Tuesday, February 28, 2012
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
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
Monday, January 16, 2012
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.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Portland's Trauma Intervention Program (TIP)
Trauma Intervention Program comforts victims, families
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.
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.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
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.
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.
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!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
BLANKET DAY BRIDGTON JANUARY 14TH, 2012
An invitation from the Chickadee Quilters:
I have booked the Bridgton Community Center's big room for Saturday, January 14th for a Blanket Day. I think some will want to do the flannel kits, but we also want to work on some traditional quilts. We have found some easy patterns and I got a donation of some fabrics. Our budget allows us to buy the batting and we will use the quilt tops to set up another night to practice free motion quilting. I am very excited about this project.
Please let Beth Brown know if you'll be able to attend. Beth's number is 699-9107 or contact at teambrown97@roadrunner.com.
I'll be there. It's a great day. Thanks ladies!
I have booked the Bridgton Community Center's big room for Saturday, January 14th for a Blanket Day. I think some will want to do the flannel kits, but we also want to work on some traditional quilts. We have found some easy patterns and I got a donation of some fabrics. Our budget allows us to buy the batting and we will use the quilt tops to set up another night to practice free motion quilting. I am very excited about this project.
Please let Beth Brown know if you'll be able to attend. Beth's number is 699-9107 or contact at teambrown97@roadrunner.com.
I'll be there. It's a great day. Thanks ladies!
HOLIDAY DONATION
Many thanks to Susie Wilson for her generous holiday check.
Her note to you all:
Thank you for all that you do - The children at Barbara Bush Hospital love the blankets - they provide such warmth and comfort. God bless.
Her note to you all:
Thank you for all that you do - The children at Barbara Bush Hospital love the blankets - they provide such warmth and comfort. God bless.
GORHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL BLANKET DAY 12-9-11
WESTBROOK GIRL SCOUTS NOW BLANKETEERS 12-5-11
Many thanks to Victoria Bates and the 3 Girl Scout troops for their wonderful tied fleece blankets. We met, and they presented me with 8 blankets. Sorry that I don't have your troop numbers. You've all done something very special.
Again, thanks.
Again, thanks.
MMC Barbara Bush Children's Hospital 12-5-11
Melodie,
I know that I have mentioned over the phone and in person how grateful we are to the many volunteers that donate their time to making the beautiful quilts for the children, but I thought I would also send a letter of thanks.
So many parents are stressed and upset to see their child in the hospital. When we bring one of the quilts into the room, it brings such joy and comfort to the parents to know that someone is thinking of their children. The patients also love having a warm and colorful quilt to brighten up their room. They are so excited to know that they can take them home. I have seen time and time again patients that return with the quilts they were given on their last admission. This is a testament to how loved and appreciated they are to them.
Thank you again.
Sherisse Wormell, Child Life Coordinator
I know that I have mentioned over the phone and in person how grateful we are to the many volunteers that donate their time to making the beautiful quilts for the children, but I thought I would also send a letter of thanks.
So many parents are stressed and upset to see their child in the hospital. When we bring one of the quilts into the room, it brings such joy and comfort to the parents to know that someone is thinking of their children. The patients also love having a warm and colorful quilt to brighten up their room. They are so excited to know that they can take them home. I have seen time and time again patients that return with the quilts they were given on their last admission. This is a testament to how loved and appreciated they are to them.
Thank you again.
Sherisse Wormell, Child Life Coordinator
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)