Progressive Wednesday

Security blankets

A good friend of Progressive Wednesday recently brought an organization called Project Linus to my attention, and I thought I’d pass the info along. This organization’s heart is ten times bigger than the Tin Man’s, bigger even than the Grinch’s at the end of that inspiring Seuss tome. I think I’ll let Project Linus speak for itself:

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.

The project goes like this: everyday folks make “quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets,” and kids in need or distress get this gift from the loving hands of a generous soul. This whole thing is so beautiful I hardly know what to do with it — there’s barely room in my brain to process it, to hold onto it.

There are seven ways you can help out:

1. You can make a blanket.
2. You can donate fabric and other materials.
3. You can make a financial contribution.
4. You can start your own chapter of Project Linus.
5. You can contact Project Linus and thank them for the good work they do.
   
6. If you know of a child who might not otherwise receive a blanket, you can let Project Linus know.
7. You can pass the word around and around (just click the Share This button below and email away).

Project Linus has chapters in every state (and most states have several), so there’s bound to be one relatively close to you if you’re a crafty sort. For my money, just learning about this kind of organization is progress, because knowing such a fantastic people-powered nonprofit exists is inspiring. Charles Shultz would be proud.

If you can create, please create. If you can donate, please donate. If you can tell someone who makes blankets, please tell them.

(By the by — we’re always looking for a heads-up about progressive organizations, events, and movements, so if you’ve got one to share, just direct your mouse to our Contact page, and give us the 411 and link, s’il vous plait with sugar on top.)

Photo courtesy of this warm person.