WAQG Project Linus

National Organization

http://www.projectlinus.org/

PROJECT LINUS is a 100% volunteer non-profit organization. It is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of NEW, HOMEMADE, WASHABLE blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer blanketeers.

Local Organization

Courtesy of Laura Powers, Past Chapter Coordinator Woodlands/Conroe/Spring chapter

We started this chapter in early 2000. My nephew, who is one month younger than my son, had open heart surgery when he was 4 months old. The only words my sister spoke leaving the ICU after seeing him with a ventilator, drains, tubes, IVS, were "they had a quilt on him, just his size". I called our local Houston Chapter and asked where I could send some more quilts. Sally, our Houston Chapter Coordinator, convinced me that what I really needed to do was minister to children here in my own backyard since she could not service these hospitals. So, the Woodlands/Conroe/Spring chapter was born.

Initially we targeted the Herman Memorial the Woodlands, Columbia Conroe and Houston Northwest hospitals. They are thrilled with our outreach. We have exceeded their needs so we now support a brain damaged care center for children, children going through/in/out of foster care, Northwest Assisted Ministries on 1960 (NAM), St. Luke's Hospital in the Woodlands, CASA, Bo's Place, Depelchin, Interfaith, Safe Harbor, Children's Protective Services in Montgomery and San Jacinto Counties, American Red Cross, Women's' Shelter of Montgomery County and the local fire department/EMS house on Gosling.

Patterns for Your Blankets

Quiltmaker Magazine has provided several cute patterns for our Make-A-Blanket Days. Get these patterns at:

Play Ball - 2007 Pattern http://www.quiltmaker.com/projectlinus/index.html

Kisses and Hugs - 2004 Pattern http://quiltmaker.com/patterns/patt92/

Just for Fun - 2003 Pattern http://www.quiltmaker.com/patterns/patt40/

5 Little Duckies - 2002 Pattern
Part 1: http://www.quiltmaker.com/patterns/patt23/index.html
Part 2: http://quiltmaker.com/patterns/patt24/

Hearts for Linus - 2001 Pattern
http://www.quiltmaker.com/patterns/patt11/index.html

Warm Wishes - 2000 Pattern http://quiltmaker.com/patterns/patt83/

For More Information...

If you would like to be included in my database to receive periodic updates, go to our web site at http://www.projectlinus.org/.

Thank you for all your blanket hugs for sick children.

FAQ

Q	Are you having a Make-A-Blanket Day?
A	Yes, every year in February. This year we met on Saturday February 17th from 10-2 at NEEDLES NEST, 2219 Sawdust Road, (281) 292-3153. THANK YOU NEEDLES NEST for teaming up with our local chapter for the last six years. In 2003 we have had 411 blankets, in 2004 634, in 2005 we had 720, 320 in 2006 and 475 in 2007! 36 by 36 blankets are minimum. Please come to help label, sort, tag, wrap and bag our blankets in February! Blankets are due by 1:00 to be in the drawing for a free Janome Sewing Machine.
Q	I am a scout leader and would like to help deliver blankets with my troop?
A	The hospitals do not allow school age children into the NICU areas. I would love to come speak to your troop and share stories and pictures. Please schedule with me via email. I am limited with two little ones, but with enough lead time can usually work out all speaking engagements. We also have Project Linus patches that you can order thru me for $1.50 each. They are 2x3 purple patches with the Peanuts character Linus sucking his thumb! The kids love it! You need minimum 4 weeks turn-around to order.
Q	How can I help?
A	All you need to do is use your imagination, have fun and make a blanket. Second, tell others about Project Linus!
Q	Do you meet during the year?
A	We do not have an official meeting, but we do have two "Linus Clubs" that get together on a regularly scheduled day. If you would like more information please email Lois Ramey at "bandl at cebridge.net" or Marc Layton at "blayton at houston.rr.com". Marc's group meets weekly on Thursdays at 9:30am at Faith United Methodist Church, 2403 Rayford Rd., Spring, TX.
Q	What do I do with my finished blanket?
A	When you finish a blanket contact me and then deliver/mail the blanket to me!! We also have two other convenient drop off locations. Needles Nest, located at 2219 Sawdust, 281-292-3153 (call because their hours vary) or So Pfine Divas, located at 19075 I45 S in the Portofino Shopping Center behind the fountain. Also, PLEASE send/bring a return address for each one of the blankets you make. The children love to write thank yous and that helps me from having to write out your addresses. (If you are part of a larger group that will produce many blankets please contact me for Project Linus labels).
Q	What kind of blankets do you accept?
A	Blankets may be knitted, crocheted, quilted, woven, sewn, whatever. Fringe is also fine for some of the "teenage" version. They would love that! The children come is all sizes, so we welcome all sizes of blankets. Generally: Preemie blankets 15" x 18" to 24" x 24" Newborn blankets 25" x 30" Toddler blankets 35" x 40" to 45" Child to Teenage blankets 40" x 60"
Q	If I know a seriously ill or a child in a traumatic situation, can they get a blanket?
A	ABSOLUTELY!! Please call or email me with their name, address and situation and I will take care of the rest!

The Woodlands Area Quilt Guild
P.O. Box 8494
The Woodlands, Texas 77387-8494