Antioch, Fox Lake, Ingleside, Lake Villa, Lindenhurst, Round Lake
- 1,447 current girl members *
- 580 current adult volunteers *
Event Detail
Project Linus Blankets - Kids Helping Kids Program
Monday, March 2, 2009 -
All Communities
Project Linus “KIDS HELPING KIDS PROGRAM”
“The North & Central Chicagoland Chapter”
Your child has participated in a community service project today for Project Linus. Project Linus is a nationwide volunteer organization that collects handmade blankets and distributes them to critically ill and traumatized children. Since there is always a need for more blankets to give to children in crisis, perhaps you or your service organization would like to become involved in Project Linus.
For additional information, please call 847-498-3987 or email at linuschicago@aol.com
www.orgsites.com/il/projectlinuschicago
Supplies Needed to Create Decorated Muslin Squares:
__At least one 8" muslin square for each child. If you want Project Linus to provide the squares, we have a muslin "exchange program" that works as follows: When you decide how many squares you will need (many groups have their children make more than one square), calculate the yardage that is needed. For example: One yard of muslin at 36" wide yields 16-8inch squares. If you need 16 squares, you would purchase one yard of muslin to exchange for the 16 squares from Project Linus. Of course you may purchase and cut the squares, just remember that the muslin must be washed, dryed and ironed before cutting.
___You will need a supply of fabric markers or fabric crayons. They can be found at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Walmart or K-mart. One brand that we have had success with is Marvey-The Fabric Brush Marker. Other brands may be acceptable, however make sure that they say permanent FABRIC markers. Please note that the decorated squares must be heat set with a dry iron or placed in a hot dryer. This sets the colors so they do not fade or disappear when laundered.
__Provide plain white paper as some children like to practice a design before drawing on the muslin. This paper should also be used under the muslin to protect the work surface.
Helpful Hints
** About 1/4 inch of the edges of the muslin square will become the seams of the quilt. Remind the children not to draw on the edges.
**Encourage creativity. Some children have difficulty thinking of a subject to draw. Simple suggestions (such as sports, flowers, pets or even the alphabet) can be helpful. **A question and answer session is a wonderful conclusion to your presentation. Many children will have personal stories to share and questions about the project.
** The children will be using their brains to imagine a design, their hands to draw and most of all their hearts to create pictures that will bring happiness to the children who receive our blankets.
**Remember--There are no mistakes in Art!!
**Since Project Linus blankets are given to children of all religions, we request that your children do not include any religious symbols in their designs.
Blankets donated to Project Linus, North & Central Chicagoland, supply the following hospitals:
Evanston - Children’s Memorial - Lutheran General St. Alexius –University of Chicago - Resurrection Mt. Sinai - Rush Presbyterian & Illinois Masonic Other recipients: Palliative Care Center, Maryville Home for homeless and abused children, the Evanston Shelter for abused women and children, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Shelters Inc., Family Rescue, Rainbow House and the police department.
There are many ways to help---
Make a blanket!
--Project Linus accepts blankets of all sizes and types.
They must be new, handmade and washable.
Blankets may be quilted, tied, knitted, crocheted or fleece.
Donations are given to infants thru teen years.
You do not have to be an expert to make a blanket.
Elaborate or simple, they are all beautiful to a child.
Spread the word!
--Scouts, schools, religious organizations, Sr. centers, sewing groups and craft groups are excellent places to find potential donors.