Do you have a desire to provide children with comfort, warmth, and security? Have you heard of Project Linus? Have you read how they impact the lives of seriously ill or traumatized children?
If you feel called to enrich the lives of children in a lasting way, Project Linus is a fitting charity for you.
In this article, you will learn what Project Linus is and why you should get involved. Plus, included are many free patterns to help you out as you proceed with this charity!
Project Linus has chapters in all 50 states and continues to grow. The charity has supplied more than 8,600,000 blankets to children since 1995! Learn how Project Linus provides security, warmth, and comfort.
Getting involved with Project Linus is simple and rewarding. Whether you wish to give gifts of new, handmade blankets, donate money, or attend an event, there is sure to be something for you with this worthy cause!
Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. – Psalm 127:3 (NASB1995)
Related: How to Help Sick Infants with Threads of Love (Free Craft Patterns)
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What Is Project Linus?
Karen Loucks started Project Linus in 1995. An article that described a toddler girl’s experience in fighting cancer inspired her.
The article detailed how joyous and curious the child was. The special “blankie” she took everywhere with her was a form of comfort and security. Karen recognized the benefit the blanket provided the small girl.
Karen donated homemade blankets to Denver’s Rocky Mountain Children’s Cancer Center. The charity became a national effort after she appeared on the “Mike and Marty” show.
Project Linus has grown to donate (in some cases) over 350 blankets per month (per chapter) to children in need!
The name originated from the Peanuts comic strip. Linus was a character created by Charles Schulz that was always seen carrying a blanket around. The creator was aware of the charity and felt it wonderful to inspire others to help children.
What is the Mission of Project Linus?
Project Linus states the charity’s mission in two parts. The first part is to provide a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children. These are children who are traumatized, seriously ill, or otherwise in need. They do this by giving new, handmade blankets created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
The second part of the mission is to provide a positive experience for volunteers. Project Linus believes in a rewarding and fun service opportunity.
But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” – Mark 10:14 (NIV)
Related: Scottish Rite for Children | How to Help Children Today
Why Should You Get Involved with Project Linus?
Project Linus lists five key goals for the charity’s success. The first and ultimate goal is to concentrate all efforts and energy on the success of the mission.
To do this, the charity needs help! The second goal is to remain responsive to the more than 80,000 volunteers currently involved. For the third goal, the charity needs to provide continued support to the current chapters and coordinators.
Project Linus’ fourth goal is to secure funding. These funds are used for the previous goals as well as ongoing operational costs.
Together, these four goals work to achieve a final goal – to exceed the current level of service and compassion provided.
By getting involved with Project Linus, you aid the charity in achieving these goals. With the help of volunteers, the charity can continuously provide security blankets to children in need.
Your involvement can change the mental and emotional health of a child or teen. Children aged 0-18 are eligible to receive the warmth and security of a Project Linus blanket.
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the LORD, not people – Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)
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How You Can Get Involved with Project Linus
There are many ways to get involved with Project Linus, whether you are creative or not. Read more about finding the right volunteer opportunity for you!
Start by spreading the word about Project Linus and how they are helping children! Get the word out there faster and get more people involved in the charity by sharing this post on social media.
You can also pray for the charity and the children whose lives they impact! If you are not sure how to start praying, this complete guide for beginners will help.
Donate
One of the first ways you can get involved with Project Linus is by donating to the cause. Funds are used for marketing, supporting local chapters, and covering ongoing operational costs.
Donations can be made online in a simple and secure way. There are options for one-time donations as well as recurring donations.
There are also options for mail-in donations. Project Linus keeps a complete list on their website detailing the necessary information!
Shop with AmazonSmile
AmazonSmile partners with charities to donate at no cost to the shopper!
Project Linus has partnered with AmazonSmile. They donate 0.5% of all eligible purchases to the charity! The next time you make purchases online, consider buying through AmazonSmile! Make your everyday shopping a little more meaningful!
ECHOage
ECHOage is perfect for your next event! Choose from hundreds of invitation designs, and allow your guests to shop for your next event or birthday online. Find RSVP notes and thank you notes on the website, as well.
Half the funds you raise will go to your designated charity and the other half to you!
ECHOage has partnered with Project Linus. They raise funds so that they can continue to provide blankets to children in need. The funds that your guests donate can contribute to group gifts as well as the charity.
Volunteer
The success of Project Linus depends on the thousands of volunteers nationwide. Volunteers help with many tasks, including collecting and delivering the blankets.
The community groups with Project Linus are called chapters. There are chapters located in every state of the United States!
Chapter coordinators work within the community to gather the homemade blankets and deliver them to children in need. In some cities, coordinators have drop-off locations where finished blankets can be left.
Many chapters host events that are open to the community where blankets are made. Some chapters even sponsor classes for beginners!
If you aren’t able to make a blanket, many chapters welcome material donations for the blankets!
Contact your local chapter to find out how you can volunteer, donate, deliver, and more!
Don’t see a chapter in your area? Contact Project Linus about becoming a coordinator and start your own chapter!
Become a Blanketeer
Project Linus calls the amazing volunteers that make the blankets – “blanketeers.”
Blankets of all sizes and styles are accepted. Styles can include quilts, comforters, fleece, afghans, and receiving blankets. Project Linus blanket requirements ask that the blankets be new, handmade, washable, free of pins, and from a smoke-free environment.
Always contact your local chapter to find out about any specific needs they have at the time.
Project Linus has over twenty free pattern examples to inspire you. Use the Project Linus patterns to get started. Here are a few examples:
There are also links to amazing resources, including tutorials, tips, articles, and more!
Project Linus Friends
Project Linus has partnered with dozens of amazing companies nationwide. These businesses provide monetary and material needs to the charity. You can find a full list of “friends” online. Be sure to shop where you can to show your support!
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. – 3 John 1:4 (NIV)
Related: The Mother Bear Project | How to Help Sick Children
Project Linus Events
Mystery Quilt Challenge
The first Mystery Blanket Challenge began in 2015. The Mystery Blanket Challenge now hosts an annual fundraiser for Project Linus.
Clues are given that detail specific instructions for completing a quilt. Winners are announced yearly at Make a Blanket Day!
Make a Blanket Day
Make a Blanket Day is a yearly event hosted on the third Saturday in February. The unfortunate circumstances that impacted Columbine High School inspired this event.
Project Linus was in a position of needing a large number of blankets in a very short period of time. Chapters across the nation came together, made blankets, and sent them to the Denver chapter. More than 75,000 blankets are collected yearly at this fundraiser!
More Project Linus Resources
A Project Linus Video
This video shows wonderful children who have received the security, comfort, and warmth from a Project Linus blanket!
Blanket Making Resources
You are in the right place if you are interested in making blankets but aren’t sure where to begin!
We have some amazing kits and resources to get you started!
- CraftBud 73-Piece Crochet Kit – This kit includes 15 spools of yarn, 21 hooks, and additional resources. It has everything you need to get started on a Project Linus blanket!
- Crochet for Beginners – This book has everything you need to start your new hobby of crocheting! Find amazing patterns with illustrations to guide you as you crochet a Project Linus blanket!
- Postcards from Sweden Quilt Kit – This kit includes 35 pre-cut Quarters and Kona cotton. It has everything you need to make your first quilt for Project Linus!
- First-Time Quiltmaking – This book is a perfect step-by-step guide for the new quilter. It provides detailed instructions along with illustrations, tips, and techniques so that you can make a Project Linus blanket!
I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. Jeremiah 32:41 (NIV)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Does Project Linus Donate To?
Project Linus donates blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Children aged 0-18 are eligible for blankets. Blankets are received from local hospitals, shelters, and other agencies. If you know of a child in need, contact the local chapter closest to the child for more information.
Does Project Linus Take Knitted Blankets?
Yes! Project Linus accepts a wide variety of blankets in all sizes. For example, blankets can be made of fabric or yarn. Knitted and crocheted blankets are popular, but they must be handmade and washable. Please ensure blankets are free from contaminants and harsh smells.
Is Project Linus a Nonprofit?
Yes! Project Linus is a registered non-profit organization. You can read more about their mission as well as their success in their Donation PDF. A non-profit organization operates for a collective, public, or social benefit and therefore does not profit its owners.
Is Project Linus Accepting Donations?
Yes! Project Linus accepts both monetary and supply donations. You can submit a monetary donation online or via postal mail. Contact your local chapter to learn more about their needs and where to deliver supply donations.
Why Does Project Linus Only Accept Homemade Blankets?
Blankets that are made from home, rather than commercially, have a special touch. The idea that someone took the time to craft something so special means a lot to the children that receive them. If you do not wish to make a blanket, you can consider a monetary or supply donation to the charity.
Conclusion
You should now have a good understanding of what Project Linus is, who they help, and how to get involved. Remember to follow all requirements for Project Linus blanket sizes and styles. Do something special today and make a difference in the life of a child in need.
If you have other patterns for making blankets, we would love to know about them! Blankets and afghans lovingly created for children provide love, a sense of compassion, and care!
Are you active in volunteerism? Do you know of another great charity that deserves recognition? Have you started a local chapter of a charity? Leave us a comment!
Stop in at the shop today and pick up your copy of the My Volunteer Binder. This binder has all you need to keep your volunteer schedule and commitments organized.
Sharing this post is one of the best ways you can help Project Linus to grow!
