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 | FALL/WINTER 2009 NEWSLETTER |
| OLLIE'S STORY |
| KOHL'S A-TEAM BLANKETMAKING EVENT |
| BLANKET GUIDELINES |
| BLANKET DROP-OFF PLACES |
| BLANKET PATTERNS |
| FALLEN HEROES PROGRAM |
| DONATE, VOLUNTEER, JOIN A GROUP |
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ABOUT PROJECT LINUS: A HUGE THANK YOU to each of our wonderful volunteers! Together, you made 3,488 blankets for Project Linus Tucson, from January 1 through August 2009! As of August 2009 we had delivered a total of 25,066 blankets to children in the Tucson area. When the chapter began in Spring 1999, our goal was to ultimately reach 1,000 children. Instead, look what's happened!!!! With the help of over 300 women, men and children, who regularly make and contribute blankets, Project Linus Tucson has given the gift of a security to many thousands of children.
As of September 30, 2009 there were 378 Project Linus Chapters. Chapters are in all states of the USA. Together, volunteers in these chapters had given 3,011,944 security blankets to children!
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION'S MISSION STATEMENT: Project Linus is a volunteer non-profit national organization with a twofold mission.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION'S HISTORY: Project Linus began in Denver on Christmas Eve 1995 when an article appeared in Parade Magazine entitled, "Joy to the World". Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Eddie Adams, it featured a petite downy-haired little girl who had been undergoing intensive chemotherapy. The article stated that her security blanket helped her get through treatments. Karen Loucks read the article and decided to provide homemade security blankets to Denver's Rocky Mountain Children's Cancer Center. The idea grew, Charles Schultz's family gave permission to use the blanket-toting Linus as the logo, and Project Linus was born. |
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Members List:
Links Section
Coordinator:
Marge Koeller 578-7115
AsstCoord:
Jody Elmer 760-8852
NE Area:
Aileen Hurtado 323-8488
NW Area:
Elizabeth Stewart 825-0963
SE Area:
Jan VandenHeuvel 885-3126
SW Area:
Marge Koeller 578-7115
GREEN VALLEY:
Lois Westervelt 399-1411
Kids Helping Kids:
Dale Shoots 742-3801
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ON THE THIRD FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, at 9:30, our volunteers bring in blankets that they have collected from our drop-off points, and stack them on tables by sizes (preemie, baby, child, teen/pre-teen). We receive anywhere from 300-400 blankets a month, in all styles: knitted, crocheted, fleece and quilts. It is so exciting to see all the wonderful creations that have been donated to our chapter for the children who need a blanket to hug. VISITORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
Once the blankets are all on the tables, our volunteers begin to fill bags with blankets of appropriate sizes to take to each of our recipient facilities.
Our committed volunteers stay for a meeting after the blankets are processed, and if you are interested in learning more about what we do, you may stay too. We are usually finished with the meeting by 11:30.
Location: Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2450 E. Ft. Lowell Rd. (SW corner of Ft. Lowell and Tucson Blvd.) Park in the lot that is on the south side of the campus; enter from Tucson Blvd. We meet in the building that is on the west side of that parking lot.
The Tucson Chapter mourns the loss of a dear friend, our little "energizer bunny", Mary Helen Dimercurio. Mary valiantly fought cancer for many, many years, yet was always making Project Linus blankets, coming up with new ideas, smiling, and giving support and hugs to each of us. She touched our hearts and we will sorely miss her.
Mary (in motion!) at Make-Blanket Day, February 2009
These photos do not do justice to Mary's wonderful creations. She made each one with love, and sent healing thoughts into her beautiful machine quilting. Each blanket was a beautiful gift for some unknown child who needed a hug to get through a traumatic time.
Mary's "Humpty Dumpty" blanket
Soccer Girl (front of quilt)
Soccer Girl (back of quilt)
Mary was always trying new techniques.
Dear Aunt Sandy,
My daughter loved the blanket, especially the Rainbow side. Thank you for making the day of her surgery comfortable and pleasant.
God blesses you always, with love,
Fernando, Lizeth and Fernanda M. Cuiltre
Dear Marge & friends (especially Gramma J.)
Thank you so much for the beautiful kitty blanket my daughter received when she went to the NW Surgery Center. It was her first time there and I know she was a bit scared until she sw the new blanket that she was told was hers! It was such a good and pleasant distraction. We were all touched by what a thoughtful gift and project you all decided to take on. This is so wonderful and I can't tell you how much it meant!
Sincerely,
The Murphys
(especially Olivia, 2 yrs)
P.S. She's doing great!
Dear Mrs. Koeller and Volunteers at Project Linus of Tucson
I just want to thank yoiu for the blanket our foster son Brandon received when he had his surgery at Carondolet Foothills Surgery Center.
When the nurse asked if he liked Spongebob it was perfect timing. He is five and was frightened about what was going to happen. Spongebob is his favorite and when he saw the blanket with the character it took his mind off the surgery and he went in with a smile.
He is still using it. He likes to put it on the floor when we have our indoor picnics.
Thank you again and please let everyone know their labor of love is greatly appreciated.
Bernice Arico & Brandon
Editor's note: Brandon "signed" his own name at the bottom of the note card
On the day of my son's ear surgery I was presented with a beautiful knitted blanket. It was created by a volunteer named Ruth. The blanket brought such comfort to my little one. He held and cuddled it. Thank you to your volunteers and may you knit more blankets.
Sincerely, Maricella and Jonathan Larson thank you again for the blankets you donated to Aviva. They mean so much to the children who are in the care of Child Protective Services. Last year we received requests for 1,276 blankets. We could not have filled these requests with the help of Project Linus. The blankets you donate bring so much warmth and comfort to children as they make their way through the foster care system. No matter how many times they move, their blanket goes with them to make each new place feel a little more familiar. I think the love and care that is stitched into each blanket comes out and surrounds that child whenever the blanket is cuddled.
Again, thank you for your continued support. We are so very grateful.
Sincerely yours,
Always, Alyssa and Geri
P.S. Allyssa is now 5 lb. 19 oz. and 19 days old, and doing a lot better.
The Shannons
Thanks, Madison
(Nicolette "signed" her name at the bottom of the thank you note)
Our 7 year-old daughter recently spent 3 weeks at UMC and received a beautiful blanket made by Mary Beth. She loved receiving it! Every morning we made her bed and draped the new blanket across the bedspread. Not only did it make the hospital room look and feel more "homey", it was a soft place for her to sit during the day.
Thank you so much for your devotion to Tucson's children. We truly appreciate it!
P.S. She still has her butterfly-shaped crocheted blanket from her last hospital stay 3 years ago :) Kelli
Dear Marge,
We at Healthy Families wanted to thank you again for the beautiful blankets your group has worked so hard on. Please know that our families love these blankets and children of every age get excited when they learn they will be getting their own blanket;and don't have to share!
Thank you so much! Lupe Ricardez
Dear Project Linus,
I want to say "thank you" for the lovely lap quilt that my six-year-old son received at Carondelet Surgery Center this month. He had minor surgery and was very frightened. Your quilt was a great hit! He still sleeps with it. Keep up the good work!
The Shannons
Thank you very, very much for the quilt you sewed me!! It was a very special surprise for me the day I went in for surgery! I was able to take it into the surgery room with me, which made it a little less scary for me!
Thanks, Madison
Thank you so much for your kind donation to our babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. We truly appreciate all the time and hard work that you and the other members of Project Linus put into making the blankets. A LOT of love went into each one!
Best Regards, the staff at the NICU of Northwest Medical Center
Your support of Arizona's Children Association and our family of agencies over this past year allowed us to reach more than 45,000 vulnerable children and families across the state with programs and services that brought hope and changed lives.
On behalf of our Board of Directors, our staff, and the children and families we serve, Thank You!
Fred Chaffee, President and CEO
Editor's Note: An "Exceptional Volunteer Award" plaque was presented to Project Linus a year ago. It stated "In Recognition of your Deep Commitment and Outstanding Devotion to Arizona's Children Association". We were most honored to receive this recognition.
Dear Ms. Koeller
Each year, we continue to advance our mission of helping the homeless and impoverished in Tucson. Through our various programs, such as Project FEED and the Jobs Program, we have seen many lives changed for the better.
Again, please accept our deepest gratitude for your support. Blessings to you and yours.
Sincerely,
Our daughter had her tonsils out at Carondolet Foothills Surgery Center last week. She was very upset prior to surgery and the nurse brought her a pink and purple crocheted blanket. Pink and purple are her two favorite colors! The blanket distracted her from her distress long enough for the Verset to kick-in and the experience was much less traumatic than it would have been. She has not let go of the blanket since we brought her home. She sleeps under it day and night.
It was made by Sun City Vistosa Casa Amigas.
Thank you again,
Project Linus - Thank You
This morning my little girl had tubes put into her ears at the Carondolet Foothills Surgery Center. When we arrived she was given a new blanket, courtesy of Project Linus. I cannot tell you how happy this made her, and how it took her mind off of what else was going on around her. I happened to have my camera with me and thought you might enjoy a picture of your work in action. Thank you for the blanket and the work that you do; it is much appreciated.
WE RARELY KNOW WHO RECEIVES OUR BLANKETS, BUT ON OCCASION WE RECEIVE PHOTOS. CLICK ON "BLANKET RECIPIENTS" AT THE TOP, LEFT, OF THIS HOME PAGE TO SEE THE PHOTOS WE HAVE COLLECTED OVER THE YEARS.
Dear Ms. Marge Koeller,
Dear Project Linus Friends,
Cindy Lingel
Aviva Children's Services
Thank you for the beautiful quilt. My baby girl loves it. It helped keep her warm in the NICU. God bless you and thank you!
Dear Marge,
Wanted to say "Thank You" for the lovely lap quilt that my son (six years old) received at Carondolet Surgery Center this month. He had minor surgery and was very frightened. Your quilt was a great hit! He still sleeps with it. Keep up the good work!
Dear Karen,
Thank you very, very much for the quilt you sewed me!! It was a very special surprise for me the day I went in for surgery! I was able to take it into the surgery room with me, which made it a little less scary for me!
Hello:
My name is Nicolette Baldenegro (1 yr. and 10 mos. old) and I had surgery done recently. I received this beautiful handmade blanket that I liked a lot and will cherish it very much. Thanx to the volunteers who take the time to hand make them for us patients. May God bless you all! Again, thanx for the blanket.
Dear Project Linus Volunteers,
Dear Karen (person who made the blanket),
Dear Project Linus Coordinator,
Project Linus,
First of all, congratulations on your new position as Chapter Coordinator! On behalf of The Giving Tree Outreach Program, I want to thank you for your recent donation of blankets. I wanted to personally tell you how much your support means to the many homeless and hungry children and adults in Tucson.
Libby Wright
BA, MA, PhD Candidate
Director
Dear Volunteer:
Donna
A security blanket is just what a child needs.
"Asking a Quilter to mend -- Cheryl Mammano, Manager, Art & quilting Gallery, Benson, AZ (one of our drop-off points)
A volunteer is love in motion. Below is a poem that we found on the Project Linus site of the East San Fernando/Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena Chapter:
With Tender Loving Care
I can't be there to hold your hand,
I can sit here in my room at night
When you hold this blanket in your arms
So dry your tears and smile a smile,
Poem by Pam Braden
Is like asking Picasso to paint your garage."
"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." -Mother Teresa
"I am only one but still I am one. I cannot do everything but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." --Helen Keller
One of our knitters saw this quote on TV and wanted to share it:
I can't be there to hug you,
I can't be there to dry a tear,
But there is one thing I can do.
And dream of you out there,
And make a blanket just for you
With tender loving care.
And close your eyes real tight,
You can feel the love I tucked inside
When I made this late one night.
You aren't alone, you see.
You have this special blanket--
You have a part of me.
CHECK OUT OUR LINKS
Each year the magazine publishes a quilt pattern specifically designed in support of Project Linus' national organization. Past years' designs have included "Play Ball", "Single Scoop" (ice cream cone), "Happy Cats", and "Hearts for Linus".
Use our "Links" section to get patterns from the "Quiltmaker" web site. (As of December 4 the "Lotsa Pops!" pattern had not been put onto Quiltmaker's site. All past Project Linus patterns were available.)
While you're surfing, why not visit Project Linus' national web site too! Find out more about the national organization, and check out their links to crocheted, knitted, fleece and quilted blanket patterns.
Quiltmaker Magazine's January/February 2009 Issue Announced This Project Linus Pattern: "Lotsa Pops!"
