Students to make blankets for area children through Project Linus
November 4, 2008
Kokomo, Indiana – A soft, warm blanket can offer security and comfort to a child affected by a serious illness or crisis – and the campus community at Indiana University Kokomo plans to help provide handmade blankets for area children in need.
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, “blanketeers” for Project Linus will come together from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Alumni Hall in the Kelley Student Center where sewing machines, patterns, yarns, and other materials will be available for creating the blankets. Project Linus is a national organization with a local chapter in Kokomo, whose mission is to provide these blankets to children ages newborn to 18 years at area hospitals.
“Sometimes it’s the simplest of ideas that make the greatest impact. So many of our professional school students will come into contact with families in crisis,” said Amber Reed, assistant professor of education, whose son received a blanket from Project Linus last year. “You don’t always get to see the faces of those you serve. Since these blankets stay local, volunteers may end up knowing the children who will benefit from their efforts.”
Organizers have set a goal of 100 blankets to be donated to the local chapter, and will accept blankets made at home as well. Also, blankets will be accepted at the student activities office if projects are started but not completed by Nov. 18. The event is sponsored by the American Democracy Project.
“The American Democracy Project is all about getting our students and community civically engaged,” said Kathryn Widman, coordinator of programming and applied learning. “Some of the best projects are the ones where faculty has taken the initiative. The ADP makes it happen.”
More than 60 education students are expected to participate, and other members of the campus and the community are encouraged to contribute. More than two million blankets have been distributed to children around the country since the inception of Project Linus in 1995.
Project Linus welcomes blankets of all styles, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Blankets must be new, handmade, and washable.
Indiana University Kokomo serves a seven county, primary service area in north central Indiana. The campus offers more than 40 academic programs including four graduate degrees.
