Remember that special blanket that gave comfort and a feeling of safety as a child? Now Wildcats make these blankets for children who need that same feeling of security.
Project Linus is a nationwide nonprofit organization that brings homemade blankets to children in local hospitals. Inspired by the story of a young girl who found strength in having her blanket, the organization gives handmade blankets to children fighting for their lives.
Senior Chyann Williams presented Project Linus to her teacher and sponsor Nikki Self. As president dedicated of the club Williams wants to leave behind a legacy of contributing.
“It was just a great way to give back to the community, and I loved it,” Williams said. “It’s really simple. Making those blankets is the easiest thing ever,”
The blankets are made out of fleece material which makes it quick and easy to measure and cut. The result is a warm and comforting blanket, with no sewing required.
“It’s just really fun,” Williams said. “You don’t need 25 hours, or you don’t have to go out and do something. It’s just a fun way to be with your friends and make blankets to give back to these children.”
Project Linus aims to give back to the community by impacting a child’s life.
“The comfort of a child through a blanket [means] so much to a child who has cancer, or a child who is so sick,” Williams said. “Giving them a blanket through those hard times is great, just being able to give them something, something as meaningless as a small blanket.”
Self also plays a big part in running the club’s meetings and helping Williams and vice president Grace Seidl plan a great year for the club.
“This year I would love to see them up the number of students that come in on a regular basis,” Self said. “I would like to see more blankets donated this year, but I think it would be nice if the officers and some members actually go and give them to families.”
Being able to connect with the parents and the children is one of the main goals.
“I think it would be really cool if the members creating the blankets got to see the children they’re contributing the blankets to,” Self said.
Even those who cannot join the club can show their support by donating supplies.
“We always need scissors, fabric scissors especially,” Seidl said. “We can never have enough of those because the more people that come, the more people that need to cut.”
The club wants to expand to do more volunteer work, get more involved in the community and really helping the families that are struggling.
“I really focus on the fact that not only does it make perhaps the child feel safe, but I think it helps the parents to know they’re not alone,” Self said.
Those who cannot make it to the meetings can drop off blankets at the local Quiltworks located in the Metropolitan transit area on Skinner road.
“Take your blankets, make sure they’re all folded and put them in a bag, then drop them off,” Williams said.
Wildcats interested in joining the can speak with Williams or Self in room 2517
“You need to be reliable, I need someone I can depend on,” Williams said. “I want someone who is genuinely interested in it.”