The world can be a scary place, especially for a young child. Far too often, circumstances beyond their control put children in vulnerable positions that are very frightening. In many cases, it can be difficult to help them feel the love and security we all deserve. Fortunately, a gesture that might be considered small by some can mean all the difference to a child struggling with his/her circumstances. The people behind Project Linus understand that demonstrations of love need not be large to have an impact. In fact, something as seemingly small as a blanket can be just what a child needs.
Project Linus began in 1995 after Denver native Karen Loucks read an article titled “Joy to the World” in Parade magazine. The article touched Loucks so profoundly that she decided to make and distribute homemade security blankets to Denver’s Rocky Mountain Children’s Cancer Center. Project Linus built off that initial outpouring of love and now provides homemade blankets to seriously ill or traumatized children in all fifty states.
In the Red River Valley, the Project Linus chapter was established in 2006. Since its inception, the chapter has distributed 13,677 blankets. Current chapter coordinator Norene Baeth got involved in 2007 after making her first donation. Baeth feels very passionate about the community’s responsibility to its children, a passion she has infused into the local chapter. “Sometimes a child is in a situation that they have no power to change,” she began. “Project Linus cannot fix the problem either, but we can provide a blanket that becomes a source of security and comfort.” Project Linus considers their blankets “hugs,” and aims to use them to let children know they are cared for and not forgotten.
Wendy Allen knows first-hand just how important these blankets can be. The Allen family was introduced to Project Linus when two of their children were hospitalized. “The blankets are a little piece of home and gave the children a warm hug when they wrapped themselves inside,” she said. “Hospital stays can be scary to some children and even other family members; the blankets make the stay a little easier.”
Wendy has felt an obligation to pay the gift her family received forward and is very active in Project Linus. That commitment has become even stronger now that the Wendy and her husband Chris are owners of several local Godfather’s Pizzas. “Giving back has been very important to our family before Godfather’s Pizza; and now with us being local business owners in the FM area we feel we can make an even bigger impact,” she explained. To help encourage public participation, Godfather’s is offering a free buffet coupon to their Moorhead location to anyone who donates new, unused fleece during Project Linus’ Fleece Blitz Day on November 29. Donations can be dropped off at The Quilted Lady Bug in the Moorhead Center Mall until December 1.”It’s our way of saying thank you for donating fleece to Project Linus,” Wendy explained.
Project Linus recommends fleece donations for babies and toddlers measure at least 1 1/2 yards. For pre-teens and teens, a total of 2 to 2 1/2 yards is requested. Participation in the project does not need to stop at the donation, however. The organization is collaborating with Girl Scouts from North and West Fargo to make blankets at the Moorhead Center Mall on December 2 from 5:45 to 8:00pm. The public is invited to assist with tying the no-sew blankets and preparing them for distribution.
It is easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and forget that there are people all over our community that are less fortunate. Children are especially vulnerable and require extra attention. “I firmly believe that the children are our future and that we as a community must take care of each one to the best of our ability,” Baeth said. “If one child hurts, so do we all.” Wendy Allen feels equally as passionate about Project Linus and giving to those in need. “The program is important because children in need look for comfort,” she said. “No matter what age you are, a blanket is always found as comfort.” The fact that each blanket is homemade and unique makes the gift even more valuable.
Project Linus is an organization that is committed to helping children throughout the year, not just during the holidays. The non-profit 501(c) 3 charity survives on donations from the community. These donations can come in the form of new blankets, fabric, yard, #10 crochet thread, or gift cards to local businesses. According to Baeth, donations of time and talent are also needed. “We are always looking for quilters or those who can knit and crochet,” she said. Project Linus meetings are held on Mondays from 10:00am to 3:00pm at One Oak Place in Fargo. New volunteers are welcome to attend a meeting and sew, knit, crochet, or just socialize. Volunteers can also work from home with materials provided by the organization.
Those interested in learning more about Project Linus and how they can help can visit www.projectlinus.org or www.orgsites.com/nd/projectlinusfargo.
