Project Linus Local Chapter Will Provide Blankets For Children In Need

 

September 1, 2022

Broadus Paramedic Cressi Johnson crochets a child's blanket while on standby with the ambulance, in the photo below. Johnson is the coordinator for the Broadus Chapter of Project Linus, an organization which makes and distributes blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. (Photo courtesy Adam Johnson)

Linus, the character from Charles Shultz' Peanuts comic strip, was always pictured with his security blanket in tow, helping him through the most trying times. Linus served as the inspiration for Project Linus, a nationwide 501(c)3 organization that provides handmade blankets and that same sense of security Linus felt with his blanket to children who are ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need, while also providing a rewarding and fun service opportunity for local community members.

Broadus now holds the newest chapter for Project Linus, organized by First Responder and Paramedic Cressi Johnson.

Cressi has worked with Project Linus in the past, and after moving to Broadus with her husband Adam, realized that a chapter did not exist in Eastern Montana, Northeastern Wyoming, Western South Dakota, and Western North Dakota. So, she started the latest in over 300 chapters across the US.


Project Linus began in 1995, and has since donated 8,900,000 blankets to children in need across the country. Johnson told us that recent major projects the organization has donated to included blankets for flood victims in Kentucky, and blankets for students, teachers, and bus drivers involved with the Uvalde, Texas school shooting.

At the local level, volunteer "blanketeers" will build quilts, fleece blankets, and afghans, which will first be distributed to local first responders such as ambulance crews and police officers to carry in their outfits. In the case of an emergency, those blankets will be used to keep kids warm and provide a sense of security in trying times. From there, blankets may be distributed to wider ranging locales including the major hospitals serving Broadus.


Cressi told us "This is a way for Powder River County to take care of all the children in the local area and beyond."

The organization is currently seeking volunteer "blanketeers" to help build blankets for those in need, and they are also on the hunt for monetary or fabric donations.

The organization's first local meeting will take place in the west courthouse conference room (just past the Sheriff's office entrance door) on Monday, September 10th at 10 AM. Johnson noted that one does not need to be an expert in knitting or crocheting to be a part of the program. Classes will be given for those looking to learn, and for more advanced blanketeers, a variety of creative projects are available for fun and challenge, such as a "mystery challenge", with clues given out on a periodical basis for making a quilt, and the ability to win a nationwide challenge through the project.


Those looking to donate may contact Cressi at 406-876-5129, or email [email protected]. A Facebook page has been set up for the organization at Project Linus Powder River County Chapter, and donations may be made by visiting projectlinus.org. Johnson emphasized that any donations to the program should be accompanied with a note saying the money is going specifically for the Powder River County Chapter, so the money will stay in the local area.

"We've had adults bring in blankets they received from Project Linus when they were in a hospital as a kid and saved all these years. Some of the blankets are in shambles, but were and still are among their prized possessions."


The Project Linus pamphlets have a quote which apply sums up the goals of the program: "The best kind of sleep under heaven above, is under a blanket handmade with love."

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2024

Rendered 02/03/2024 07:16