Approximately 250 individuals gathered at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: Meadows Ward on Sept.?11 to hand make blankets for children who are seriously ill, traumatized or in need.
The individuals gathered together for an organization called Project Linus, which was named after the blanket-toting character from the “Peanuts” comic strip.
Creator Charles Schulz was aware of the organizations efforts and was delighted to have Linus inspire blanket makers to help comfort children in need, according to the organization.
Project Linus began in December 1995 after Karen Loucks was inspired to make blankets for her local children’s cancer center.
Since then, Project Linus has expanded to include children who are seriously ill or traumatized in many ways, such as burn victims.
According to Project Linus headquarters, the project has two ideal goals.
The first goal is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children through the gifts of new, handmade blankets by volunteer “blanketeers.”
The second goal is to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals in the community for the benefit of children.
More than 400 chapters of Project Linus exist nationally, and over 3,000,000 blankets are donated to children each year.
Michele Willis is the chapter coordinator of Project Linus in Bakersfield.
Willis feels she has accomplished many goals and feels she has made a difference in the community.
“I am very passionate about Project Linus, and I love the fact that I get to do something good in the world. It’s truly from my heart. It’s something I want to do, rather than have to do. I don’t get a paycheck for it,” said Willis.
She has been the coordinator of Project Linus since it began in Bakersfield in 2005 and has helped make over 12,000 blankets since then.
The chapter was named by The Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce the humanitarian group of the year for both 2007 and 2008.
Willis delivers over approximately 350 blankets a month to every hospital in the Kern County area.
This year, she hoped for a grand push to have blankets made so that they may last the rest of the year.
Companies such as Frito Lay, Target, Aera Energy, Bright House Networks and Jr. Marines donated their time to help make blankets and accomplish the set goal of making blankets to last the rest of the year.
Some even brought their own sewing machines to the event.
Because it was held on Sept. 11, the theme this year was “We Will Never Forget,” in remembrance of the tragedy that occurred on Sept. 11. 2001.
Patriotic pillowcases were also made to send to the men serving our country.
Individuals that could not stay to help make blankets stopped by and donated material so that others may be able to help make blankets.
Those who did stay and help were given a raffle ticket, for a chance to win a new sewing machine that was raffled off along with food, which was all donated, and provided to those helping.
Rose Ramos, customer service worker at Bright House, was a first time “blankateer” and said it really meant a lot to her to be able to help children.
“Who wouldn’t want to help kids? Making blankets for underprivileged children is wonderful, especially since winter is coming up.”
Ramos was hoping to make 30 blankets by 3 p.m.
Willis ended the event and projected her gratitude to all the volunteers for the work they did.
“Project Linus wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for all the volunteers.”
Project Linus holds Blanket Days monthly.
For more information on the project, contact Michele Willis at 589-1854 or [email protected].