January 2017 Newsletter

                                                           

January, 2017

Happy New Year Blanketeers,   

                                                                         

Last year a little over 3,000 blankets were lovingly handmade and donated to NWPA Project Linus, well Blanketeers, you out did yourselves this year with going over 3,500 blankets. The following agencies that benefited from your generosity were:

Office of Children and Youth Services, Community Shelter Services, Crime Victim Center, Safe Start, SafeNet, Women’s Care Centers, Nurse Family Partnership, Title 5, International Institute, Refuge Homeless Shelter, Sarah Reed Children’s Home, Children’s Advocacy Center and many many more…………………

Including our 3 local Hospitals, ( UPMC Hamot Hospital, St. Vincent Health Center and Millcreek Community Hospital) in their NICU, Maternity and Pediatric Units , that many children in need were comforted.

We can only hope that 2017 will be filled with Blanketeers once again being so caring and generous with your time, talent.            

                                                     

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  1-814-864-9389 1-814-392-5583  

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

Yaple’s – 801 W. 26^th Street, Erie PA                                Marie Bissell - ( Lake City) 1-814-774-4884

Kelly’s Sewing Corner- 3330 W.26^th Street (Village West)   Doug Yaple’s Vacuum 1815 E. 38^th Street

Millcreek Sewing – 6044 Peach Street            Super Stitch -55 West Main Street- North East

Crawford County:

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

Warren County:

Ronnieanne Walters – 1-814-723-5408     Super Stitch 2 -113 Market Street Warren PA

Mercer County:

Linda Hajtol – 1-724-588-3289        The Gallery of Fabric- 116 N. Pitt Street  Mercer  PA

St. Michael’s Church 76 North High Street Greenville PA

McKean County:

Zanadu Fabric, Yarn & Crafts -105 N. Fraley Street  Kane  PA

 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  -         Millcreek Sewing Center               6044 Peach Street   NO MEETING THIS MONTH   

January 9^th -    Yaple’s Vacuum & Sewing            801 W. 26^th Street       9:00a.m.-11:00a.m.

January 19^th    Doug Yaple’s Vacuum                    1815 E. 38^th Street      10:00-a.m.-2:00p.m.

National Make a Blanket Day-Saturday - February 18^th 2017, here is a list of the Stores, Quilt Shoppes and Church that are participating this year:

Kelly's Sewing Corner	3330 W. 26th Street	Erie	Drop off	11:00-3:00
Millcreek Sewing Center	6044 Peach Street	Erie	Sew In	1:00-4:00
Doug Yaple's Vacuum	1815 E. 38th Street	Erie	Sew In	10:00-2:00
St. Michael 's Church	76 North High Street	Greenville	Sew In	10:00-3:00
Fox's Sewing & Vac	Downtown Mall	Meadville	Drop off	10:00-3:00
Super Stitch	55 West Main Street	North East	Drop off	10:00-3:00

Odds and Ends:

I have been asked to relate stories of children receiving blankets and how they react to them. Unfortunately due to HIPPA Laws we are unable to directly give a child a blanket. But recently we had 3 stories told to us that certainly warmed out hearts and I hope that it does the same for you our wonderful and caring Blanketeers.

The first one was a little girl named Ava that was in St. Vincent Health Center with Pneumonia and she said that the best part of her stay there was receiving a Project Linus blanket. The other story was told to us when we delivered a few bags of blankets to the Crime Victim Center and a Counselor came up to us and said that one of her little clients told her that receiving a Project Linus blanket was like a magic cape that protected them.

This 3^rd story came to me recently from a message on our Face Book page. I have included a link to Alex’s page.

Hi JoAnn ... in 2011 my son went through a traumatic accident with a button battery in his nose. He was 4 at the time. We just recently were featured on Monsters Inside Me on Animal Planet. Alex has been through a lot of medical and mental struggles. He's currently gone through 27 surgeries. More to come to fix his nose which is now dead inside. I have started a group called Alex's Crusade to help share the awareness on how dangerous these batteries are not just swallowed up being put in the nose as my son did. During Alex's stay in the hospitals he was given beautiful blankets from this program. Those blankets took a special place for him and comforted Alex in times of being so scared in the hospital. Alex is 9 now and since starting the group a few weeks ago we ordered some of the silicon bracelets with the name on them. Alex is wanting to sell these bracelets and donate proceeds to Project Linus. He is determined to give back to make it possible for you to make other children comfortable and these beautiful creations. I wanted to touch base with you in regards to this in hopes we could make the public aware.

https://www.facebook.com/alexscrusade/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE

Reminders: Please leave your contact information as you drop of your blankets, so that we can send out a note of appreciation.

Looking Ahead:

February 18^th  -National Make a Blanket Day-

July 26^th            - Senior Day at the Erie Zoo

August 8^th        - Erie Gives

August 18^th-20^th Celebrate Erie

Follow us on Facebook. 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

814-864-9389    814-392-5583 (c)

Nwpaprojectlinus@hotmail.com

December Blanket Deliveries

This morning while NWPA Project Linus was making its December Blanket deliveries we stopped at The Crime Victim Center, a counselor came up to us and told us that one of her little clients told her that receiving a Project Linus blanket was like a magic cape that protected them. We didn't feel quite so cold delivering the rest of the blankets that we had in the car, as that warmed us right up in a hurry. Again, we Thank all of our many, many Blanketeers that made it possible to deliver 269 this month. Merry Christmas !!

Monday meeting cancelled

NWPA Project Linus

· 

Good Morning Blanketeers,

Due to this lovely snow that wants to keep falling I have decided to cancel our monthly meeting for Monday the 12th for Project Linus at Yaple's 801 W. 26th Street . Many of our Blanketeers live outside of Erie and travel in for the meeting and due to the weather probably would not make it in.

We really appreciate your continued support of our organization. You all make a difference in a childs life. This past week a friend of mine little girl was in the hospital with pneumonia at St. Vincent's Hospital and received a Project Linus blanket. Lil' Ava said it was the highlight of her stay there. 

Our next meeting will be Monday January 9th 2017 9:00-11:00
Stay warm and safe.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our wonderful Blanketeers.

JoAnn Burkhart- Coordinator
814-864-9389 814-392-5583
nwpaprojectlinus@hotmail.com
www.nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com

December Newsletter

December, 2016

Hello Blanketeers, 

                                                                             

As many of you begin or have begun to shop on line this holiday season, I would like to bring something new and exciting to your attention. The Amazon Smile Foundation will donate .05% of your purchase to the charity of your choice. Project Linus in one of almost a million charitable organizations that has been registered and qualifies for this fantastic opportunity. The process is a one time set up-and very easy to follow.

It is hard to believe that we are at the end of the year already, it seemed to come up so quickly. Since last November 3,222 blankets have been delivered, to hospitals, emergency shelters, group homes, women’s care centers, and many other agencies that provide aid to children in need. That would not have been possible without our wonderful Blanketeers and Quilt Shoppe’s that support NWPA Project Linus to continue its mission of bringing comfort to children in need in our Community. 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 meet or time to NWPA Project Linus, your efforts are wonderfully appreciated.

February 18, 2017

·        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…

·       An opportunity for Blanketeers to get together and meet one another

·       An opportunity for Blanketeers to share their ideas of blanket patterns

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

·        There will be “Sew In’s” or drop off locations in the next newsletter.

Monthly meetings:

December 7th - Millcreek Sewing Center               6044 Peach Street      1:00pm- 4:00pm

December 12^th - Yaple’s Vacuum & Sewing            801 W. 26^th Street      9:00am-11:00am

December 15^th-  Doug Yaple’s Vacuum                   1815 E. 38th Street     10:00am- 2:00pm

ODDS & ENDS:  

If anyone might have any of those large clear zippered comforter or blanket bags and willing to part with them, you could drop them off, when you drop off your blankets. When we receive material or yarn donations it is easier to keep them sorted and clean in these types of bags. Thank you !!

REMINDERS:

  

Blanket Sizes: These are approximate and suggested sizes as I am often asked what we need-

Preemie- 30 X 30    36 X36    Baby -  36 X 40   40 X40      Medium 40 X 60     45 X 60       Large 45 X 72

Looking Ahead:

 February 18^th, 2017-  National Make a Blanket Day

July 26^th,2017             Senior Day @ Zoo

August 8^th, 2017         Erie Gives

August18-20^th2017     Celebrate Erie

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.

·       nwpaprojectlinusblogspot.com- is our web page

Warmly, 

JoAnn Burkhart

NWPA Project Linus – Coordinator

814-864-9389  814-392-5583

Nwpaprojectlinus@hotmail.com

Amazon Smile

November 9, 2016

Dear Blanketeers,

As many of you begin or have begun to shop on line this holiday season, I would like to bring something new and exciting to your attention. The Amazon Smile Foundation will donate .05% of your purchase to the charity of your choice. Project Linus in one of almost a million charitable organizations that has been registered and qualifies for this fantastic opportunity.

It is simple and easy. As you log onto Amazon. Smile.com account follow these few steps:

·       On the far right at “Your Account” hover over the drop down arrow

·       Then find the Amazon Smile which will be the 8^th option down and click on it.

·       This page will show you many of the larger national charities, but there is a space for you to type in Project Linus.

·       Each time that you shop .05% will then be sent to Project Linus National Headquarters.

So many of us do so much of our shopping online for the convenience of it, and these few extra clicks of the mouse will help so many. (It is a one time set up) If you have any questions, please contact me and I will gladly walk you through the process. I have selected a few key portions that may help as you begin this process.

Thank you for your consideration.

AmazonSmile Program Details

About Choosing a Charitable Organization to Support

On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you will be prompted to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make on AmazonSmile will result in a donation. 

AmazonSmile Donations to Charitable Organizations

100% of the donation amount generated from your eligible purchase on AmazonSmile will be donated. The donation amounts generated by your purchases are combined with the donation amounts from all other customers that selected the same organization, and each quarter the AmazonSmile Foundation makes donations to registered charitable organizations by electronic funds transfer. Donations are generally transferred approximately 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter.

Donations are not made for products that are returned.

The amount that the AmazonSmile Foundation donates as a result of your AmazonSmile purchase is not tax deductible by you. If you have any questions about your tax situation, you should contact your tax advisor.

About the AmazonSmile Foundation

The AmazonSmile Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) foundation created by Amazon to administer the AmazonSmile program. All donation amounts generated by the AmazonSmile Program are remitted to the AmazonSmile Foundation. In turn, the AmazonSmile Foundation donates those amount to the charitable organizations selected by our customers. Amazon pays all expenses of the AmazonSmile Foundation; they are not deducted from the donation amounts generated by your purchases on AmazonSmile. You may not make a direct donation to the AmazonSmile Foundation. The only way to support your charitable organization through the AmazonSmile Foundation is to shop on AmazonSmile.

Thank you !!

Warmly,

JoAnn Burkhart

NWPA Project Linus Coordinator

 nwpaprojectlinus@hotmail.com

814-864-9389   814-392-5583

www.nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com

follow us on Face Book – NWPA Project Linus 

November Newsletter

Hello Blanketeers,

Just like the many beautiful colors of the fall leaves, so are the colors and patterns of the blankets that we receive from you, our Blanketeers.  NWPA Project Linus is grateful for all of our Blanketeers that have helped to make our organization be what it is today. Without your continued support we would never be able to meet the needs of the in need in our Community. From the tiniest of babies to the big and tall teens, please know that the blankets whether they are knitted, crocheted, quilted, or fleece tied are helping to bring comfort and warmth to many.

ODDS & ENDS:   If anyone might have any of those large clear zippered comforter or blanket bags and willing to part with them, you could drop them off, when you drop off your blankets. When we receive material or yarn donations it is easier to keep them sorted and clean in these types of bags. Thank you !!

REMINDERS:   We cannot accept blankets with religious or seasonal themes on them. (National Policy)

Monthly meetings

November  2^nd        Millcreek Sewing                          6044 Peach Street                   1:00pm- 4:00 pm

                                   

November 14th      Yaple’s Vacuum & Sewing            801 W. 26^th Street                   9:00 am-11:00 am    

                                                                                                                                   

November 17th      Doug Yaple’s Vacuum                  1815 E. 38^th Street                  10:00 am- 2:00pm

Looking Ahead:

 February 18^th, 2017-  National Make a Blanket Day

July 26^th,2017             Senior Day @ Zoo

August 8^th, 2017         Erie Gives

August18-20^th2017     Celebrate Erie

 Follow us on Facebook for updates 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

1-814-864-9389   1-814-392-5583

nwpaprojectlinus@hotmail.com

NWPA Project Linus    FaceBook

nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com  

Interview on Millcreek Government Channel

On August 25th I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Jessica James on the Millcreek Government Channel and it will begin airing on Time Warner the week of September 28, 2016. (Our “weeks” run Wednesday through Tuesday). It will show on Time Warner Suburban Channel 9 (if you have the digital box). If not you will be able to view the programs on your digital TV on channel 97.1.

Here is a YouTube link to the interview as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fF29bu4ogI

Times it will be aired:
2:00am and 2:00pm
8:00am and 8:00pm

JoAnn Burkhart - Coordinator
NWPA Project Linus

October Newsletter

 October 2016

Welcome Fall Blanketeers,

It’s that time of year for warm days and cool nights, along with Fall cleaning, please keep NWPA Project Linus in mind if you are getting your Sewing Room in order for those holiday projects and find that you have some left over material and yarn. We can always use pieces and parts to make those colorful and cheery blankets for the kids.

Annual Fall “ Sew In” Saturday October 1^st @ Hampton Inn 8050 Old Oliver Road Erie, PA

Time : 10:00-4:00

You will need the following:  Sewing Machine, All of your own Notions. If anyone has a small portable ironing board, Iron, cutting board, rotary cutter, please bring them with you.

If you knit or crochet please come and join us for the day as well.

The Meeting Room is on the first floor and we have access to the Hotel Baggage Carts to bring in our supplies.

We will provide the following:  Sewing Kits, (5 different fun patterns)  

 Lunch, Beverages, and snacks.

Here again are the Quilt Shoppe’s and Blanketeers that are drop off locations for our Chapter. I often receive calls requesting this information. We are very grateful for all the time and help these Store’s and individuals donate to NWPA Project Linus.

Erie County:

Yaple's Vacuum & Sewing Center -801 W.26th Street Erie, PA 16508

Kelly's Sewing Corner -3330 W. 26th Street ( Village West) Erie, PA 16506

Millcreek Sewing Center- 6044 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509

Doug Yaple’s Vacuum -1815 E. 38^th Street  Erie, Pa 16510

Super Stitch -55 West Main Street North East, PA 16428

JoAnn Burkhart-  1446 Patterson Ave Erie, PA 16508 

Tena Pomeroy -  1-814-969-4433 ( Albion )

Marie Bissell        1-814-774-4884 ( Lake City)

Crawford County:

Fox’s Sew & Vac Sales and Service – Downtown Mall, Meadville, PA 6335

Warren County:

Ronnieann Walters- 1-814-723-5408

Super Stitch 2- 113 Market Street, Warren, PA 16365

Mercer County:

Linda Hajtol- 1-724-588-3289

The Gallery of Fabric- 116 N. Pitt Street, Mercer, PA 16137

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

McKean County:

Zanadu Fabric Yarn and Craft- 105 N. Fraley Street, Kane, Pa 16735

Odds & Ends:  Just a review of approximate basic Blanket guidelines:

Preemie/newborn – 36 X 36   40 X 40

Toddler                    -- 40 X 50-60

Older kids                -- 45 X 60 -72

REMINDERS:   When you drop off blankets, please include your contact information.

Monthly meetings

October 5^th         -       Millcreek Sewing                   6044 Peach Street         1:00pm- 4:00 pm

                                   

October 10th    -         Yaple’s Vacuum & Sewing    801 W. 26^th Street           9:00 am-11:00 am

October 20st    -         Doug Yaple Vacuum             1815 E. 38^th Street          10:00am-2:00pm

Looking Ahead:

February 18^th, 2017-  National Make a Blanket Day

July 26^th,2017            Senior Day @ Zoo

August 8^th, 2017        Erie Gives

August18-20^th2017    Celebrate Erie

 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

1-814-864-9389 1-814-392-5583 (C)

nwpaprojectlinus@hotmail.com

NWPA Project Linus    FaceBook

nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com    

McDowell Cheer Leading Team helping a child in need

            McDowell Cheer Leading Team

April Cortes Murphy added a new photo to McDowell Cheerleading's timeline — with Brooke Crocker.
September 4 at 9:25am · 
Just want to share a photo. My friend recently lost her brother-in-law and their daughters and nieces received blankets from Project Linus. Thank you McDowell Cheer for helping this little girl cope with losing her uncle at such a tender young age!!