Project Linus (Canberra Chapter) - Providing Security through Blankets

What type of blankets does Project Linus accept?

Project Linus welcomes blankets of all styles, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and bunny rugs in child-friendly colours. Blankets must be new, handmade and washable (that is, made from acrylic yarn).

You don't have to be an expert to create a blanket that is beautiful to a child! Project Linus is grateful for blankets in a range of sizes though blankets measuring approximately 100cm X 150cm are probably the most common.

What do you mean by "handmade," and why?

When we say "handmade" or "homemade" we mean something that is not commercially manufactured or purchased. Of course, home sewing machines, knitting machines, etc. are fine. It has always been the mission of Project Linus to donate only handmade blankets.

Many children upon receiving a Project Linus blanket express how touched they are that a stranger would take the time to make something for them. They really know the difference. Purchased blankets are nice, but handmade blankets are from the heart.

If you do not have the time or ability to hand craft a blanket, perhaps you would consider donating resources for use by other blanketeers.

Why do blankets need to be made from acrylic yarn rather than wool?

Acrylic yarn tends to be more hypoallergenic than sheep’s wool. Some children are allergic to sheep’s wool or find that it is prickly against their skin.

Also as these blankets are going to sick children they will often need to be washed regularly. Acrylic yarn blankets tend to be easier to wash and can even be thrown in the washing machine thus saving valuable time for the parent or carer.

What type of blankets does Project Linus NOT accept?

Project Linus chapter coordinators are instructed to NOT accept blankets that are not of excellent quality or contain contaminants. Special care should be taken to ensure that blankets are free of smoky smells, pet hair or any chemicals, which could cause problems for a child.

Hospitals will not accept these blankets, and will mostly likely discard them rather than jeopardize the health of a patient. Always checks blankets carefully for pins and remove any embellishments, such as buttons that could be swallowed.

Please also use close knit and crochet patterns for blankets intended for babies so that tiny fingers and toes don’t get caught and injured. Thank you for helping to make sure that Project Linus blankets are safe and healthy, and will bring only comfort and security to a child in need.

How old are the children receiving the blankets?

Project Linus blankets are given to seriously ill and traumatised children from 0-18 years of age.

When do I need to have my blanket finished by?

This is an on-going project, so don't feel pressured to meet any deadline. Anything you can do will be greatly appreciated. It is important that you get as much pleasure out of making your blanket as a child does in receiving it.

What happens once I leave my blanket(s) at a “drop off location”?

Your blanket will be stored in a designated sealed Project Linus collection tub to await collection by the Project Linus Canberra coordinator.

Once your blanket is collected a special Project Linus blanket tag is hand-sewn onto your blanket. This tag has a picture of Linus from the Peanuts on it and says “Made with tender loving care for Project Linus”. Only Project Linus blankets will ever have these special tags on them.

A letter to the child’s parents explaining the program and a label with the blanketeers name and postal address (if you have provided these details with your blanket) will be attached and the blanket will be wrapped in curling ribbon. It is then ready for delivery to a seriously ill or traumatised child.

Who gives the blankets out to the children?

The blankets are personally delivered to either the head nurse of a Paediatric ward or the manager/coordinator of a child support/ councelling organisation depending on the recipient facility. From there the blankets are stored in a safe place and distributed to their most seriously ill and traumatised patients/clients as the need arises.

It is preferable that the doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and councellors distribute the blankets as they know their patients best and can deliver them at times when a child is in most need of a emotional boost, anytime of the day or night.

Are the blankets kept by the children or washed and re-used by the hospital or care facility?

Project Linus blankets are intended as a gift to the recipient child. It is theirs to keep and take home with them when they leave hospital.