This year's philanthropy is Project Linnus

We are asking that each group of delegates bring at least 1 blanket, and then monetary donation.  We are only asking for one blanket due to space constraints but if you are able to make more than one that would be very much appreciated.

Holy "do's and don'ts" Batman!:
They ask that the fleece blankets be made from a kids print fleece (no solids - the kids just don't choose the solids).  Many groups have said that they can make more blankets because the solid fleece is cheaper, but they would really prefer a print fleece even if it means they don't get as many. 
 They ask that the fleece blankets be made from 1 1/2 yards of a kids print for kids up to age 12 and 2 yards of a more "teen patterned" fleece for kids 13-18.  Again - the no sew pattern works great.  (1 yard makes a blanket that is just too small, once the fringe is cut.)
 They do not accept double layer fleece blankets.  Some groups have put two fleece pieces on top of each other (one print, one solid) cut fringe and then tied the two layers together.  They make for a very heavy blanket which is difficult to store, difficult to deliver and really too heavy for a child in a hospital. 
 They ask that you not make "knotted fringe" blankets.  The hospitals have told them that the kids tend to put the knots in their mouths and suck on them...and they end up with a mouth full of lint from the fleece.   Their "No Sew" pattern doesn't use knots - just a handy way of making a little hole with a seam ripper or scissors in the top of a 4" piece of fringe - and then feed the piece of fringe through the hole.  It really makes a nice edge as well.

Another suggestion would be for someone to bring a 1 yard piece of kids-print fleece that our NICU blanketeers can make into preemie blankets.  We can make 2 blankets from 1 yard of fleece and they go to the Springfield St. John's NICU.  They must be a kids print - any type - (cars, trucks, sports, hearts, blocks, stars, princesses, etc.) but they cannot be predominantly green or yellow (it's hard to tell if the baby is jaundiced when they're wrapped in those colors.) 

More about Project Linus
            Mission: Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. Each volunteer and local chapter all work together to help them achieve their mission statement, which states:

• First, it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
• Second, it is our mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.

Together they have distributed over two million blankets to children in need since their inception in 1995.
           
For more information on project Linus you can visit their website at www.projectlinus.org.  The website also included information on different type of blankets that can be made.