Project Linus
Project Linus was created in Denver, in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, during the mid-1990's. The aim of the project is to provide homemade security blankets to sick children and is named after the blanket-toting character in the Peanuts cartoon strip. The strip's creator, the late Charles Shultz, was pleased to have Linus inspire such work.
In March 2002, the project came to the UK and continues to grow. In 2002, Yvonne Bridgeman, a member of Norfolk Quilters, was appointed as Project Linus Co-ordinator for Norfolk and in May 2002 the first three quilts were given to the children's unit at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. The scheme also welcomes knitted blankets as well as quilted ones.
Norfolk Quilters give valuable support in the way of covering the cost of postage and many of our members also make and donate quilts for those children in need of comfort and a cuddle. Of course, these quilts are not just needed for the very young, but also for older children, so all sizes are welcomed.
Recipients vary from individual children, to respite homes, hospital critical care units for children and shelters for abused women and their children.
Thanks to the wonderful support from them and members of the public, no less than 210 quilts and blankets were distributed during the first year in Norfolk. To date, at the end of 2005 over 800 quilts and blankets have now been distributed.
The project is happy to receive quilts and blankets at any time but is also happy to receive nominations for recipients, so if you know of a child in particular need, would like to donate a blanket or quilt, or indeed wool or cotton fabric, please contact Yvonne on 01603 262036.
Further information can be found on http://www.projectlinusuk.net/.