Frequently Asked Questions

Make a blanket and donate it to your local Project Linus chapter. They will take your blanket to a facility where it will be given to a deserving child.

Please visit our Donations page for more information.

There are many expenses involved in maintaining Project Linus. Normal expenses for our organization are: fabric, batting, yarn, other blanket making supplies, blanket labels, printing, office supplies, shipping, accounting and auditing to name a few.

Contact the local or closest chapter to see if they have a need for these materials. Most chapter coordinators are very grateful for them, and can put them to good use. Materials must be new, unused and free of contaminants such as mold, mildew and smoke. They should be cotton or cotton/poly blends. Knits, double knits, wool, and some other materials are not acceptable. Contact the local chapter coordinator for more information.

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. You don’t have to be an expert to create a blanket that is beautiful to a child! Check with a local Project Linus chapter to determine specific current needs.

When we say “handmade” or “homemade” we mean something that is not commercially manufactured or purchased. Of course, home sewing machines, knitting machines, etc. are fine. It has always been the mission of Project Linus to donate only handmade blankets. We receive thousands of letters and thank you notes every year from children. Over and over they express how touched they are that a stranger would take the time to make something for them. They really know the difference. Purchased blankets are nice, but handmade blankets are from the heart. If you do not have the time or ability to hand craft a blanket, perhaps you would consider a monetary donation.

Project Linus chapter coordinators are instructed to NOT accept blankets that are not of excellent quality. In addition they must be free from contaminants. Special care should be taken to insure that blankets are free of smoky smells or any chemicals which could cause problems for a child. Hospitals will not accept these blankets, and they will most likely be discarded. Recent studies show that laundering these blankets does not remove contamination, and in some cases can even make it worse. Again, if unusually strong smells due to chemicals used in detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets, mold and mildew or smoking products are apparent, most hospitals will discard the blanket rather than jeopardize the health of a patient. Always check blankets carefully for pins, and remove any embellishments such as buttons that could be swallowed. Thank you for helping to make sure that Project Linus blankets are safe and healthy, and will bring only comfort and security to a child in need.

Project Linus donates blankets to children, infants through teens. Many sizes are appropriate depending on chapter need. For example, blankets could be as small as 36" X 36." The majority of Project Linus blankets are about 40" X 60", or what is called “crib size.” Blankets could be as large as twin size for teens. Local chapters may have certain preferences depending on the facilities to which they donate. Contact your local Project Linus chapter for more information.

Many other organizations and companies have been very generous in supplying patterns for our cause. Check our Patterns / Links page to see what’s currently available online.

Most children receive a Project Linus blanket through a local hospital, shelter, or other agency. If you know a child in crisis who will not likely get a Project Linus blanket from one of these facilities, please contact the chapter most convenient to the child’s location.

Visit our Chapter Listings page to find a chapter near you. Keep in mind that everyone at Project Linus is a volunteer. Personal issues, travel, work, and family all take priority at times over chapter duties. Please be patient in waiting for your reply.

First, if possible, contact the nearest chapter to determine the area that they cover. Many chapter coordinators will work with you even if you are not in their immediate area, and most have drop off locations established to make donating your blanket easy and convenient. Second, consider contacting any chapter on the list for a mailing address. Most chapter coordinators are happy to receive blankets by mail.

Visit the Start a Chapter section of our You Can Help page to see if becoming a chapter coordinator is right for you.