Project Linus was named after the blanket-toting character in Charles Schultz's "Peanuts" comic strip. The mission of Projet Linus is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need, through the gifts of new, handmade, washable blankets and afghans, lovingly crafted by volunteer blanketeers.

Our all-volunteer organization began in December of 1995 by Karen Loucks in Parker, Colorado. Karen had read an article in "Parade Magazine" about a little girl who was comforted by a blanket through chemotherapy treatments. Having recently learned to crochet, Karen began supplying blankets to the Rocky Mountain Children's Cancer Center. As she told her friends about her self-appointed task, they offered to help. As a result, Project Linus has become a national organization with chapters in all 50 states, providing blankets to children in need all across the country.

As of April 1, 2010 3,314,881 blankets have been distributed nationwide. From April 2006 through July 21st, 2010 our local Chapter has donated 7221 blankets for local children.

Do you love to sew, knit or crochet? Would you like to join us in making a difference in a child's life! We accept blankets in a wide variety of sizes. They are donated to babies up to teenagers. Blankets must be of entirely new materials, washable, handmade and in child-friendly colors. If sewn, the blankets must be at least 2 layers. Single layer fleece blankets with a handmade finished edge, as well as single layer crocheted and knitted afghans are also accepted. Blankets should be made of soft, cuddly material.

The preferred size of blankets is 40" X 60" but can be as small as 36" X 36". Larger sizes are also acceptable.

It is important to remember that these blankets are often given to severely ill children. Blankets with strong odors of smoke or chemicals cannot be accepted. The blankets must also be free of pet hair. Embellishments such as buttons, tassels, or other "hanging" items are not accepted.

Local recipients include St. Joseph Hospital, Howard Regional Health Center, Indiana Surgery Center and Tipton Memorial Hospitals. Also Domestic Violence Women's Center, FSA, CASA, Red Cross, Healthy Children/Healthy Teens Clinic, Open Arms, and Guardian Angel Hospice Grief Camp. We also donate blankets to the children of fallen soldiers from the area. We donated blankets to Bona Vista and sent 200 blankets to Haiti. We recently gave 244 blankets to the children of local soldiers at the Faces of Freedom event in Foster Park.

Our Chapter appreciates your commitment of LOVE, TIME, and MONEY that goes into each blanket donated to us!

If you don't sew, knit or crochet, you can still get involved. You could donate supplies such as: Washable fabric, polyester quilt batting, Acrylic or cotton yarn for knitting and crocheting, fabric markers, thread, sewing supplies, postage stamps, Thank-you cards, printing services, ink cartridges, paper for flyers, brochures, business cards, labels; gift cards from Joann's, Hobby Lobby or Staples. Monetary donations are always welcome.

We are a non-profit organization registered with the IRS. Donations are tax-deductible.

Drop off Locations for your donation are: Guarantee Vacuum and Sewing Center, 702 S. Reed Road, Kokomo, Indiana; Normanda Christian Church, 8019 Division Road West, Tipton, Indiana; or to Janet or Jane.

You may contact: Janet Duchateau, Chapter Coordinator, 1007 W. Maple St. Kokomo, IN 46901 - 765-459-4998 home phone, 765-434-3130 cell, or e-mail: jed10071@aol.com.

Jane Reid, Chapter Assistant, 2895 Bridgestone Circle, Kokomo, IN 46902 - 765-453-9694 home phone, 765-438-2447 cell, or e-mail: kokjane9@aol.com.