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November 23, 2012
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Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~W.T. Purkiser
Welcome to the November issue of the Blanket Beacon! All of us at Project Linus National Headquarters wish you the Happiest of Holidays. We have much to be thankful for! We are honored to be able to have given comfort to over 4.5 million children since our humble beginning in 1995. What that really means is that over 4.5 million children have experienced the comfort and security of a warm, snugly Project Linus blanket. This is only possible because of the generous and kind donations of our volunteers and financial donors. You care about our mission, and mostly you care and have a great desire to love and nurture the children in this country who are most in need. What a wonderful blessing it is to have a way to reach out and make a difference. You don't know these children, you usually never see their delighted faces. But still you give!
We know that the children and the parents who receive Project Linus blankets are grateful and touched by your kindness. We hear from them daily. Later in this newsletter we will be sharing some very inspiring stories regarding hurricane relief on the east coast. But as volunteers, we also know the joy and fulfillment that comes from having a way to give to those in need, especially children. If I may share another quote, this is one I really love from Edwin Arlington Robinson,
"Two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we take; the larger kind we feel for what we give."
There are many ways to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday. Like many of you, I'm so grateful to be able to gather with my husband, children and family and celebrate one of our greatest gifts - each other. We are a family who loves nothing more than to be together. Whether it is watching football, stuffing our faces with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, or just being in the same room together, it's when we are most happy.
Many of you will have similar experiences. But whether you enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving, or you volunteer at a soup kitchen, visit a relative, work, or spend a quiet day alone, please know that we hope you have the happiest of days, and are grateful to count you among our greatest blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!
Now, we hope you will take a few moments and enjoy The Blanket Beacon. We have shared some amazing and inspiring stories of love and kindness from our coordinators who worked tirelessly to aid those children affected in unthinkable ways by Hurricane Sandy. People who's families also suffered adversity, but didn't let that stop them from being hero's in the trenches. We are inspired by their stories and believe you will be as well.
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The Storm That Forever Changed Us
Laura Ehle, Chapter Coordinator, Suffolk County, NY
It's hard to believe it has been three weeks since Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on our coastland. Many lives will be changed forever, those who were directly affected by the damage and those who came to the aid of their neighbors, friends and total strangers. We have all been touched in some way.
For me, I consider myself lucky. We are more inland, so we didn't have all the flooding. We lost power for ten days but were fortunate that the only damage was our backyard fence that was destroyed. My neighbor on the corner of our block had a tree come down right on their house. The house across the street had a huge tree come within inches of their home. We had no means of communication for the first few days; even cell phones couldn't get a signal. We were able to get news and updates from a Long Island radio station.
My daughter and I were getting blankets together and packing the car. We knew they would be needed in many areas. The first area we went to, only a couple days after the hurricane was Mastic Beach. A few days later, we drove to Lindenhurst, another very hard hit town on the south shore of Long Island. The sisters from Our Lady of Perpetual Help were speechless with all the blankets. The radio was our sole source of information for where to deliver blankets in the first few days. I had heard a post about a Hurricane Relief Center set up that was collecting everything. We went there with over a 100 blankets the first day and made many trips back to donate more. What started as a couple friends just trying to help out spiraled into the most amazing site. The people, the donations, the tears and the love was like nothing I have ever seen. There was a man from the east end of Long Island that donated his time, money and his helicopter to fly countless times the supplies and donations into the hardest hit areas where cars and trucks couldn't reach. Then it became more difficult to get around as the gas shortage became worse. The lines were hours long and that was if you could find a station with gas. The Island and NYC finally implemented a gas rationing, so odd license plate numbers could get gas on one day and even on the next. It helped a bit, but many gas stations were still without power. It will be a very long time before lives and neighborhoods are back to "normal".
The blankets that the Project Linus Chapters sent to me to distribute to the children here have been met with such an overwhelming display of gratitude. I am forever grateful that I could play even a small role in making things easier for some of my fellow Long Islanders.
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Project Linus Has Urgent Need!
As you know, there is a constant need of blankets for seriously ill and traumatized children. Project Linus donates nearly 600,000 blankets each year to children throughout the country. We have wonderful chapters and programs in place across the country to are busy and successful in bringing blankets to children. When many people think of Project Linus, they think of blanket donations, which is our principal mission and of course we could not help anyone without the generous donations of blankets. But in addition to the beautiful and creative blankets that are made by our volunteers, money is needed to operate our organization. And your monetary donation can insure that we can continue to provide the infrastructure necessary to bring those blankets to the children who need them. More heartwarming stories are included in this newsletter. We receive them daily and love to share with you these moving stories of children, parents and volunteers who are comforted by Project Linus and our generous and loving army of volunteers.
When Project Linus began 17 years ago, no one could have predicted what would happen. What started out as a small grassroots organization has grown into a full fledged non profit with a sizable operating budget. We have a national headquarters office and small staff, and expenses such as auditing fees, insurance, state registration fees, office supplies, website maintenance fees and many more. And that doesn't include the dollars that are used to purchase fabric, yarn, and other blanket making supplies that are not paid for by volunteers.
All of this money, which is crucial to our being able to continue the Project Linus mission, is provided by public donations. We depend on the generosity of people like you who care about our mission and want to make sure it continues.
We also understand that many of you are not in a position to donate monetarily and that you are already doing so much by making blankets and getting them to the local chapters. We love and appreciate you and all that you do. We also know that there are many people who do wish to support us financially when they are able. Perhaps you participate in a corporation giving campaign or set aside an amount annually that you use to support the organizations you care about. Some may not make blankets and are looking for other ways to help. Thank you for continuing to help us to help kids in need by donating monetarily to Project Linus. We depend on you!
And we are proud to say that your dollars are put to good use at Project Linus. You can trust that we are using funds in the best possible way. Only about 6% (well below industry standards of 20%) of all of our donations are used for operating or management costs, meaning 94% of all donations are doing directly towards bringing blankets to kids and furthering our mission.
Right now, Project Linus desperately needs your financial support. Donations have been especially slow this fall, and Project Linus is struggling to find the necessary funds to support our beloved mission. Won't you please consider making a monetary donation to Project Linus today? If you are unable, perhaps you can forward this message to friends, neighbors or co-workers. Many people are beginning to think about holiday donations. It's simple to make your holiday honorary or memorial donation at www.projectlinus.org. You can indicate the person(s) you would like to receive notification of your gift. Donations are accepted through our online system at Project Linus or you can call us or mail to our address at:
Project Linus National Headquarters PO Box 5621 Bloomington, IL 61702  309-585-0686
Thank you for supporting Project Linus and the many children who are in need of a warm, handmade hug. We cannot do this without your support!
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A Warm Maryland Hug from Project Linus
Donna Clarke - Lower DelMarVa Chapter Coordinator
A waterfront town on the Chesapeake Bay, the Annamessex River and Jenkins Creek, Crisfield MD, "The Seafood Capital of the US" is a very old community nearly at sea level and inhabited by families who were here when the town was founded in 1666. Many people are poor, but proud, supporting their families by working the water for crabs and oysters. When Hurricane Sandy was coming, the weather service gave us many scenarios. What happened was the storm hit the town head-on with 80 mph winds and 5-8 ft tidal surges, putting most of the town underwater; fallen trees punctured roofs so water was coming in the houses from the top and the bottom. At one point we heard on the scanner that it had gotten too dangerous for Emergency Services and the National Guard to rescue any one else, and they suspended rescues until morning. There were no fatalities. The hospital had sent most patients to other facilities and became inaccessible for about 24 hours. Three hours into the storm, the roof peeled off the police station and it had to be relocated immediately but without communications for 3 days. Not only did the hurricane damage homes and community services, many piers, docks and crab shanties were ruined, so the watermen will have to rebuild their buildings, docks etc. to go back to work. 
Two days after the storm, I was up early with the local news on. They announced a Crisfield Disaster Relief meeting, and I packed up 75 blankets.
I took the blankets and attended the meeting that afternoon, after checking road conditions. The road was passable. The chairman asked me to be a member of the committee and I attended more meetings. Rob and I did a work day for them by taking his chain saw & gear. We took down hazard trees and moved the brush and debris to the front yards for removal, something we are also doing at home.
I promised more blankets and watched for ways to distribute them. With people scattered and homes uninhabitable, it is not easy to help the children, and I guess this is a big dilemma in most disasters. It became obvious that the best way to get blankets to the children was to work within the schools. The elementary school vice-principal and teachers were moved to tears by the first 60 blankets I took and I promised to cover all 605 kids in love. Blankets started coming in from my local blanketeers, and from chapter coordinators. Then I asked for help from Carol and Mary. I apologized to my UPS, USPS and Fed Ex Drivers! I found boxes on front and back porches every day! I planned a 2 day Make a Blanket event, advertised it and asked for soups and desserts from my church family. We fed blanketeers well and they produced 63  blankets in 2 days.
Every elementary school student in Crisfield was gifted with a blanket today! They loved looking at all the colors, patterns and textures! They could see the love stitched into the blankets! I noticed today that the blankets speak a universal language that even the most challenged students understand!
Now I am working with the school nurse in the high school. Its our goal to have a blanket for each of the 60+ kids who are homeless and a blanket for the most traumatized.
There are 2 tiny communities in Virginia- just a mile or so by water from Crisfield MD, and 2 islands in the Chesapeake Bay where storm damage has been almost as bad. I'm working on helping them too. Some things take time.
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Great News!
We have just learned that Quilt it with Love - The Project Linus Story has gone into it's 2nd printing after just 4 weeks. What a wonderful blessing! Remember Quilt It With Love for your holiday gift giving for all the quilting and Project Linus
enthusiasts on your Christmas list!
With moving letters and over 20 beautiful projects, this unique book tells an unforgettable story about quilting from the heart and sending love in a warm, handmade hug. You'll find inspiration in the words of those who have been touched by Project Linus, from quilt recipients to quilt makers. Projects include a variety of techniques including crazy quilting, strip piecing, applique and more. You'll find Interactive quilts with pockets, "windows", game boards and more. Also included is a basics section and clear how-to illustrations throughout, suitable for beginners and intermediate quilters alike.
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Project Linus Fabric Line from Quilting Treasures now available at your favorite Quilt Shop!
Quilting Treasures, which already carries licensed Peanuts fabric has added this fabulous new collection to their spring line, which launched at the Spring International Quilt Market in Kansas City, MO in May 2012. This bright and cheerful 16 piece collection reflects the same happy theme and feeling from the Peanuts gang but this time the focus is on our favorite philosopher Linus with blanket in tow along with the loveable Snoopy and Woodstock. This fabric collection will be sold exclusively at Independent Quilt shop and online quilt shops. Quilting Treasures will donate of portion of sales directly to Project Linus. What a fun way to support Project Linus!
If you do not see the Project Linus line in your favorite quilt shop, ask them to order from Quilting Treasures. You can also access a list of stores at Quilting Treasures
Make sure you stay in touch, and watch for coming news! We have something very exciting to share with you very soon!
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INTRODUCING THE 2013 MOVING FORWARD MARY-THON!
Here's how to get involved and how Project Linus benefits!
It's time to start thinking about getting fit and supporting Project Linus in the process!
WHAT IS A MARY-THON? A Mary-thon is a 26 WEEK fitness program where YOU set a fitness goal, YOU decide what type of exercise(s) you are ABLE to do, YOU commit to exercise throughout the 26 weeks and I (Mary) provide you with the inspiration, motivation and applause along the way. NOTE: NO RUNNING REQUIRED!!! 
WHAT DO I GET FOR MY REGISTRATION FEE? For your $39.50 registration fee, you receive the Moving Forward Mary-thon™ Workbook, aluminum water bottle, tracking sheet, racing bib and pledge when you start, motivational e-mails, blog and Facebook updates throughout your journey, personal encouragement as needed, and a beautiful finishers medal and certificate when you finish! Project Linus receives a $10 donation for your registration. It's as simple as that.
WHAT EXACTLY DO I NEED TO DO? You commit to exercise 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week (Full Mary-thon) or 3 days per week (Half Mary-thon) for 26 weeks (12 weeks for the Mini Mary-thon).  You design your own personal workout by selecting the exercises that best suit your abilities, health and physical endurance. Walking, running, weight lifting, elliptical, yoga, Zumba, stair stepping, swimming, etc. are just a few of the many ways you may want to try.
WHY DOES THE MARY-THON WORK? Working together supporting each other, being accountable to someone (to yourself and to Mary), making a financial commitment, signing a pledge, and being rewarded for completing our goal is why the Mary-thon is successful.
You will become stronger and more physically fit as a result of 26 weeks of regular exercise AND you will be supporting Project Linus through your participation.
There's so much more to share...and not enough room. If you would like more information, go to marython.net.
**Be sure to check with your physician BEFORE beginning any fitness program, including the Mary-thon!
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT MARY-THON TODAY! IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
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Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores Offers VIP Discount Card to PL Volunteers
Project Linus blanketeers are eligible for 10% discount at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores when making Project Linus blankets! Following are the enrollment details. Remember, you must also have a Project Linus ID Card, which you can get from your Chapter Coordinator.
1. Visit the Jo-Ann VIP Discount Card Page
2. Click the green "Enroll Now" button
3. Enter "Project Linus" in the Organization Name box
4. Enter your information (Name, Address, Email...)
5. Click the green "Enroll Now" button
- Your Non-Profit Discount Card will arrive in the mail within 3-4 weeks
6. Take your Non-Profit Discount Card, Photo ID and Project Linus Volunteer Card to your nearest Jo-Ann Store for validation
7. Save 10% on every* purchase!
*exclusions apply.
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