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.