On September 19, 2009 Marden's Surplus & Salvage held one of their multi-location blanket events. This year the Sanford store alone collected 1,961 handmade blankets for Project Linus chapters in Maine and New Hampshire to distribute!

Marden's stores collect blankets all year long and when someone donates a blanket, Marden's gives them three fat quarters but the blanket day event is really something special! A free buffet,raffles with prizes and a chance to admire blankets made by crafters all over New England!

Crafters from 8 to 80 came to Marden's from all over New England (CT, MA, NH and ME) to join in the day of fun! Our own Chapter Coordinator was on hand in the Sanford store all day to thank people and answer any questions. She was joined by coordinators from other chapters that benefit from Marden's collection efforts and they had a great time oooohhhhhing and ahhhhing over each and every blanket!

Marden's did a fantastic job as usual but don't think that means we don't need your help! Winter is on it's way and before you know it the demand for warm blankets will be greater than what we currently have available! Why not have your own blanket day event? Get together with a few of your friends, add some food and mulled cider and make an afternoon of it!

Marden's is an excellent place to pick up some fabric or a few notions. Please help support this amazing business that does so much to support the communities in which they're located and beyond!

Project Linus blankets must be new, handmade and washable, as ourmission is to donate only handmade blankets. We receive thank you notes from children who express how touched they are that a stranger would take the time to make something special just for them. They really know the difference. Purchased blankets are nice, but handmade blankets are from the heart, just like a warm hug. Some Blanketeers will use a purchased blanket and then add loving touches such as appliques, crocheted trim around the edges, etc. These are perfectly acceptable, as they are unique and special.

We like to have a variety of sizes on hand. For example, blankets could be as small as 36" X 36". The majority of Project Linus blankets are about 40" X 60", or what is called crib size. Blankets could be as large as 45"X 75" or twin size (64" x 75") for teens. Our chapter is in need of all sizes right now, as we have very few blankets.

Whether they are made of fabric, yarn or fleece, all blankets need to be machine washable.

Please take special care to ensure that blankets are free of smoky smells or any chemicals which could jeopardize the health of the child.

Check blankets carefully for forgotton pins, and please do not use embellishments such as buttons that could come loose and be swallowed.