Project Linus is a nonprofit organization that provides handmade blankets to children in need. The blankets provide comfort and security to kids experiencing trauma, illness, or crisis. Currently, there are 300 chapters throughout the U.S., including one locally, Project Linus of Franklin and Crawford County. Nationally, the organization has delivered over 10 million blankets to children in need since it started in 1995 in California.
The local chapter was formed in 2023, by Karen Favello. At that time, Karen was volunteering for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and learned about Project Linus online when a Facebook post about the organization caught her attention.
“I had never heard of it and thought, ‘wouldn’t it be cool if for every bed that Sleep in Heavenly Peace delivered they would also have a handmade blanket to give to the child as well,’” she recalls.
By the Numbers
So far, Project Linus of Franklin and Crawford County has been able to deliver almost 1,200 blankets in the area. The blankets have been delivered to area organizations like Sleep in Heavenly Peace, House of Hope, and to local Angel Trees during the holiday season.
In addition to being delivered to other area nonprofits, the individually bagged blankets are also delivered to first responder locations so first responders can give the blanket to kids in times of stress or crisis, such as after a car accident, to help provide a bit of comfort.
“It’s been inspiring to watch it grow and help kids in the community,” she shares.
The organization is completely volunteer-driven and since more hands mean more blankets can be provided for children, there have been group efforts to make blankets. From St. Clair High School students making blankets in their Family and Consumer Sciences class, to the monthly Make a Blanket event at Scenic Regional Library – Union Branch, as well as finding support from local businesses like DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs in St. Clair, where volunteers made crochet Granny squares for a blanket.
“People want to feel like they can do a little something to make a difference,” Karen says of people’s willingness to help.
Volunteers of All Skill Levels Are Welcome
There are a few types of blankets that volunteers can make for kids, the most popular and beginner friendly style are the “fleece tie” type, which consists of cutting strips at the edges of a fleece blanket and tying, but crocheted and blankets that are quilted or made from fabric are also welcome.
There are also volunteer opportunities to help with making labels for the blankets as well as other behind the scenes duties. And, some volunteer blanket-makers have been found in what might seem an unlikely place, a local correctional facility.
After watching a documentary on Netflix called “The Quilters” about men in South Central Correctional Center, a maximum-security prison in Licking, Missouri, who make quilts for children in foster care, Karen was inspired to reach out to the warden at Missouri Eastern Correctional in Pacific to gauge interest about setting up a similar program, and so far, it’s a success.
“The men have been respectful and very involved and interested in helping kids and learning new techniques,” Karen shares.
Drop Box Locations
People are also welcome to make and donate new blankets and deliver them at drop boxes located at businesses throughout Franklin County. A complete list of drop boxes can be found online, as well as a brief listing below –
Washington: Yarn Together, Andy’s Produce, and Washington Library.
New Haven: Lang-a-Tang Cafe, Golden View Farm, and Save A Lot.
Union: Andy’s Produce Too, Cotton’s Ace Hardware, and Union Community Center.
St Clair: Farmers and Merchants Bank, R&R Ace, and DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs.
Sullivan: Devine Quilts, Fabrics, & Hobbies and Petals & Plants.
If you’d like to volunteer with Project Linus of Franklin and Crawford County, you can RSVP to attend a blanket making session, held the fourth Saturday of each month at Scenic Regional Library – Union Branch. The next Make a Blanket event at the library is on Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. You can also find out more about the organization by visiting its website, or following the nonprofit on Facebook.
Small Town Socialite 