Campus embraces blanket project for local children
October 13, 2009
Kokomo, Ind. – A soft, warm blanket can offer security and comfort to a child affected by a serious illness or crisis – and for the second straight year, the campus community at Indiana University Kokomo plans to help provide handmade blankets for area children in need.
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, “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.
“We invite all of the community to join us. They can participate by making blankets ahead of time and dropping them off at campus the day of the event, or by joining us on November 3rd and make blankets with us here,” said Amber Reed, event coordinator and assistant professor of education.
This year’s goal is 125 blankets. Last year, volunteers surpassed the goal of 100 and donated 179 blankets in all to the local chapter. 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.
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.
For more information, contact Amber Reed at (765) 455-9234, or by e-mail at amblreed@iuk.edu. 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.
