WABAN PROJECTS

I'm very pleased to announce that we've just given 170 blankets to the Waban Projects in York County.  They work with clients that have development disabilities.  They get their blankets from us in the fall, readying for the winter season. 


Here's a nice note that I received from them:

      Words could never describe how thankful our team is to have you work
      with our clients  The blankets have and will bring smiles to many
      hundreds of faces  This means the WORLD to us.

               With love,  Waban Case Management, Holly, Sarah, Molly, Evan,
                                Janet, Michelle, Nicole and Melissa

A MOTHER'S STORY

My son Jacob recently had to be admitted to Goodall Hospital with appendicitis and subsequent complications.  Jacob is 11 and has significant autism.  He was very frightened.  One of the nurses brought him a Red Sox blanket from Project Linus.  He immediately attached to it as it was soft and he loves the Red Sox. Due to his autism, transitions and new things are very scary/upsetting to him.   It really helped him transition through the next 6 days and went everywhere with him.  It helped him remain calm and has not left his side since.  

 

We can not thank you an Project Linus enough.  It made a very scary time for Jacob so much less scary.  It was very appreciated!!

Donna and Kevin

 

HEARTWARMING THANK YOU

Hi Project Linus,

 

I saw a feature about you on the news and just wanted to add my thanks for the work that you do.  I was a foster parent for 8 years, often taking care of the youngest infants and children who arrived with very little to their name but usually came with a Project Linus blanket - 2 of my adopted kids still have their favorite blankies! Both made by your volunteers. So thanks a million - I couldn't be there for my kids when they were born, but you were!!

 

Alex

 

 

 

THANK YOU NOTE FROM CHILD LIFE SERVICES AT MMC

Many heartfelt thanks for the gorgeous quilts!  Project Linus quilts have made children's hospital stay cozier and more like home.  When a patient sees a product of your quilt on the bed, it makes them smile - They love them and the families are so appreciative, too!

Thank you again for the Project Linus blankets.  It has made such a difference in the hospital stay for the children.      They are gorgeous quilts, too. 

                      Blessings,   Alice Burrower, Child Life Asst. 

COTTON WEEDS & CALICO QUILTERS BLANKET DAY Oct 20

What a great day we had making a newly designed Mystery quilt organized by Heather Harden.  The group had great time choosing fabrics and making choices. 

 

A very special thanks goes to Cotton Weeds who invited us to use their wonderful second floor space.  It was so comfortable and had plenty of room for all of us.  I believe that there were 17 participating.

Thanks goes out to Hannaford which gave us a $100.00 gift card to buy lunch makings and that terrific cake.  It was our 5 year celebration and I wanted us to do something special. 

A big hello to television stations WCSH and WMTW who came and filmed our special day for their respective newscasts.  It's so wonderful for all the Blanketeers and efforts to be recognized.

Great day - I'm happy to be a part.

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

I'm so thrilled to announce that we have a contact with DHHS and now there are blankets for the children served by that agency in York and Cumberland County.   I so grateful for the work that those folks do in those difficult situations and am so happy that we can help make their clients lives a little more pleasant. 

Thanks to all of you.

AN UNEXPECTED "THANK YOU'

What a delightful surprise I got the other day. When the mail was delivered, the mailman rang my bell. He said he wanted to say a very special "thank you" to the Project Linus volunteers. His son had recently received a Winnie the Pooh blanket at the Goodall Hospital in Sanford. When he read the card with the blanket, he said "I know that woman - she's on my route!" The family is so appreciative of our kindnesses.     Thanks to all.

FROM SPRING HARBOR STAFF

Many thanks for your generous gift of quilts.  On behalf of the Spring Harbor Hospital staff, One North East, Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer Dennis King, I want to express our sincere appreciation for your generosity.  Thank you for your generous support of  Spring Harbor Hospital.


P.S.  Note - Spring Harbor Hospital is the second largest recipient of our blankets.

MORE THANK YOU NOTES FROM SPRING HARBOR

It's always so sweet to receive notes, especially from the children themselves.  Here's my latest. 


A joint card saying WE LOVE THE QUILTS'S from M, J, M, B, C, C and R


Thank-you for the quilt.  Thank-you so much for the quilts their so amazingly awesome. All of us really like the quilts that you guys made.  Thank you for taking the time to make them.  I'm really thankful for what you guys did :)    From K and all the kids there


Thank you (drew a picture of a bed/with quilt, under a window showing the stars & a moon).  From K

DROP-OFF LOCATION IN BATH

For those of you in the Bath/Brunswick area.  You can now deliver your blankets to the Mariner's Quilt Shop on 190 Front Street in Bath.  

We now deliver blankets to Mid-Coast Hospital and Brunswick Human Services.  If you know of an agency that works with children in crisis that could benefit from our program, please send me their information 

Also, please feel free to contact Carole Heaphy at 833-7733 in Harpswell.  She's handling deliveries in that area and needs your support.

My information is 284-5606 or mprovost@maine.rr.com.

Thanks for being a volunteer. 

"Notes from Spring Harbor" Please take the time to read.

Please take the time to read these heartfelt notes from children at Spring Harbor.  The Spring Harbor facility is our second largest recipient site next to Maine Medical Center.  The children are allowed to choose a fleece blanket for their own.  In fact, the facility includes the blanket in their program. 


Thank you for giving me the blanket!  I really appreciate all the work you put in to make all those!  Thanks again Project Linus!              Love, E


Dear Project Linus.  Thank you for the blankets.  It ment a lot to me that someone would care enough to make them!  You are awesome!  Keep up the good work!       M


I just wanted to say thank you for the blanket, Project Linus!  It was really thoughtful and I appreciate it a lot.        Z


Thank you Project Linus for the blankets they keep me warm at night


Dear Project Linus, Thank you for the blanket.  The blanket means a lot to me.  Once again thank you.       Sincerely K


I just wanted to say than you for putting your time and effort into making me and others these wonderful and amazing blankets.  My blanket is very comforting and I love the cool way you put it together.  And how you tie the blankets on the end.  I hope all of the other kids enjoy their blankets to.                  Thanks, E


For the warm and fluffy blankets.  They are so cuddly and did I mention warm!?  I love mine and will cherrish it forever for the hard work that went into it     With (heart) S


I'd like to thank you for thinking of the kids like me at Spring Harbor and making us blankets.  It was very thoughtful of you to spend the time and effort to make them.  I love my new blanket.  I sleep with it every night.     Thank you so much!  A


Thanks Project Linus.  I really appreciate those blankets, their so comfy.  It means a lot really.  It feels great to have someone who cares and goes to such lengths to provide awesome blankets.  Keep up the great work!       Love R


To the person who made my blanket, thank you so much for your hard work making the blanket.  I really like it.               From B


Thank you!  Thank you Project Linus for the great blankets!!  They're very cozy & warm.  A very great thig to cuddle with.  Thaks for thinking of us.      L


Thank chu for da blankets!  Thank you for your kindness and generosity.  Da blankets are so warm and fluffy I could die!  Naw, just kidding!  They are warm and fluffy thought.    So as thanks I will draw the most delicious cake ever.       B


Thank you for the blanket.  The message on it was heart warming  It's nice to know that people I don't even know care.  I smiled and re-read the note on the blanket at least 5 times in the past 2 minutes.  Whenever I'm upset and feeling like the world walks out on me I'll look back at this and be thankful someone does care.  We need more people like you lady's in this world.  I'm bitter and even your message got through to me.  I will forever cherish this blanket and it will forever be with me.  I can't thank you enough for the smiles you have brought me, and will continue to everytime I read the note or look at the blanket.  Thanks again for lighting up my day.  You are great.  K 



The message that this young person is talking about is the poem that we attach to the blankets. 

"Thank you from Trauma Intervention Program"

I wanted to share with you some of the stories shared by TIP volunteers about the blankets that they have gifted folks being assisted during a TIP attended crisis event.

  

Please let the Linus volunteers know how very grateful we are for the amazing work they do to drape love and comfort around the shoulders of those who are facing what could be the worst moment of their lives.

 

The look in the eyes of those who have just been given a blanket is truly heart warming.

 

A woman and her children experienced a very traumatic event and TIP was called in to assist in a safety plan for this woman’s children. As the volunteer was gathering up a few things they would take from their home she saw them shivering, it was warm outside yet these children were in shock and needed to feel safe and comforted. The volunteer had two Linus blankets in her bag and wrapped them up “two by two” with the blankets in the back seat of their mom’s car before they drove off.

The TIP volunteer was called to be with a young child who was waiting for his mom and sibling as they were in surgery. She gave the child a blanket; the child curled up with immediately. When the young child’s aunt and uncle arrived they expressed their gratitude and commented on the visible comfort it was providing.

A house fire resulted in one family loosing all of their belongings, but thankfully all got out safely. The weather was damp and chilly at that time and the three volunteers on the scene all had blankets (some adult size and child size) that they were able to give mothers of an evacuated near by building holding children that were shivering. As the parents stood watching their home in flames, one volunteer stood by them with an umbrella after she had placed a blanket around their shoulders to provide them a sense of safety, comfort and warmth. 

"Thank you notes from Moms"

My daughter, Charlotte was born prematurely in February.  She received a Project Linus blanket in the NICU, and it meant so much to us that a stranger would make such a beautiful blanket for her.  It somehow gave me the hope that she was going to be okay (which she is, a happy, healthy, almost-four-month-old girl!)       I'm going to be putting together a group to make blankets for Project Linus.  Thanks again. 

Hello,

 I wanted to express our thanks for the beautiful quilt my son received while he was in the hospital.  He spent 3 nights at SMMC and my son  was very happy to have the quilt. He showed it to all his visitors and  has used it every night since we have been home. He really appreciated the beautiful quilt.

 Thank you so very much for your generous donation.

Karen, Grant's mom

BLANKETS FROM RAINBOW GIRLS

A very special thank you to Debbie Redmon, Kelsey Redmon and all the Rainbow Girls that participated in making 278 blankets that I recently received.    This is absolutely wonderful and will help so much in making difficult life changes easier for so many children.  A job well done!

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK - MEETINGS

I've received several inquiries about our volunteers routinely getting together to work on Project Linus projects.  In the past we've only done this as a Blanket Day in various parts of the county.  Now, our area includes both Cumberland and York Counties so we have more opportunities. 

Is there any interest in getting together in specific areas?  Maybe once a month?  in the evening? during the day?

Please let me know what you would be interested in doing. 

RECEIVED FROM MMC BARBARA BUSH NURSES

A sincere "thank you" to the nurses and staff at the MMC Barbara Bush Center for their donation of $50.00. It seems that they save their bottles and can.   Great idea!  Thank you. 

Calico Quilters Mystery Project Linus quilts

Mim and I attended the last meeting of the season for the Calico Quilters in Freeport/Yarmouth.  Thanks everyone for inviting us for your potluck supper.

We received the most amazing mystery quilts for Project Linus.  Heather Harden and her committee made up fabric kits for 10 quilts.  Each month, the participants received an instruction about completing.  WOW!  I wish you could see how wonderful these quilts are.  Sadly, I have a picture but I can't figure out how to attach it, so. . .   Sorry.  They're beautiful - and a nice large size, too. 

The quilts will be loved.  Thank you, many times.

A "thank you" story and new volunteers

Hi!  First of all, I have to thank you.  My daughter, Charlotte, was born prematurely in February.  She received a Project Linus blanket in the NICU, and it meant so much to us that a stranger would make such a beautiful blanket for her.  It somehow gave me hope that she was going to be okay (which she is, a happy, healthy, almost-four-month-old girl!)

  I am trying to put a group together where I work to make a blanket for Project Linus and I wanted to check what sizes you particularly have a need for.  I know the blankets need to be machine washable and from smoke-free environments, but do you have any other restrictions? 

Glad to provide information.  

Welcome back Central Yarn Shop

Central Yarn Shop has moved to 868 Broadway Ave. in South Portland.  Their number is 799-7789.  Summer hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 10 to 5 p.m.

WONDERFUL SITE WITH FREE PATTERNS

I just happened on to this amazing site provided by Andover Fabrics with 186 beautiful and FREE quilt patterns.  Wow!  Thank you Andover Fabrics!

ANDOVER FABRICS FREE QUILT PATTERNS

EXPANDING TO BRUNSWICK/BATH AREA

I'm pleased to announce that we have expanded to the Bath and Brunswick area.  Last year we started to deliver to Mid-Coast Hospital but have now identified other service agencies in that area.  I'm still pursuing others but return calls seem to be slow in being coming.

However, Carole Heaphy at 833-7733 will be coordinating the efforts for me in that area.  Feel free to call her.

MARINERS COMPASS QUILT SHOP, BATH is a new drop-off location.  These will become part of our inventory for Cumberland and York Counties, especially MMC Barbara Bush, which is our largest recipient. 

Thanks everyone. 

NEW BLANKET RECIPIENTS

We've added 5 new locations for receiving blankets:

       Brunswick Human Services
     
       Ethel's Tree of Life in the Berwicks

       Sweester Family Services in Saco

       Sweester Infant Services in Saco

       York County Domestic Services

MARDEN'S ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY

Marden's stores statewide will be having their celebration of the Project Linus program and their major collection day on Saturday, September 15.  This is always an amazing day of fun and surprises.

Don't forget.      We hope to see you there.

PHIPPSBURG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

I was very pleased to have recently visited with fourth and fifth grade students of the Phippsburg Elementary School that make up their Leadership Team.  Eight members of this industrious group gave up their recess to make blankets for Project Linus.     Wow!  They truly are leaders!!  Thanks so much.

MANCHESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, WINDHAM

A very special "thank you" to Donna Morton's fourth grade class at Manchester Elementary School in Windham.  This has been my third year there to pick up 2 amazing quilts that are designed, drawn and assembled by her students.    It's always such a treat for me to visit and explain what Project Linus is all about and visit.

You're the best!!!

ENCorps Volunteers Seminar, May

Thanks to Norma Simpson for manning this booth at the recent ENCorps Volunteer Seminar. She spent 2 days meeting with folks all over the state to let them know of volunteer opportunities throughout the state.     Nice booth, too.   Thanks for spreading the word. 

BEREAVEMENT BLANKETS

On a sad note, I routinely canvas the Portland paper for death announcements of parents or siblings who leave children.  In 2012, I sent out 12 blankets for the entire year.    For the first 5 months of this year, I've already sent out 20. 

If you ever know of a child for whom this would be appropriate, please be sure to let me know. 
I'm sure that your lovely blankets provide some comfort to the children.  Peace.

A Story - Why we make blankets

Recently, I was contacted by a Counselor in the Biddeford area who was working with 3 little boys who had been removed by the State as they were in an abusive situation - 9 months, 4 years and 8 years.  I asked her if she had another children who would benefit from a blanket.  She said she had 2 teen age girls. 

I had an opportunity to speak with her after the children had received the blankets.  She said they were all pleased.  In fact, one of the girls cried as she had never had anything like this before. 

This is why we make blankets.

"Thank you" note

A note from the Grandmother of 2 children who lost their Mother.

Dear all-

Thank you so much for the two quilts given to T's children, C and N.  Such a special and thoughtful gesture and gift.                    Their Grandmother P

Blanket Day South Portland 4-20-2012

We had a terrific day at South Portland Community Center making quilts, sewing on labels and cutting kits for other days.  A very special thank you to all of you who worked so hard to make this all happen so smoothly and a special welcome to the new volunteers.  We had 19 participants!  Wow.  In fact, we labeled around 100 blankets.     Well done. Thank you. 

NIMBLE THIMBLES QUILT SHOW OCTOBER 13TH

Time to enjoy the fall foligage on your way to Gorham for the Nimble Thimbles Quilt Show on Saturday, October 13.  This will be help at the First Parish Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Gorham. 

It's expected that there will be over 100 quilts from their members on display, vendors and light food items. 

Two more "thank you" notes

I know I said a quick thank you last week but I do want you to know how much I appreciated the sweet Project Linus blanket for Kevin.

They are made to comfort and to heal and that's what Sarah, Kevin and I needed.

Your group(s) do such good work.  Love, M



Thank you so much for the beautiful blanket.  Mia loves it and calls it her "Special" blanket.  It really means so much, especially, during this sad time,  Thank you!, K

NEW "THANK YOU" NOTE

Thank you for all the new blankets!  This morning I just delivered one of the "pink fleece" to a 6 year old girl who has just moved with her mother from living in their car to a subsidized apartment- she was thrilled and when I left her she was curled up in her blanket. She is a sweet girl who has been through a great deal.  I delivered another fleece blanket to a teenager in Boston Children's suffering from a serious head injury. He is still in the ICU but the parents will keep his feet warm with his blanket as they sit by his bed.

Dotty

COMBINED CHAPTERS - CUMBERLAND & YORK

Effective immediately, we are expanding the Cumberland County Chapter to include the York County responsibilities.  Our combined name will be PROJECT LINUS CUMBERLAND & YORK COUNTY, ME CHAPTER. 

 York County drop-off locations are Tony’s Sewing Machine in Biddeford and Marden’s in Sanford.  York County additions are Sweester-Family Focus, SMMC, Waban Projects, York County Domestic Violence and Goodall Hospital, at present. 

The address for our site has been changed to:  http://projectlinuscumberland-yorkchapters.blogspot.com.  Be sure to add this to your Favorites.  This is your go-to site for suggested sizes, recipients and up to date information.  

 

We also are now on Facebook as Project Linus Cumberland & York County.  There have been a few growing pains and I apologize for any inconvenience.  I understand that many of you have received 3 requests to join Facebook.  Sorry, I thought I had sent 588 requests but somehow only 206 got sent.  I’ve got to figure this out.   However, sign up on Facebook as I’ll be posting frequently and you’ll be able to see pictures of events, thank you notes, and other info.  So, please bear with me as I’m learning. 

 

I’ll continue to do a short newsletter and will mail to those without computer access.  However, if you have questions, please contact me at 284-5606.

With sincere thanks to Julie Baker for her dedication and hard work as the York County Coordinator.  You’ve put a smile on the face of many children.  A job well done.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY - MARDEN'S

What a terrific day it was!  Collected 60 blankets (a bonus as I didn't expect any) and generally had a wonderfull time.

Many thanks for Craig and Crystal and their staff for everything!  It was truly lovely.  And a special thanks to Cassie Moon for doing the Disappearing 4 patch demonstrations, Charlene Gerrish as "Lucky" and Mim Pepper for her help.

Project Linus Appreciation Day at Scarborough Marden's March 17

SIZES OF QUILTS AND BLANKETS NEEDED

Our Current Area Needs


Questions have come up about current sizes of quilts and blankets needed.  I've tweaked the sizes a bit as our population keeps changing, however, if you're unsure, call me at 284-5606 with any questions. 

New, handmade and washable quilts, blankets, afghans and fleece blankets in child friendly colors. Often, patterns will decide what age group will receive the blankets. Such as a baby pattern, even if large size, will go to a toddler.
Knit or crochet blankets should be made of washable, non-wool yarn and closely woven so they don't get caught or tangled in hospital equipment.

Suggested sizes:

Small (infants to toddlers) = 36 X 42

Medium to young teens = 40 X 54 - 60

Large (teens*) = 2 yards or 48 X 65 or larger

*There is always a special need for blankets designed for boys and teens.

Joann Fabric VIP Non-Profit Volunteer Discount Cards

Joann Fabric is offering a 10% discount for volunteers of non-profit organizations and Project Linus is pleased to be able to take advantage of this great discount. 

To order your card, sign up at www.joann.com/discountform or call 1-877-604-2280.  You'll also need to have a Project Linus Volunteer card which you can get from me. 

An opportunity you shouldn't miss.

BLANKET DAY CAPE ELIZABETH, SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2012

We've received a gracious invitation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cape Elizabeth to join them for a Blanket Day on Saturday February 4.  Hours are 10:00 to 2:00 p.m.

We're needing to help replenish our supply of new, unwashed flannel.  We'll have a drawing for a gift basket and gift certificate for those who bring 2 yards of new, unwashed flannel.  I could use colors and patterns for 5 to 8 year olds. 

Please contact me at 284-5606 for more information and to reserve your spot.

I hope to see you then.   

                                         Melodie

CHICKADEE BLANKET DAY IN BRIDGTON, SATURDAY JANUARY 14

Many thanks to the Chickadee Quilters for their wonderful Blanket Day on Saturday.  There were a total of 30 individuals there, including some not affliated with the group.  With just a heart for the Project Linus program.  Thanks to everyone.     When I left, I had 26 blankets and there are many more being finished. 

Thanks so much.  You will have made many children a little happier.

Portland's Trauma Intervention Program (TIP)

 

Trauma Intervention Program comforts victims, families

By Marge Niblock

Dec 31, 2011 12:00 am

Sgt. Bob Doherty and Portland’s Trauma Intervention Program are fans of one another. Last April, Doherty was the recipient of a Hero with Heart award, for caring and compassion on the scene. And Doherty feels “TIP allows police to provide better service.”
He didn’t always feel that way about TIP, a program comprised of trained citizen volunteers who provide support to victims and their families immediately following tragic events.
But after using the volunteers a couple of times, he became a proponent of the program. Doherty’s initial feeling was “they might get in the way,” when first told about TIP. That is not the case, however.
“We turn people over to them,” he says. “It’s comforting to know that people who have experienced trauma are in the good hands of a TIP volunteer.”
On one occasion, Doherty made use of TIP when he and another officer had to go to the home of a man in his 30s to deliver the news that the man’s mother had died. “Shock was evident,” said Doherty, when the man was confronted by two uniformed police officers who delivered the tragic message. “The worst part of my job is delivering bad news.”
Doherty called TIP to request that one of their volunteers come to the location to stay with the man for a while. He said, “They bring a high level of sympathy and empathy,” and added, “TIP allows me to leave that person better than I found them.”
Community Counseling Center at 165 Lancaster St. is the home base for TIP’s operation. Leslie Skillin-Calder is the Crisis Team Manager, whose job entails recruitment, training, assisting with marketing, and overseeing of volunteers, while remaining an active volunteer.
There are currently 30 volunteers under her jurisdiction, and she’d love to have another 10 added to that number because then there could be two people available for each shift.
Skillin-Calder was in TIP’s first training class seven years ago and has volunteered for four and a half years. She says “Always expect the unexpected.” The scenes the volunteers are called to are secure and safe prior to TIP’s arrival. Volunteers are not in any situation where they have to witness the initial moments of a horrible event.
The volunteers are caring people who form a team of citizen volunteers called to scenes of fires, automobile accidents, traumatic injuries and unexpected deaths, by emergency-response personnel. They are available within 20 minutes to first responders, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They help people during their most difficult moments, so that victims of tragedy don’t have to face a crisis alone.
Before someone is left by the TIP volunteer, information is given to them. Brochures are left containing community resource guides that may be called upon in the future.
Volunteers commit to serving for three 12-hour shifts per month. A pager is carried and when the person is needed, a TIP dispatcher calls, who is also a volunteer serving in this capacity. This mimics the first-responder system. There is a choice of day or night shifts, with 60 shifts to choose from, which start at seven o’clock.
Because of the need for a 20-minute response time, some people who live farther away stay with a relative in or near Portland for those shifts that they’re on call.
Twenty-nine-year-old Chad Nicholson moved here from California and works for a law firm that handles environmental issues. After seeing an article about a man who was a TIP volunteer at the age of 90, he decided that was something for him to become involved with. “My day job is flexible,” says Nicholson, so he has done both day and night shifts during his yearlong work with TIP.
His training consisted of 40 hours of classroom training (two weeks) and three months paired with a mentor, including going on police ride-alongs.
He has experienced “sadness,” but nothing that has affected him adversely. He’s been awakened at 1 a.m. for an incident, and at 4:30 a.m. to go to the scene of an unattended death.
“Police may also call for you to meet them at the hospital, and you get the perspective from the police department. Then you become the liaison between police and family.”
One of Nicholson’s calls involved responding to a car accident where a child needed support while the parent was being treated. Volunteers wear TIP vests and carry a bag when answering calls. The toys in the TIP bag can be a very useful tool in many situations. Some of the things it contains are soft tissues, a “Linus Program” blanket, stuffed animals, coloring books, water, and brochures.
Both Nicholson and Skillin-Calder talk about “trying to go in as empty as possible,” allowing them to be a support for a person, whatever the situation may be.
Nicholson stated “I explain to the person (after arriving at the scene) that the police or the hospital has called for me to be with you.” He says he’ll touch the person’s shoulder or make eye contact when that seems appropriate. He said that sometimes a call may start out at a person’s home, but you’ll end up at the hospital with that person.
Maine Medical Center is one of TIP’s primary clients, along with the Portland police and fire departments.
Volunteers have a strong desire to help and to serve and there is a strong bond between them. There has been an astounding age range in volunteers. A 17-year-old girl has just completed her training after attending a TIP open house and deciding to become involved. She won’t be allowed to go out on calls alone until she reaches the age of 21, so she’ll always have someone else with her.
The gentleman that attracted Chad Nicholson’s attention in a news article recently retired at 91. He had become a volunteer at age 87.
There is a lot of interaction between volunteers, involving feedback and fellowship. Nicholson said “There’s a lot of support and things that re-energize me. It’s almost a familiar feel of being fulfilled, rather than being tapped-out.” He added “I’m surprised at the variety of backgrounds of the people involved, which is one of the program’s strengths.” His enthusiasm for the program has resulted in his bringing a couple of new volunteers to the group.

Total of Blankets Delivered in 2011

The numbers have been totalled and we delivered an amazing 1,371 blankets to Cumberland County hospitals and social service agencies. 

The three largest recipients were MMC Barbara Bush Hospital receiving 432 blankets, MMC Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit receiving 240 and Spring Harbor Hospital receiving 264. 

You should all be very proud - without each of you we couldn't have done this.

Bless you.

Holiday Note from Portland's Family Shelter

Thank you for your continued support for the families here.  We appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness. 

City of Portland Family Shelter Staff



This note is from a great group of people who work very hard with limited resources. We help them as appropriate.

2011 Raffle Quilt Winner

I'm very pleased to announce that we raised $682.00 with our raffle quilt.  A very "warm" thanks to all who sold or bought tickets.  As you know, we use this money for office expenses and bags and paper and computer ink and postage can get expensive. 

The winner was Collette Fortin of Portland, a member of Cobblestone who bought a ticket at her Chapter's meeting.

Thanks everyone for spreading the word!