You Can Help
At Project Linus your much needed support is always welcome! Information on this page details how you can “Be a Blanketeer.” If you are interested in opening a new chapter in an area that does not yet have one then read the section on how to “Start a Chapter.”
Please also remember that we are always in need of (and greatly appreciate) your monetary donations that help fund our efforts. See our Donate Now page for details on how you can make a donation today!
Be a Blanketeer
Our volunteers, known as “blanketeers,” provide new, handmade, washable blankets to be given as gifts to seriously ill and traumatized children, ages 0-18. It is Project Linus’ policy to accept blankets of all sizes, depending on local chapter needs. All styles of blankets are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Always remember that blankets must be homemade, washable, free of pins, and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons.
To help you get started, we have compiled a special page just for you that has many popular patterns. This page also has links to several web sites that sell items to help you make blankets and quilts. Many of these web sites offer special discounts to friends of Project Linus and also donate a percentage of their Project Linus sales back to us. Be sure to check our Patterns / Links page for details.
If you are interested in getting involved, refer to our Chapter Listings page for a chapter near you. If you need additional information please check our FAQs page. If you still have questions or just want to contact us then see our Contact Us page.
Start a Chapter
We have many requests from kind and generous folks who are interested in opening a Project Linus chapter. We are always excited to see Project Linus grow, but find that we must also control and limit growth to keep in line with available resources. If you are interested in information about opening a Project Linus chapter in your area, please read the Chapter Coordinator Responsibilities section below.
If you require additional information or wish to request an application for a new chapter, please send an e-mail message to Mary@projectlinus.org. We’ll reply as quickly as we can.
Chapter Coordinator Responsibilities
A chapter coordinator is the representative of Project Linus in a given area, called a chapter. Each chapter coordinator is responsible for all administrative duties pertaining to the chapter. These duties include among other things, finding volunteers, establishing relationships with recipient facilities, and Quality Control. It is the policy and mission of Project Linus to donate NEW, HANDMADE, WASHABLE blankets and afghans that are of good quality. It is the responsibility of the chapter coordinator to donate blankets to children that meet Project Linus standards.
As the chapter coordinator, you are the main contact for the chapter with respect for volunteers and headquarters. Although it can seem overwhelming at times, it is so important to return messages promptly, especially to prospective volunteers.
New Project Linus chapters are only opened in areas where there is not an existing chapter. Please check with any nearby chapters to see which areas they cover, it might be yours!
All new applications must be approved by our committee. The decision is based in part on area need and proximity to existing chapters. In order to conserve resources, we may choose to limit the number of new chapters opened.
New Project Linus chapters are opened ONLY in March and November. Applications are available between January 1st and February 27, and between September 1st and October 30th. Applications are DUE by February 28 and October 31.
Chapter Coordinators must have an e-mail address and check it daily.
Chapter Coordinators cannot have an e-mail address ending in AOL.COM, WEBTV.COM, or CS.COM.
Chapter Coordinators must have internet access, and the ability to download attachments.
Chapter Coordinators must be 21 years of age or older.
Chapter Coordinators must not smoke, or live in a smoking environment.
Chapter Coordinators must understand and agree to follow Project Linus Coordinator and Financial Policies as outlined. These are received with your application and handbook.
Project Linus requires a $100 chapter start-up fee to cover the costs of handbooks and other materials and support as you start your chapter.