Monday, January 7, 2019

YCPO - January 2019


January 2019 Young Children Newsletter

Happy New Year everyone!

PROJECT LINUS...a great project idea!

What is Project Linus?

Project Linus National Headquarters is located in Belton, Missouri. National President Patty Gregory and Vice President Mary Balagna direct and orchestrate the activities of Project Linus chapters located across the United States. Patty has been involved with the organization in the Kansas City area since April 2000 and Mary in Central Illinois since late 1998, as chapter coordinators and now as directors and officers. Mary also maintains a very busy chapter, donating an average of 350 blankets every month to local children. With chapters in all 50 states, Project Linus continues to grow. Blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug.

MISSION
                   FIRST
Provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “
blanketeers.
                   SECOND
Provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.
Chapter Listings

To find a local chapter in your area where you can donate blankets, volunteer your time, etc. just click on your state. All chapter coordinators and their contact information for that state will then be listed below the map.
DONATING BLANKETS & OTHER ITEMS
The demand for blankets always exists and our chapter coordinators welcome finished blanket donations. Hospitals always appreciate no sew fleece blankets for patients.
In addition to finished blankets, coordinators may also need other items. For example, at chapter blanket making events there may be a need for fabrics, batting, thread, and other items. If you would like to donate something that can help your local chapter besides finished blankets, please contact your local chapter coordinator to see what supplies they need.


WHAT  CAN KIWANIANS DO TO HELP?

Kiwanians can make “no sew” fleece blanket to donate. What’s needed: two pieces of fleece material 48 in by 60 in. (1 1/2 yards) Place pieces back sides together. Cut off selvage  ends. Cut a 4 inch square from each corner.  Then cut strips 1 inch wide, 4 inch deep along all sides. Then tie each strip (top and bottom piece) with a square knot. Voila...you have a fleece blanket for a child in need.
For a baby blanket you will need 1 yard of each fabric (so, 2 total yards).  For a child's blanket, 1 1/2 yards works well (a total of 3 yards). And, an adult-sized blanket will require 2 yards (4 total yards).
If you go to the website you will find more detailed instructions.
(Copy and paste in your browser)

TODDLER BLANKET


This fleece blanket took about 1 1/2 hour to make.
Of course the pattern can be pinned and cut ahead, and then the strips can be tied during meeting time.
This project would be a wonderful hands on service project for  members. It’s easy and fun to do. No knowledge of sewing is needed. And if there is a JoAnn’s Fabric in your area, fleece blanket kits are available at the store.
If you have questions, feel free to contact me.

Ava Adams, District Chair
Young Children Committee
New England and Bermuda District
Scarborough ME Kiwanis
email: faithava2008@yahoo.com