SJMH Nurse Collects Blankets for Project Linus

Project Linus needs help from people who sew, knit, crochet, or have fabric they can donate for a good cause.

Project Linus is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization providing blankets to sick children. The program is named after the “Peanuts” cartoon character, Linus, who is never without his blanket. Project Linus accepts new or handmade quilts, afghans and comforters that are washable.

Augusta resident Lisa Reed, a registered nurse at St. John’s Mercy Hospital, is a drop off coordinator in Franklin, Warren and southern St Charles counties.

“Project Linus provides comfort and a sense of security to children in need and provides a fun and rewarding experience for individuals and groups to benefit children in their community,” Reed said. “It’s great for hobbyists to get involved in, and a great project for Girl Scouts, sewing guilds, knitting clubs and youth groups at churches and other organizations.” 

Blankets must be free of any chemicals or smoky smells and should be made of washable materials. Blankets of all sizes are welcome.

Project Linus is starting a grass roots project to make weighted blankets for children with disabilities. It is believed that heavier blankets, those that weigh several pounds, can soothe children with disabilities such as Autism, Down Syndrome or ADHD and help them sleep. For this project, they are collecting denim and corduroy in kid friendly prints as well as hook-and-loop tape such as Velcro and clean, used bed sheets. The sheets provide “weight.”  

Reed got involved in Project Linus earlier this year, after a friend took over the chapter in the St. Louis area. That chapter has donated 720 blankets since last November. The blankets are donated to patients at St. John’s Mercy Pediatric Center, Shriner’s Hospital, Cardinal Glennon Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis Crisis Nursery and other organizations that provide services to children. 

For information, contact Reed at lisam8656@aol.com or visit www.projectlinus.org. The Project Linus website offers free quilt and blanket patterns.

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