This month’s charity is Project Linus – providing security through blankets.

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“As Charles Schulz’s Linus character from the PEANUTS® comic strip was comforted by his blanket, Project Linus strives to do the same and more for children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. The blankets our nearly 400 chapter coordinators collect from thousands of “blanketeers” (volunteers) across the United States and then distributed to these children provide love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort.”

Blanketeers provide new, handmade, washable blankets to be given as gifts to seriously ill and traumatized children, ages 0-18. All blanket styles are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Blankets must be homemade, washable, free of pins, and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons.

With chapters in all 50 states, blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies or anywhere that a child might be in need of a hug. Contact your local chapter for specific needs since each area of donation has special requirements.

Sizes depend on local chapter needs. My local chapter is looking for adult blankets of at least 40″ x 40″ in knit or crochet. Baby blankets are at least 30″ x 30″. They also accept booties and hats for newborn babies.

Some designs suggestions are:

• Double Crochet with a Twist
• Slip Stitch
• Plain Double Crochet or Single Crochet
• As always, make sure the yarn is super soft

More patterns can be found at www.projectlinus.org. Links to web sites that offer special discounts to Project Linus friends and who donate a percentage of their Project Linus sales back to the nonprofit can be found here also. Click the “Patterns/Links” link on the top menu bar for more information.