Service Sunday

Hi everyone! I don't know what the weather is like where you live, but today is overcast, drizzly, and chilly. I love it :) I love days that make me want to put on warm, comfy clothes, snuggle with my family, and curl up with a blanket...which is what made me think of this week's charity organization: Project Linus (named after the lovable Peanuts character who loved his blankie).

Project Linus was founded in 1995, and their mission is to provide, love, warmth and comfort, through a new handmade blanket, to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.

Since their start, they have have delivered over 3 million (!) blankets to children in need. There are hundreds of chapters across the US with thousands of volunteers (called "blanketeers"), and you could be one too!

One of the stories that I read on their website a few years ago has really stuck with me. It told of a little boy who was taken out of his home for his own safety, and was taken to a local hospital where he was being looked over and would stay there until local authorities could decide what to do with him. The nurse who told the story said that she peeked into his room that night to check on him, and she could just see the terror on his face - of everything that he had endured, and of what faced him in his uncertain future. She went to the hospital's supply of Project Linus blankets, and picked out an especially nice one for him. When she went back to his room, and wrapped him in the blanket, and explained that the blanket was for him and that he could keep it and take it with him wherever he went, his eyes brightened and he was able to relax enough to get some sleep that night.

I've crocheted a blanket for each of my children that they've used since they were babies. They still like to be put to bed with them, and snuggle with them...there is security in being wrapped in a handmade blanket. I know it seems like such a small thing, but blankets can be such a huge comfort.

If you're interested, Project Linus accepts blankets of all kinds (quilts, afghans, fleece, etc.). More information can be found HERE.

Happy Sunday!!

Service Sunday

There are a lot of great service organizations out there that do really wonderful things, but today I want to talk about giving service that directly impacts the community in which you live.

There are many ways to go about giving service in your community, but one really easy way to give is through your local hospital(s). It's especially easy if you live in a bigger city because your hospital should have a website that has a whole page devoted to ways you can help. If you're having trouble finding information on a hospital website, trying searching for "foundation". And if all else fails, or your local hospital doesn't have a website, give them a call. They'll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

Every hospital has different needs and guidelines, so be sure to check with them before you proceed. My hospital accepts monetary donations, toys, baby items, burial gowns for infants, along with a variety of other things.

Donating to your local hospital can be so rewarding. You can even get your kids involved by having them pick out toys to donate and letting them come with you when you go to drop them off.

In addition to hospitals, there are various other ways to give service in your city including homeless shelters, community agencies, schools, and literacy programs. If you look hard enough, I'm sure you'll find a way that you can give.

Happy Sunday, everyone!!

Service Sunday

(Image via Blankets for Deployed Daddies)

Hi all! I'm taking the time today to tell you about a great organization called Blankets for Deployed Daddies.
There are many, many young military families. And a lot of times, babies are born into these families while the dad is deployed, or he is deployed soon after the birth. Since babies rely on their sense of smell to recognize their parents, Blankets for Deployed Daddies has harnessed this power, and developed a pattern for a knit blanket that maximizes its ability to trap scent (you can download it for free). They ask for volunteers to knit the blankets, and if you're strapped for cash, they'll send you the yarn to use.
Deployed dads sleep with the blanket in their pillowcase and then send it home in a ziplock bag (to keep the scent uncontaminated and fresh). The babies then sleep and play with the blankets, all the while, getting to know their dad through his unique scent. The blankets can hold the scent for three months before needing a "re-charge". Amazing, isn't it?
The scented blanket really helps the babies to bond with their dads when they finally do get to meet since they can recognize him by his smell.
The blankets also provide comfort to a baby/child for years to come, especially each time their dad is deployed.
Blankets for Deployed Daddies are a little particular about some things (the type of yarn, the pattern you use, etc.) so you can find out more about them HERE.
I really encourage each of you to look into this organization. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for these families when a baby is born while the dad is deployed. Having and using one of these blankets is one way that the whole family can feel more connected during that special time.
The sacrifice of our military families is TREMENDOUS, and this is one way that we can serve them and support them. They give us so much.
If you're interested, please check them out.

I'll be posting service oppurtunities every Sunday, so be sure to check back every week.
Have a wonderful Sunday :)