After reading the article, Karen Loucks decided to provide homemade security blankets to Denver's Rocky Mountain Children's Cancer Center, and Project Linus was born.

CHIPPEWA VALLEY AREA CHAPTER
Our chapter was officially started on April 1, 2000 by Connie and Jim Rasmussen and is dedicated to the memory of their niece Emily. Emily passed away in September 2000 at the age of 8 after a long-term illness. During one of her hospitalizations, an unknown blanket maker made and donated a blanket to Project Linus and it was delivered to her. That quilt brought Emily warmth and lots of hugs.

In 2004, Laura and Mason Hurd took over the chapter coordinator position for the Chippewa Valley Area Project Linus. They became interested in helping with Project Linus after their oldest son Bryce received a blanket during a ER visit. They were so touched that someone out there cared enough about them to make and donate a blanket that they wanted to give back to the organization. That blanket continues to bring comfort to Bryce years later!

In 2009, Debbie Paulson with the support of her husband Randy took over the chapter coordinator position. Debbie became interested in helping with Project Linus after hearing about it from a fellow crocheter who was donating an afghan she was making to her local Project Linus chapter. After contacting Laura and talking with her several times Debbie decided to step into the soon to be open Coordinator position.

FUTURE PLANS
Currently the chapter includes Chippewa and Eau Claire counties.
Debbie is in the process of adding Dunn County.