HOLLAND, Ohio — Saturday is National Blanket Day. To celebrate, a group of community members in Holland set aside time to make blankets for children in need.
Saturday’s event was part of “Project Linus" which provides handmade blankets to kids 18 and under who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.
Sewers, knitters, crocheters, and quilters around the area have created and donated about 19,000 blankets to different kids since 2005 when the local chapter of Project Linus began at Living Faith United Methodist Church.
“We give them to children who are in need. We take them to hospitals, children’s services, soldier’s families who have been deployed and schools,” said Billie Szymanski, chapter coordinator for Project Linus Toledo.
Over 9 million blankets have been made and donated across the United States and Canada since Project Linus got its start in 1995. The organization has about 300 chapters.
Members in the Toledo chapter meet on the first Friday of every month to share their love of sewing and quilting and helping others.
"It is very rewarding. I have met a lot of very, very nice women that have come and helped me. Project Linus Lucas County would not be as big as it is if it wasn't for all the ladies and gentlemen that help me,” said Billie.
It’s not necessary to go to meetings if you want to help though. You can donate homemade blankets too.
If you are able to make blankets and want to help you can click here to learn more about Project Linus.
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