August 2024 Newsletter

 

August, 2024

Hello Blanketeers,

Once again with the continued support of our community, we will be able to keep with our Mission of providing new hand made blankets to children in need. Erie Gives is a very big part of our Chapter being able to purchase blanket making supplies for our “ Blanketeers”

NWPA Project Linus will be participating in its 12^th Erie Gives on Tuesday August 13^th from 8:00am – 8:00pm www.Eriegives.org  we qualify as a 501(c)(3) non profit and are registered for this ON-LINE event. Erie Gives is fast approaching-   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. As each year goes on, there are many new non profits that are a part of the Erie Gives. We are a very small fish, in a very large pond. Over all 8.2 Million dollars were raised in this 12 hours of fund raising here in Erie. That is an incredible amount and we continue to have a very generous Community.

Your donation to NWPA Project Linus would assist us to purchase blanket making materials, such as batting, yarn, fleece, flannel and cotton material to help us meet the growing need in our Community of children in need.

 

When you click onto the www.Eriegives.org site type in NWPA Project Linus

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 over 8.2 million dollars were raised here in Erie. That is an incredible amount and we live in a very generous Community.

                                                                         

About ErieGives

Day and Time: The event takes place on August 13 th. You have 12 hours to make your donation between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST.

Gift Amount: The minimum gift is $25. There is no limit to the amount of money you may give. You can give up to 10 nonprofits per transaction.

Credit Cards: Only Visa, MasterCard and Discover will be accepted. The credit card processor charges a nominal fee per transaction. The Erie Community Foundation does not receive any fees. (Sorry credit card gift cards will not be accepted.)

Your Receipt: You will receive an email receipt of your gift; please retain it for tax purposes, which you should retain for tax purposes. Unless you choose to remain anonymous, your donor information will be sent to the appropriate organization.

 

August meetings:

15^th    Doug Yaple Vacuum Center –monthly meeting 10:00-2:00  NO MEETING

           1815 E. 38^th Street

 

Odds and Ends :  

-At this time we are in need of baby size blankets, they can be 36 X 36, 36 “ X 40”  approximately ,

any types ( knitted, crocheted, quilted and fleece with crocheted edges). We have received many of the larger size blankets over the past several months, but not as many of the smaller sizes.

 

Reminders:

-NICU Size Blankets 30 x 30   36 X 36 -Even though these little ones are very small, you might think that their blankets should be small as well. Not the case. These blankets are used to cover their isolettes to keep the light and sound out during their stay in the NICU.

- Remember to check your finished quilt or blanket for pins.

- Only use unscented detergent and fabric softener if you feel that you need to launder a blanket.

- We are unable to accept blankets with Holiday or Religious themes. This is one of Nationals few requirements. Other organizations may be able to utilize them, Thank you !!

 

Looking Ahead:

 

September 11^th-                 Kit Pick Up Day 

 

February 15^th 2025 -    National Make a Blanket Day

 

 

 Updated information will be on Facebook as well. You can find us at:

Nwpaprojectlinus

 

Website- www.nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com

 

Warmly,

 

JoAnn Burkhart

Coordinator

NWPA Project Linus

1-814-392-5583

July 2024 Newsletter

 

 July Newletter 2024

Hello Blanketeers,                                                                                                                    

Once again we would like to send a big thank you and shout out to all of our “Blanketeer’s” for their continued support by making so many lovely handmade blankets for children in need in our community. With that being said, it has recently been announced by National Headquarters, that over 10 million new handmade blankets have been given to children in need nationally. We are a mighty “ Village”.

 

                                                   

           

 

Erie Gives is fast approaching-   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. As each year goes on, there are many new non profits that are a part of the Erie Gives. We are a very small fish, in a very large pond. Over all 8.2 Million dollars were raised in this 12 hours of fund raising here in Erie. That is an incredible amount and we continue to have a very generous Community.

Your donation to NWPA Project Linus would assist us to purchase blanket making materials, such as batting, yarn, fleece, flannel and cotton material to help us meet the growing need in our Community of children in need.

                               

                                                               

REMINDERS:

·        Fleece blankets need to be single, 1 ½ - 2 yards makes a great size blanket if you are tying the blanket. Remember to trim the 2 selvage sides of the fleece before you start to cut your strips and cut out the 4 corners as well.

 

                                                                

                                                              

-                    


      

 

·       It has been brought to our attention, that we need to be cautious with the patterns of crocheted or knitted afghans. Due to little fingers that may get caught in the holes of aghans that have a more open pattern. Sometimes it may only be reducing the needle size. We are very grateful for the beautiful afghans that we receive.

·       As always, we need boy blankets of all sizes and kinds

·       Be watchful of leaving pins in a quilted blanket

 

 

Looking Ahead:

 

August 13^th-              Erie Gives

September 11^th         Kit Pick up day

February 15^th-          National Make a Blanket Day (2025)

 

 

 Updates via Facebook and our Blog 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

1-814-392-5583

nwpaprojectlinus@hotmail.com

 

NWPA Project Linus    FaceBook

nwpaprojectlinus.blogspot.com    

June Newsletter 2024

 

            

                                                                                        

June Newsletter, 2024

Good Afternoon Blanketeers,

 

Every year Erie Gives has grown, now with nearly 400 non profits listed  This kind of makes NWPA Project Linus a small fish in a very large pond. Your continued support of our organization is much needed and appreciated. We are so excited to be apart of this event on August 13th, NWPA Project Linus has a very unique opportunity for this one day online event- Erie Gives from 8:00am – 8:00pm @ Eriegives.org for a eleventh  year. We have qualified and are registered for this event.

                                                                 

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.Over all last year 8.1 Million dollars were raised in this 12 hours of fund raising here in Erie. That is an incredible amount and we continue to have a very generous Community.

Your donation to NWPA Project Linus would assist us to purchase blanket making materials, such as batting, yarn, fleece, flannel and cotton material to help us meet the growing need in our Community of children in need.

 

 

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.

 

*****Our entire Chapter, which included Erie, Crawford and Mercer counties still has an urgent need of small baby size blankets. These are approx. sizes that are needed.******

PREEMIE/ NEWBORN        30 X 30       36 X 36

 

We always need all sizes big and small as we do give blankets to children from birth to age 18. It seems like lately we have more of the larger size than the smaller ones. Once again we are very grateful for all that our Blanketeers do for our organization.

Another reminder, when you crochet or knit an afghans for babies or small children, remember to use a pattern that may not be too airy. This is for the safety of little fingers or getting stuck on hospital equipment. Sometimes you only need to adjust your needle size.

If you have any questions regarding blanket sizes or types of blankets, please contact me

 @1-814-392-5583

Thank you so very much.

Looking Ahead:

 

August 13 ^th-              Erie Gives

September 11^th         Kit Pick up Day

 

 Follow us on 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

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