Every Tuesday after school, one may see a group of people chatting and listening to snazzy music in Mrs. Ricci’s room. No, they are not having a party; they are making blankets for Project Linus. Whether they are crocheted, knitted, quilted, or tied, each of the blankets made through this club are sent to children who have been through traumatic events, are seriously ill, or are otherwise in need.
Project Linus is a national organization that was founded in 1995 after Karen Loucks read a Parade article about a child with severe leukemia who brought her “blankie” to her many treatments. This connection inspired her to provide homemade security blankets to Denver’s Rocky Mountain Children’s CancerCenter, which became the foundation of Project Linus.
The blankets could end up anywhere from a hospital to the wake of a natural disaster. The blankets made in Chardon are mainly distributed throughout Northeastern Ohio to places such as Rainbow Babies, Metro Health, the Cleveland Clinic, and UniversalHospitals. They have also been sent to SandyHook elementary students in Newtown, Connecticut, troops overseas, and the East Coast after Hurricane Sandy. Wherever they are delivered, these blankets are sure to provide comfort. As many Chardon students and staff know, it does not matter how old you are-it will always feel wonderful to know someone cares.
Junior Nikki Katzenstein says, “I remember when I got my blanket freshmen year and how great it felt to know that someone out there is thinking about you. I wanted to pass that feeling on.” Each blanket can not only brighten someone’s day, but provide security for the long road ahead.
Chardon’s club was founded last year by seniors Katie Goodge and Rachel Loder.
Katie Goodge explains, “I created a Chardon chapter because it’s such a fun and great way to give back. I love it because I’m helping someone in need by using my talents and being crafty. Project Linus is laid back, but very welcoming.”
Mrs. Ricci is the club’s advisor and resident yarn expert. Others who know how to knit or crochet can teach their skills to any willing participant. Students can also cut and tie fleece blankets selected from the enormous variety of fabric. Each blanket made by Chardon students has a special tag attached to it that says, “Made by a Chardon student with love.” Chardon’s Project Linus goals for this year include making as many blankets of possible with the plentiful material that is available. These stores of fabric were purchased through a grant from the Chardon Healing Fund, private donations, and donations from Joann Fabrics. Since the start of Chardon’s Project Linus, about 400 blankets have been made!
When asked to sum up a typical meeting, Project Linus member Nikki Katzenstein replies, “Music, fun, random conversations, and great people.” Junior Kathleen Deley adds, “If you get a group of friends together, you can pass the time and relax.”
Anyone can join Project Linus because there are no “mandatory meetings,” per se. Meetings usually go from after school until 3:30. Students or staff can attend whenever they can make it as well as work on blankets at home. Another plus is that there is no participation fee. As senior Erin Grantham says, “It is great way to relax and have fun while giving to an amazing cause.”