May Newsletter 2024

 

  

May , 2024

Hello  Blanketeers,

Thank you to all of our wonderful “ Blanketeers” for your continued support of NWPA Project Linus. Without your amazing quilts, knitted and crocheted afghans and fleece blankets, we would not be able to deliver nearly 200 new hand made blankets monthly.  You are a mighty Village.

******* We have a great need of baby size blankets at this time. There are many agencies that we deliver to that only have a need for baby blankets. The sizes that we need are approx.*****        

 30” X 30”     36” s 36”  These blankets can be knitted,  crocheted, quilted or fleece

 

SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday August 13^th - Erie Gives 2023

 NWPA Project Linus has a very unique opportunity to take part in this one day Erie Gives on Tuesday August 13th from 8:00am – 8:00pm @ Eriegives.org . We qualify and are registered for this event. This will be our 11^th year participating in this local fund raiser.

We would ask that if you give to a charity throughout the year, that you would consider donating to NWPA Project Linus on that day.  Last year on this one day of fund raising a record breaking 8.1 million dollars were raised here in Erie. That is an incredible amount and a very generous Community.

Your donation to NWPA Project Linus would help us to purchase blanket making materials to help us meet the growing need in our Community of children in need.

                                                                                               

Looking Ahead:

 

August 13^th-             Erie Gives Day

September 11^th -Kit Pick up Day                                                      

ODDS & ENDS:

 

-        If you are doing any Spring Cleaning in your Sewing Room- please consider NWPA Project Linus. We can always use pieces and parts of material and yarn. 

-        Project Linus’ mission statement is that we provide new handmade blankets to children in need. We are unable to accept gently used blankets or store made blankets.

-        If you have these types of blankets, there are organizations that would gladly receive them.

-        Shelters, Salvation Army, Women’s Care Centers to name a few.

REMINDERS:

·       If blankets are coming from a home that someone smokes in, or has anaimals that may be around your project, we ask that these blankets be laundered with scent free detergent for the safety of the children receiving them, that may have respiratory  issues.

·       The same applies with storing or bagging blankets, that they are not stored in scented bags or have used scented fabric softener. We know that they leave a pretty scent, but for our kids, it may not be healthful for them.

·       VERY IMPORTANT- Please remove the 2 selvages sides of fleece prior to cutting the strips for tying. We receive many blankets that have the selvage on the blankets that need to be trimmed before we can give that blanket to a child in need. Your help is greatly appreciated.

·       We would gladly come to your church group, Scout group or organization and give instruction on how to make single layer fleece blankets. Contact JoAnn Burkhart 1-814-392-5583

 

 Follow us on Facebook for updates. You can find us at:

·       NWPA Project Linus -    Like us -and that automatically will add you to our friend list.

·       www.nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com- is our web page

 

Warmly, 

JoAnn Burkhart

NWPA Project Linus – Coordinator

1-814-392-5583 ( c)

Nwpaprojectlinus@hotmail.com

April 2024 Newsletter

 

                                                          

April, 2024

Welcome Spring Blanketeers,                                                                            

Hope this Newsletter will find all of our wonderful “ Blanketeers” enjoying our mild winter.

If you are Spring cleaning your craft or Sewing room, please keep NWPA Project Linus in mind, We are always happy to receive pieces and parts of cotton material, yarn or fleece. They make for very cheery and fun blankets.

                                               ***** NEW DATE******

Mark your calendars for Wednesday September 11^th , as we will be having a “ Kit pick up day”. From 10:00-2:00 at 1446 Patterson Ave. ( Coordinator’s home). There will be many types of kits, fleece and yarn for making Project Linus blankets. Plenty of off Street parking.

ODDS & ENDS:

-        There is still a need for boy blankets of all types and sizes. When we deliver blankets, we always try to put a mix of boy and girl blankets, so that the hospital or agency has a variety to pass out to their patients or clients.

-        Our blankets need to be kid safe and friendly, so , no buttons, ribbons or long fringe. And as always, please check for pins.

-         

REMINDERS:

-        Please be cautious of the crochet or knitted patterns, along with the type of yarn and needle size, so that the finished afghan doesn’t have too big of “holes” in it or too loose. It was brought to my attention that “Little fingers” can become entwined in them or caught on hospital equipment. If you are making an afghan for an older child, then most patterns will be fine.          

 

-        Due to children’s unknown allergies, Respiratory issues and sensitivities please be cautious of perfumes, dryer sheets, fabric softeners and scented bags in regards to making, storing blanket making material or dropping off a blanket. These are things that we may not even think of that could set off a medical situation for a child.

Monthly meetings:

April  18^th   -    Doug Yaple’s Vacuum                             1815 E. 38^th Street       Cancelled

Looking Ahead:

 

August 13 ^th-                          Erie Gives

 

September 11th                    Kit Pick up day

 

 Follow us on Facebook for updates as well. You can find us at:

·       NWPA Project Linus -    Like us -and that automatically will add you to our friend list.

·       www.nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com- is our web page

 

Warmly, 

JoAnn Burkhart

NWPA Project Linus – Coordinator

814-392-5583

Nwpaprojectlinus@hotmail.com

March 2024 Newsletter

 

                                                          

March, 2024

Hello Blanketeers,                                                                            

Once again I would like to thank all of our Quilt Shoppe’s, Stores  and Blanketeers for supporting National Make a Blanket Day. Without all of you, we would not be able to deliver nearly 200 plus blankets to our many agencies that provide a service to children in our area on a monthly basis. “ It really does take a Village”… …..Our Blanketeers are a true testament to that statement. Thank you, thank you.

We are still in need of boys blankets, all sizes and kinds

 

Save the date: May 15^th for Kit pick up. More info to follow

 

REMINDERS:

-        Due to hospital equipment and little fingers, when knitting or crocheting an afghan please use patterns or needle size with corresponding yarn so that the completed blanket isn’t too loose or airy. Sometimes it might only take going to one size needle smaller to make all of the difference.

 

 -Due to children's allergies and possible respiratory issues, please refrain from the use of dryer sheets, fabric softeners and scented bags when either laundering or storing blanket making material.

 

Monthly meetings:

March 21^st -     Doug Yaple’s Vacuum                      1815 E. 38^th Street       NO MONTHLY MEETING

Looking Ahead:

 

May 15^th,        2022  Kit pick up

August 13^th-   Erie Gives Day

 

 

 

 Follow us via Facebook as well. You can find us at:

·       NWPA Project Linus -    Like us -and that automatically will add you to our friend list.

·       www.nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com- is our web page

 

Warmly, 

JoAnn Burkhart

NWPA Project Linus – Coordinator

814-392-5583

nwpaprojectlinus@hotmail.com

February Newsletter

 

                                                          

February, 2024

Hello Blanketeers,    

Once again, I am re-posting the information that was taken from our National web site regarding the beginning of National Make a Blanket Day. I have been asked of its origin many times, so here it is:

HOW DID IT BEGIN?

National Make a Blanket Day began in 1999 after the terrible events that took place at Columbine High School. We found that suddenly we were in need of a very large number of blankets, and quickly. Our chapters came to the rescue, holding “blanket bees” all over the country and then sending those blankets to our local chapters in Denver. It was a huge success, and we learned that we had a national network of people who could and would help. It was decided that we would hold an annual Make A Blanket Day where each chapter could host activities in their area to promote Project Linus and to increase our inventory of warm cuddly blankets. Generally, we can attribute the collection of 75,000 to 100,000 blankets to National Make a Blanket Day! 

All locations this year will again be drop off only.

We are looking forward to a very successful Make a Blanket Day, please come out and support our Local Chapter and the many stores that provide a Drop Off location for finished blankets.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 17^TH NATIONAL MAKE A BLANKET DAY

NWPA Project Linus National Make a Blanket Day drop off ONLY locations are as follows:

Kelly’s Sewing Corner- 3330 W.26^th Street (Village West)                         10:00-3:00

JoAnn Fabrics -7200 Peach Street  Erie                                                           9:00- 7:00

Fox’s Sew & Vac Sales and Service Downtown Mall – Meadville PA        9:30-2:00

JoAnn Fabrics - 18921 Park Ave Plaza  Meadville                                         9:00-7:00

Doug Yaple’s Vacuum- 1815 E. 38^th Street                                                    10:00- 2:00

Doug Yaple’s West    2301 W. 12th                                                                 10:00-2:00

Super Stitch – 10429 W. Main Street North East, PA                                   10:00-3:00

JoAnn Fabrics   2481 E. State Street    Hermitage ,PA                                   9:00-7:00

Saint Michael’s Church 85 High Street Greenville, PA 16125 (M-F)           9:00-3:00

Children’s Aid Society 350 W. Market St  Mercer, PA  (M-F )                      9:00- 4:30

 

Monthly meetings:

February 15^th -       Doug Yaple’s Vacuum                    1815 E. 38^th Street         No Meeting

Odds & Ends:  

·       We are still in need of Boy Blankets ( All sizes and types)

·       Baby blankets

Reminders:

·        Due to children's allergies and possible respiratory issues, please refrain from the use of dryer sheets, fabric softeners and scented bags when either laundering or storing blanket making material, or dropping off completed blankets. Although they may have a pretty aroma, the scents absorb into the materials, which may be difficult to remove.

• When making a Single Layer Fleece No Sew Blanket we recommend at least 1 ½ to 2 yards of Fleece fabric. And most important, before you start to cut the strips that, FIRST you TRIM the 2 SELVAGE SIDES, then from there you have options in how you wish to tie your blanket.

 

                                                                    

                                                               

I put this reminder in occasionally, as we receive many blankets with the selvage still on the blankets. We then have to trim each strip of the selvage before that blanket can be delivered.          

 

Looking Ahead:

 

February 17^th            -National Make a Blanket Day

August 13^th-               Erie Gives Day

 

 Please follow us on Facebook as well, for up to date and current events. You can find us at:

·       NWPAProjectLinus-    Like us -and that automatically will add you to our friend list.

·       www.nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com- is our web page

 

Warmly, 

JoAnn Burkhart

NWPA Project Linus – Coordinator

814-392-5583 (c)

Nwpaprojectlinus@hotmail.com

January 2024 Newsletter

 

           

                                               

January, 2024

Happy New Year Blanketeers,                                                                            

I hope that everyone enjoyed a Merry Christmas and wishing you all a very Happy New Year!!

With the help of our generous Blanketeers many Agencies have benefited with new handmade blankets that have brought comfort to children in need in 2023. In fact we delivered over 1,400 blankets in the 4^th quarter alone. That is only made possible by your continued support.

Office of Children and Youth Services, Community Shelter Services, Crime Victim Center, , Erie Free Store, Harbor Creek Youth Services, Bethesda Foundation, Safe Start, SafeNet, Women’s Care Centers, Nurse Family Partnership, Title 5, International Institute, Refuge Homeless Shelter, , Children’s Advocacy Center, Millcreek Community Hospital) Pediatric Unit, W.I.C. Erie, Foster Erie, Project Love  and many many more…………………a complete listing can be found on our web page –

www.nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com

We can only hope that 2024 will be filled with Blanketeers once again being so caring and generous.

 Listed below are our current Stores, Quilt Shoppes or Individuals that have graciously opened their doors to NWPA Project Linus to be a drop off location:

Erie County:

Joann Burkhart- NWPA Project Linus Coordinator -1446 Patterson Ave Erie, PA 16508  1-814-392-5583  

Tena Pomeroy- ( Albion) 1-814-859-0033

Doug Yaple’s – 1815 E 38th Street, Erie PA                                Marie Bissell - ( Lake City) 1-814-774-4884

Doug Yaple’s West 2301 W. 12^th Street

Kelly’s Sewing Corner- 3330 W.26^th Street (Village West) 

Super Stitch -10429 W Main Street- North East

JoAnn Fabric’s- 7200 Peach Street

Crawford County:

Fox’s Sew & Vac Sales and Service Downtown Mall – Meadville PA

Jo Ann Fabric’s 18921 Park Ave Plaza  Meadville Pa

Warren County:

Ronnieanne Walters – 1-814-723-5408    

Mercer County:

Linda Hajtol – 1-724-588-3289       

St. Michael’s Church 85 N High Street Greenville, PA 16125

JoAnn Fabric’s 2481 E. State St. Hermitage, PA 16148

Children’s Aid Society 350 W. Market Street Mercer PA 16137

For your convenience I hope this list will assist our Blanketeers as to where a lovingly handmade Project Linus blanket can be dropped off.

Monthly meetings:

January 18^th      Doug Yaple’s Vacuum                   1815 E. 38^th Street    NO MEETING THIS MONTH

 

National Make a Blanket Day- February 17^TH, 2024

New handmade blankets can be dropped off on this day at all of our drop off locations that were stated above. This is a drop off location event ONLY.

Odds and Ends:

- We are still in need of Boy blankets- All sizes and types ( knitted, crocheted, quilted and fleece tied)

Reminders:

- When knitting or crocheting an afghan please be aware of the needle size and yarn weight, so that your finished item isn’t too loose or “holey”, due to little fingers and hospital equipment.

- Project Linus blankets are new handmade blankets

Looking Ahead:

 

February 17^th  2024      - National Make a Blanket Day

August 13^th      2024      - Erie Gives Day

 

·       NWPAProjectLinus-    Like us -and that automatically will add you to our friend list.

·       www.nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com- is our web page

 

Warmly, 

JoAnn Burkhart

NWPA Project Linus – Coordinator

814-392-5583 (c)

Nwpaprojectlinus@hotmail.com

 

December, 2023

Hello Blanketeers,                                                                               

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of our wonderful Blanketeers.

To date we have delivered  over 65,000 blankets in our 25 years as a chapter, to hospitals, emergency shelters, group homes, women’s care centers, and many other agencies that provide aid and comfort to children in need that would not have been possible without our wonderful Blanketeers and Quilt Shoppe’s that support NWPA Project Linus. With your caring support the statement “ It takes a village” truly does comes to life.

Thank you to all who have donated blankets, material, yarn, a place to drop off blankets or time to NWPA Project Linus, your efforts are wonderfully appreciated. That is an amazing amount of knit and purl, knitted blankets, single and double crocheted afghans, thousands of tied knots on fleece blankets and countless bindings on quilts.

 

February 17, 2024

·        National Make a Blanket Day- Here are a few points of interest about MABD-

·       Bring awareness of the need for blankets

·       Bring awareness to those in need in the winter months that may be in Shelters, Emergency Services…

·       This date may seem far off at this time, but it will be here before we know it.

·        There will be only drop off locations in the next newsletter.

 

ODDS & ENDS:  

 

-We are still in need of Boy blankets of all sizes and types from baby to the big kids.

 

 

REMINDERS:

  

-        Due to children’s allergies and possible Respiratory Issues we need to refrain from using dryer sheets, scented bags when storing blankets and blanket making materials. Although they make for a pretty scent, it may trigger an episode for a child receiving that blanket.

-         

-        When making a Fleece No Sew Single layer Blanket we recommend at least 1 ½ to 2 yards of fabric. And most important, before you start to cut the strips to, FIRST ,TRIM the 2 SELVAGE SIDES, then from there you have options in how you wish to tie your blanket.

Looking Ahead:

 

 February 17^th, 2024-       National Make a Blanket Day

 August 13^th, 2024-          Erie Gives Day

 

 

 

Follow us on Facebook for updates as well. You can find us at:

·       NWPAProjectLinus-    Like us -and that automatically will add you to our friend list.

·       www.nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com- is our web page

 

Warmly, 

JoAnn Burkhart

NWPA Project Linus – Coordinator

814-392-5583

nwpaprojectlinus@hotmail.com

November Newsletter

 

November 2023

 

Hello Blanketeers,

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you !!!!

 

We are very “ Thankful” for all of our truly generous Blanketeers for their generosity and continued support as well as the many quilt shops, stores and individuals that take in blankets for our organizations. When we say that it takes a “ Village”, we really mean it. Your support allows our organization to deliver between 200-300 new handmade blankets a month.

 

 

REMINDERS:  

 

- If there are any groups that are interested in making fleece blankets as a Service project, please contact me so that I can email you directions for single layer fleece blankets.

1-814-392-5583

 

 

Odds and Ends

·       If you have pets in your home, please check your blankets before you donate them for animal fur. Due to children’s allergies, we ask that you launder them with unscented detergent and fabric softeners. This is greatly appreciated.

·       We are still need of baby size blankets at this time.

 

 

Monthly meetings

                             

November 16th      -       Doug Yaple Vacuum             1815 E. 38^th Street         CANCELLED

 

Looking Ahead:

 

February 17^th, 2024-  National Make a Blanket Day

August 13^th, 2024        Erie Gives

 

 Follow us on Facebook for updates as well. You can find us at:

 

·       NWPA Project Linus -    Like us -and that automatically will add you to our friend list.

·       www.nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com- is our web page

 

Warmly, 

JoAnn Burkhart

NWPA Project Linus Coordinator