Yes, quilters do have something to do that is comforting, helpful,
welcome. Something that is cuddly, beautiful, utilitarian, and able to
convey love in practical unspoken ways. In short, each quilt is a
loving gesture of caring and support and often comes as a surprise.
Charles Schulz, father of six and beloved creator of Peanuts cartoon
characters, understood children's attachment to their blankets and he
made little Linus's security blanket as well as the name itself, a
household phrase. Thank you for this legacy, Charles Schulz! You
really understood our kids -- and our own inner child too.
Right now, as death tolls are tallied in New York and Washington, so
too are survivors being counted. There are also families of each
victim: wives, husbands, children, mothers, fathers, fiancees. In
their grieving, quilts can be one thing to cling too.
In moments like this, quilters often and regularly provide something
of practical and loving value. Many quilt guilds have member-stitched
charity quilts at the ready to meet emergency needs.
Project Linus groups from coast-to-coast are possibly the most
dedicated and prepared lifeline for distribution. Not only do they
create blankets, they set up group quilting sessions to enable even
passer-bys to aid in the production of as many quilts and comforters as
may be needed. In the days, following the Columbine High School
tragedy, they did this and students came by to work at it and to help
make sure their that their survivor-classmates would be taken care of.
"A Project Linus blanket is like a big hug when you need one" is the
motto of this nationwide network of quilters, sewers, knitters,
crocheters who care enough to do their very best,not just for local
hospitals and terminally ill children, but also when large-scale
emergencies burst upon us.
Project Linus is now kicking off a campaign to get quilts and blankets
to the children in the NY and DC areas. They are both energized and organized to handle
distribution. The need now is greater than it's ever been and spread
out over surrounding states affected because parents may work in New
York City, but live in and commute from Connecticut, New Jersey, or
other states. No matter how far reaching this emergency is proving to
be, Project Linus network is ready to smooth trauma for young
innocents.
Chapter coordinators around the country are collecting and making
blankets in anticipation of sending them to contacts that are set up in
New York City, Washington DC and surrounding areas.
Anyone interested in donating new, homemade, washable blankets and
afghans can contact their local chapter Project Linus coordinator for
an address, or send them to the Project Linus National Headquarters at
P.O. Box 5621, Bloomington, IL 61702-5621, where they will be tagged
and counted and forwarded on to the proper distribution facilities.
Monetary donations to help offset the costs of materials and shipping
charges are gratefully accepted.
Project Linus update 10/18/01
Thank you and deep appreciation for those who sent quilts
and blankets to Project Linus for distribution in NYC and DC areas. We
are notified that thousands were distributed and the current need has
been met. Boston may be another area. Perhaps we've learned that
having quilts available for charity giving in the future is a good idea,
since tragedies usually give us little or no advance warning. Thank
you again --- blessings for all the warm hearts who
helped.
Jean
Another quilt distribution is underway through Luana and Paul Rubin at
equilter.com. Having roots in and close ties to New York City, they
are enabling a variety of ways to turn emotions into quilts.
It is also possible to produce an electronic quilt patch and e-mail it
to Lora-Ly for inclusion in a virtual quilt to be sent back to New York
City and Washington DC.
Think joy when you choose fabric and colors for the children. Look at
your choices through young eyes and create a quilt they will love and
feel safer in. Bright colors can break through gray ashes and lift
spirits for both the quilt receiver and the quilter.
Your quilt will be something to make a difference, a special something
they will be glad to receive and hold tight to, a very present help in
dark times, a treasure.
Your quilt will be something to make a difference, a special something
they will be glad to receive and hold tight to, a very present help in
dark times, a treasure.
Yes, "a quilt is indeed like a big hug when you need one."
*** Additional information is available through Project Linus National
Headquarters!! at ProjectLinus@worldnet.att.nets/ ; equilter.com
; and Lora-Ly at islandgirldesigns@hawaii.rr.com .
