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Linus, the lovable cartoon character from Peanuts,
is well-known for carrying his favorite blanket around
everywhere. Project Linus, named after the cartoon
character, was founded in 1995 to provide security
blankets to children dealing with traumatic accidents
or illness.
Founder Karen Loucks started Project Linus after
realizing the positive impact that her gift of a
homemade blanket had on one child struggling with her
chemotherapy treatments. The little girl was comforted
by snuggling underneath the warm blanket.
Project Linus provides a tangible means of comfort
during an uncomfortable time in a child's life. Since
1995, Project Linus has grown from one woman's
inspiration to almost 400 chapters throughout the
United States. Through the volunteer work of these
chapters, over 2, 602, 174 blankets have been given to
children worldwide.
Middle Georgia has its own chapter of Project Linus,
which operates out of Perry. Begun by Emily Heath in
1999, the Perry chapter supplies blankets to the
Children's Hospital at the Medical Center of Central
Georgia. To date, the Perry chapter has delivered 1,
350 blankets to the children's hospital.
"I saw an article about Project Linus in
Parade magazine in 1999 and was interested in the
blanket project. I like to crochet, so I thought that
this was a way I could do something I enjoy and also
help a child. Even though I worked fulltime, I felt
the Lord's lead, and I stepped out and decided to get
involved with Project Linus. I proposed the blanket
project as a mission for our United Methodist Women's
group at Perry United Methodist Church, and the women
agreed to support the project," Heath said.
The women donated 50 blankets that first year to
the Children's Hospital.
"Seeing the children's faces light up when
they receive their very own blankets and know that
they are theirs to keep is all the encouragement I
need to keep making blankets. If I think I am having a
bad day, I think about a little child at the
Children's Hospital who has been through eight
surgeries so far and is determined to keep going. It
puts my life in perspective," Heath said.
Project Linus National Headquarters is located in
Bloomington, Illinois. National President Carol
Babbitt and Vice President Mary Balagna direct and
orchestrate the activities of Project Linus chapters.
Both have been involved with the organization since
late 1998, as chapter coordinators and now as
directors and officers. They also maintain a very busy
Central Illinois chapter, donating an average of 350
blankets every month to local children. With chapters
in all 50 states, Project Linus continues to grow.
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 big hug.
"I am extremely pleased by the outpouring of
support Project Linus has enjoyed," said Babbitt.
"The comfort brought to a child by a Project
Linus security blanket should not be underestimated.
Thanks to our many blanketeers and our chapter
coordinators, millions of children and their families
have been given comfort and security at a time when
they need it most. In addition, blanketeers are given
an opportunity to use their talents and abilities in
most rewarding way." Rarely a month goes by that
Project Linus isn't featured in a national magazine or
television program. Parade, People, Reader's Digest,
Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal, Quiltmaker,
Quilters Newsletter, Guidepost, Parents Magazine, Real
Simple, Woman's Day and many others have helped to
spur interest. You may have seen or heard segments
about Project Linus on the NBC Nightly News, Today
Show, Oprah, and The Glenn Beck Program. www.projectlinus.org
You do not have to be an expert to make a blanket.
While Project Linus accepts all styles, the blankets
must be new, handmade, and washable. Blanket sizes can
vary because Project Linus gives blankets to babies,
toddlers, children and teens.
To learn more about the Perry Chapter of Project
Linus, contact Emily Heath at 478-987-3921 or emilyheath@windstream.net
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