‘Blanketeers' give warm to children in need

Blanket-making day is Feb. 17 Wallkill — The Project Linus Chapter of Orange and Pike counties will hold its next blanket-making day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Town of Wallkill Community Center. No experience is needed is participate. “There’s a job for everyone to do,” said Julia Sullivan, coordinator. “Come and join in the fun.” Participants should bring finished blankets, one yard of child-friendly cotton fabric or skeins of knitted worsted-weight yarn in children’s colors, scissors, sewing or quilting supplies, tools, and lunch. “We will be finishing up blankets,” Sullivan said. “Sewing isn’t the only job. We will need lots of help ironing, cutting, pinning, and tying square knots.” Community service hours are available by participating at these events, which are held twice a year. Sewing machines, material, and yarn will be available to make blankets on-site. Instructions in various skills will be offered. Project Linus is a volunteer nonprofit organization with a two-fold mission: to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, homemade, washable blankets and afghans, crafted by volunteer “blanketeers”; and to provide a rewarding service opportunity for people and groups in local communities. For more information visit www.orgsites.com/ny/projectlinusocny.