St. Jude Quilt Project
By Julie Conn
May 12, 2009
May 12, 2009
Dear Parent(s):
Next week we will be making fleece tie blankets for Project Linus. This is a project I have done with my students since I began teaching 9 years ago. I have found the children have a great sense of pride when they can give back to those who are going through a difficult time. This project coordinates nicely with the research papers we are finishing up in English class.
You may be wondering, what is “Project Linus”? Simply put…
Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. Each volunteer and local chapter all work together to help us achieve our mission statement, which states:
First, 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, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
Second, it is our mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.
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 located across the United States. 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.
Together the organization has distributed over three million blankets to children in need since our inception in 1995.
I personally became involved with this organization many years ago when my niece injured her arm and had emergency surgery. She was young and very scared, and was given one of these hand-made blankets to comfort her. Ever since, I have made it my mission as teacher to bring my students into the “giving” experience. I hope that they will never have to be on the receiving end, but know they have helped someone in their time of need.
*** I am asking each child to being in a NEW piece of fleece measuring 2yards. The students may partner up within their class and coordinate matching fleece. We will be making double sided blankets. The cost of the 2 yards should run about $8.00 -10.00. The fleece can be purchased at Walmart, Jo-Ann Fabric, and Hobby Lobby.
Also students will need a pair of sharp scissors the days we are making the blankets, otherwise they will not be able to cut through the fleece.***
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs.Conn / jconn@brimfield309.com
