NICU.  A little over two years ago, our twin boys were born at 29 weeks, and subsequently spent two months in the NICU.  When we were able to bring them home, we were given blankets from Project Linus:  two blue fleece blankets with tassels around the edges.  As many prospective parents do, we received several blankets for our boys.  However, for one of our boys, Project Linus could not be more aptly named.  He LOVES his blanket!  He takes it with him all over the house.  If we go on a walk in the stroller or over to a relative's house, he always has to have his blanket with him.  Of all the blankets we have, these Project Linus blankets are the only blankets he will use.  This has been true since he was old enough to show any preference for such things.  The tassels are a welcome addition because he likes to suck on them.  My mom and I have attempted to make larger blankets with tassels so that he has something to grow into.  However, he has refused all of them; he only wants his Project Linus blankets.  So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing such a loved object to one of my sons.  What you are doing has made a difference in our house, and especially in the life of one little boy.

Best,

Michelle Anderson

Thank you for all you do!  Together we can do great things!

With a blanket hug,

Millie & Kristin

email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

April 2015 newsletter

Dear Blanketeers,

We are off to a great start! Our first quarter of 2015 was fantastic!  I hope you are all well and looking forward to spring!

Firefighters and Police Officers

       A few years ago Linus blankets were kept in police cars for officers to use when they encountered a child in a crisis situation that needed warmth and comfort.  This month we have made new contacts with Lieutenant Manfred Lassig (of the Unified Police of Greater Salt Lake), and with Mike Watson, (Assistant Chief with Unified Fire Authority.)

     As of this month, they will be carrying our blankets to offer comfort and security for children in crisis that they encounter in their work.  Both organizations were very pleased to pick up this program. 

     The Project Linus goal has always been to search out and give our handmade blankets wherever there is a child who needs a warm hug.    

Blanketeer Spotlight - Winnie Hollenbeck

Winnie has been a blanketeer with Project Linus for about two years.  She has been crocheting for years, but now her specialty is crocheting beautiful, soft, cuddle tiny blankets for the NICUs.  She has set a goal for herself, to consistently make a dozen of these precious little works of art every month to contribute to our Chapter.  Yes, she does also make larger ones, but the tiny ones are her favorites. 

Winnie has a gentle touch and her stitching is soft, even, and beautiful.  She has a great eye for colors and patterns that are perfect for the little ones.  She attends our blanket-making day every month and often teaches new comers how to make the no-sew fringed blankets.

She and her special guy, Richard Brown, have both made it a point to contribute to our National Linus cash account and have arranged for Richard’s Kiwanis Club to do the same.   Winnie & Richard are two very generous people that we appreciate very much.  

We are so happy to have Winnie in our Chapter!

Getting teens involved in Project Linus

Ricky Wooden, age 13 (can you tell he loves soccer?)

I got involved in making two blankets when I was working on my citizenship in the community merit badge and the number 7 requirement was to find out more about a charitable organization outside of scouting and to volunteer for this organization.  At this time my mom was involved in a Relief Society meeting where the sisters were making blankets for Project Linus.  She asked if I would be interested in participating and then we talked to Linda Warner who was heading this meeting and she gave the the opportunity to help out.  I helped by making two blankets and cleaning up after the sisters' meeting.  I also helped gather all the blankets and delivered them with my Dad to Kristin.  It was a fun project and I'm glad to make a blanket to share with someone who has a greater need for the blanket than me.

Ricky Wooden, age 13
Dimple Dell Ward, Sandy, Utah

We have some great groups scheduling projects and always appreciate our north valley group which meets the first Monday of each month from 10am to 2pm at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Holladay.  We hope to see you all soon!  Our next north valley blanket day is coming up soon...on Monday, April 6th!

Thank you for all you do!

Millie & Kristin

March 2015 newsletter

Dear Blanketeers,

February being only 28 days and our blanket day being a week later, made the time fly!  This newsletter is with short notice, as our regularly scheduled blanket making day is this coming Monday, March 2nd from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Holladay.

Utah National Guard

      Our Project Linus Chapter has always been interested in doing whatever we can for the children of military service people.  This month we have been in contact with the National Guard office that handles families of deployed guard soldiers.  Every month there is a deployment of soldiers that leave Utah and leave their families for a period of time.  The children of these soldiers whose Daddies/Mommies are leaving them are certainly in need of comfort.  The family service department does prepare a survival kit for the families and now our blankets (one for each child in the family) will be a part of that departure kit.   Good work blanketeers! 

  Blanketeer spotlight - Jacalyn Cohen & Chris Nash
 

Sisters Jackie and Chris were searching for a charitable outlet for their handwork when they saw a note in “Crochet World Magazine” listing project Linus and then discovered how to reach our Chapter.     They have been participating for the past year as a team since Jackie returned to SLC from Los Angeles area.

      

These two sisters are both talented and imaginative blanket makers.   Together they have contributed scores of blankets for children.  The blankets are very diversified and sometimes are crocheted edges, often quilts, (large and small), or afghans.   

They meet every week together and spend the day stitching the items that are then contributed to our Chapter on blanket day.   They challenge themselves to create interesting items from the supply of fabric and yarn left to them by Chris’ s mother in law.  Chris is the sewing machine expert, and Jackie organizes the quilts and crochets. 

Jackie is a “Thrivent” member and has recently contributed her allotment for charitable projects - a generous amount of money - to our Linus Chapter!   Our thanks to Jackie and Chris for their generosity and hours of donated work for the comfort of children.   We love the enthusiasm, smiles, and energy that these lovely sisters bring to our project.     

If you are wondering what size of blankets we need most - we are running low on medium size (1 1/2 yard fleece)  These blankets go to children ages 6-12.  Please choose fabrics appropriate for elementary school kids.

Thank you for all you do!  We hope to see you all soon!

Millie & Kristin
email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

February 2015 newsletter

  Dear Blanketeers,

We have some statistics we'd like to share with you for 2014.  We distributed a total of 1874 blankets to children in Salt Lake County!  Isn't that wonderful?  This brings our total blanket distribution from the beginning of our chapter to over 13,600!  Thank you to everyone who donates their time, materials, supplies. chapter funds (yes, we need donations of cash too!), mileage (Denna,  Millie  & Kristin making deliveries and picking up drop offs) and Our Saviour's Lutheran Church for the use of your building each month!  We really appreciate those of you who organize your blanket events and bring us stacks of beautiful blankets!  Every one of you makes a difference and contributes to what we can do for children in Salt Lake County!

Our February blanket workday will be held Monday, February 9th from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 2500 East 3900 South, Holladay.  In March we will be back on schedule meeting the first Monday of the month.

There are so many people out there that appreciate the work that all of our blanketeers do.

     1.   A “thank you” note from the nurses at St. Mark’s NICU

         ‘We would like to thank you and the members of the Linus Project who make blankets for our tiny patients to take home.  It means so much to these families to take home their baby in one of your beautiful hand made blankets.  You are all angels!”

     2.   From Sargent Shriver Head Start

          “ Our three year olds and their moms and dads were so tickled with the wonderful blankets you sent for their Christmas gifts. “   One of our moms said how fun it was for her son to pick the blanket he wanted.  Please thank your ladies who sew such little treasures.    Miss Kelley, pre school teacher 

     3.   From Refugee Services

          “Dear Project Linus Ladies,

             It is hard to imagine the distress that our clients are under when they arrive in the USA from whatever hostile situation they are fleeing.    Greeting the children with a warm colorful blanket of their very own means a lot to a child who has nothing.  Thank you Project Linus.  Our case-workers are very pleased to distribute these blankets to children. Thanks very much.”

                 Danielle Rodriguez 

 4. Hello!  My name is Rudy and we had an adorable little girl yesterday and when we got to our room there was a beautiful blanket for our baby Aurora waiting for her.  The blanket was made by Mary and we absolutely love it and we are extremely appreciative of the small things in life such as a blanket like this given to us.  Thank you for your time and support and it's awesome that there are projects like Project Linus out there doing great things.  Again, thank you all!

American Express employees

Once again the employees of American Express scheduled a couple of meetings to make some bright, colorful and fun blankets for our chapter.  It was really fun to pull up in front of their building and see a cart stacked with blankets!

p.s. they didn't all fit in the back of my car!  Thank you employees of American Express!

Congregation Kol Ami 

     Again this year the Mitzvah day at Kol Ami produced lovely fringed fleece blankets for Project Linus - 23 of them!   Thanks to Nicole Fenwick for all the shopping, and preparation of the fabric that she did in advance to make this day of service a great success.  We at Project Linus appreciate the generous donation and the beautiful work.   

Mr. Lingen's 3rd grade class - Highland Park Elementary

Webelos Troops 3305 & 3505

  

                                             Blanket Making Reminders

Remember, when you are making fleece blankets, pick a fabric pattern suitable to the size of the blanket and the intended child recipient. 

                       

                           Baby & NICU 

                                        Baby patterns & soft yarn ---these 1 yard square approx.

                           Child Small

                                        Child patterns --- these are 1 & ¼ yards

     

                           School Age Medium 

                                        General patterns --– these are l &1/2 yards

  

                           Teen Age   

                                        No baby print patterns --- these are 2 yards

           We don't recommend making fleece blankets less than 1 1/2 yards to fringe.  If you want to make smaller fleece blankets, it is best to crochet the edges and trim the width.   A blanket that is only 1 yard of fleece, is too wide and makes a long, narrow blankets.  We also love quilts and crocheted/knitted blankets in all sizes listed above as well.

Please email Kristin at slcprojectlinus@gmail.com if you would like a receipt for items or material donated in 2014.   Include your full name and address for the receipt.

We look forward to seeing you all next week!

Kristin & Millie
coordinators
Salt Lake County
Project Linus

Blanket Day - Monday February 9th

North Valley blanket  day will be held the second Monday in February on Monday the 9th from 10:00am to 2:00 pm.  Please join us at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church 2500 E 3900 S, Holladay, UT.  We hope to see you there!