PROJECT LINUS “BLANKETEERS” spent a recent morning sewing labels onto blankets and infant sweaters and hats to be donated to ill or traumatized children. Participants included (seated) Patty Bemiss and Diann Baker and (standing, from left): Angela Mauceri, Claudette Thompson, Linda Lally, Lois Marra, Muriel Mustone, Margaret Isabelle and Betty Ton. Not pictured: Louise Broughton, Bernice Guy and Joanna Boentgen (Courtesy Photo)

 

 


By MAUREEN DOHERTY

NORTH READING — How will you make a difference in the coming year?

For those skilled in the art of knitting, crocheting or sewing, consider joining the North Reading chapter of Project Linus!

By becoming a “blanketeer,” your handiwork will provide comfort to seriously ill or traumatized infants and children up to age 18.

Now entering its 30th year, this nationwide 501(c)(3) nonprofit has provided more than 10,000,000 blankets to comfort children in need. The local chapter was founded more than 20 years ago by Molly Leonard who has since passed the baton to Betty Ton and Diann Baker.

Blanketeers provide new handmade, washable blankets of all sizes and types, including quilts, receiving blankets, fleece blankets, tied comforters and crocheted or knitted afghans.

 

A SMALL sample of the variety of afghans and blankets knitted or crocheted by Project Linus Blanketeers from North Reading during the past year includes a variety of colors, styles and sizes. All were donated to sick or traumatized infants and children. (Courtesy Photo)

 

Project Linus meets on the first Friday of each month at the Edith O’Leary Senior Center at 10:30 a.m. and members also work on their creations at home and during the summer break. Other handmade items are also accepted, such as baby hats and sweater sets.

In the first eight months of this year, the North Reading chapter donated more than 100 blankets, 100 baby hats, and 52 sweaters to the Greater Boston chapter. At a recent meeting, members sewed Project Linus labels onto 27 blankets, 20 infant sweater and hat sets and four baby hats.

Project Linus also gratefully accepts donations of yarn or fabric in kid-friendly colors. Please remember when choosing to donate such materials or a finished product that the items must come from a smoke-free and mold-free environment. They cannot be made or stored where they may come into contact with common allergens such as dander, pet hair or mold; and all choking hazards must be removed, such as pins and buttons.

To find out more about Project Linus, visit an upcoming meeting or go to projectlinus.org. Their next meeting is Friday, Jan. 3 at the Senior Center.