Since its inception in 1995 Project Linus has delivered more than 10 million blankets (Courtesy photos)
ROCHESTER - Several hundred Project Linus blankets are to be dedicated during a Sunday service on Nov. 9 at Rochester First United Methodist Church.
It all began in the early 1980s when the United Methodist Women of the Rochester First United Methodist Church invited the creator of ABC Quilts to speak to their monthly gathering. The women then made quilts for the babies with AIDS in the Boston hospitals until the local chapter of ABC Quilts disbanded.
After a referral to the Seacoast Chapter of Project Linus the mission expanded. Project Linus includes any child birth to 18 who needs comforting. In addition to quilts, fleece blankets and afghans were included and sizes increased.
The group has expanded and includes members from the community and their friends. Although most people create in their homes, they get together at the church for supplies, some creating and fellowship on Monday evenings at 6 and Wednesday mornings at 9. All are welcome. No experience is necessary. All materials, equipment and help are available.
Three times a year the blankets are spread throughout the sanctuary of the church. During the Sunday morning service prayers are said for the creators and the children who will receive the blankets. In 2024 a total of 1,000 blankets were created and dedicated at the Rochester First United Methodist Church group. The blankets were then distributed by the Seacoast Chapter of Project Linus to service organizations and hospitals in Strafford and Rockingham counties to comfort children.
The next dedication will be Nov. 9 at 9:30 a.m. at the church located at 34 South Main St. All are welcome.
About Project Linus
Project Linus National Headquarters is located in Belton, Missouri. National President Patty Gregory and Vice President Mary Balagna direct and orchestrate the activities of Project Linus chapters located across the United States. Patty has been involved with the organization in the Kansas City area since April 2000 and Mary in Central Illinois since late 1998, as chapter coordinators and now as directors and officers. Mary also maintains a very busy chapter, donating an average of 350 blankets every month to local children. With chapters in all 50 states, Project Linus continues to grow. Blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug.
Rarely a month goes by that Project Linus is not featured in a local or national magazine or program. Parade, People, Reader's Digest, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal, Quiltmaker, Quilters Newsletter, Guidepost, Parents Magazine, Real Simple, Woman's Day and many others have helped to spur interest. You may have seen or heard segments about Project Linus on your local newscast.
Comment
Print
All material on this site is copyright protected under penalty of federal law