Have you heard all about Project Linus that helps support children of all ages? No? Then have a read below to see what this 100% volunteer non-profit organisation does and see how you can help.
Project Linus started life in America back in 1995 by Karen Loucks who read all about how a blanket had provided a child cancer victim with comfort. After reading about their story, Karen started to organise blankets for her local Children’s Cancer Unit and Project Linus was born. Since then several million blankets have been donated and delivered worldwide. Each homemade and washable blanket providing support, comfort, warmth and a sense of security for children of all ages who are seriously ill, gone through trauma or otherwise in need.
Project Linus UK started up in 2000, and since then over 230,000 handmade quilt and blankets have been donated to children throughout the UK – delivered to hospitals, hospices, care homes and refuges, essentially any place where a child needs support and comfort.
How You Can Help Project Linus
Would you like to be a part of Project Linus? Then take a look at below to see how you can help.
1) Notify your local coordinator of children that you believe are in need for support by Project Linus
2)Make Your Own Quilt and drop them off at your local collection points
3)Donate Cotton Fabrics, which can then be passed on to larger quilting groups who sew up these beautiful handmade quilts for the children
4)Help to raise funds for fabrics/wadding
5)Liaise with your local coordinator to get them involved with your local craft groups, sewing groups, WI etc.
Sewing Your Own Quilt
If you would like to sew or knit your own quilt, then take a look at the measurements below for the different ages.
Baby Quilts: approx 24”-30” square or 24” x 30”
Children’s Quilts: approx 36” – 42” square or 36” x 42”
Teenagers Quilts: approx 42” square or 42” x 48”
Knitted Blankets: approx 24 inches square or larger for older children and teenagers
If you pop over to Project Linus’ website you can also find a selection of FREE quilting and knitting patterns
Collection Points for Project Linus
Project Linus UK is split into different areas/counties, each one ran be a volunteer group of co-ordinators. Our local coordinator for North Cumbria is Vita Collins.
Just Sew is a drop off/collection point where you can leave your handmade, washable quilts. So if you are sewing up quilts that you would like to donate to Project Linus, then you can leave them here with us for Vita to collect.
If you aren’t in the local area, but would still like to get involved with Project Linus, then click here to find out about your local coordinator and drop off points.
