Project Linus Blankets Warm the Heart

For a sick or scared child, there's nothing quite like snuggling up with a nice warm blanket for a sense of security. The local chapter of Project Linus, knows that feeling and grants it to children all over the area with the help of various volunteers.

Nancy Kearns, a Milton-based coordinator who takes donations from around the south shore, estimates her region collects one thousand blankets each year. The Boston chapter of the national organization has made over 30,000 blankets since 2001.

The "handmade hugs" as Kearns calls them, are crocheted, knit or quilted. The blankets are distributed to various organizations that give them to children who are sick or in need.

Kearns got involved with the organization seven years ago after her son and his wife lost a baby. "I thought it would be a good way to use an interest of mine to bring comfort to children who need it," said Kearns.

Kearns has seen the comfort given from the project's blankets first hand. She said children who have to return to the hospital multiple times, often bring their blankets for comfort. The blankets also give comfort to hospital staff and the children's family said Kearns.

With Project Linus donating so many blankets to local children, they need help from all walks of life. Kearns said everyone from children to seniors are crafting blankets for the program. Brownies, high school students, co-workers on their lunch breaks and a group of seniors from Fuller Village are among the people who've donated.

"I think they're just as happy to make the blankets as the children who receive them are," Kearns said.

Kearns has worked with local high schools as well. Last school year, a class at Milton High School created blankets for children in Haiti. Many of the student sewed their first quilt ever for the cause.

Recently, Kearns expanded a relationship with Fontbonne Academy.

Kearns recently gave blankets to Fontbonne students Christina Ferrera and Caitlin Gemma who are doing social justice internships at Brookview House and Casa Esperanza this summer.

Kearns worked with Mary Grant, the grandmother of Fontbonne graduate Katie Grant, for several years before she passed away in 2007 at age 100. During the last six years of her life Grant made 380 quilts for Project Linus. Her daughter, also named Mary Grant, continues to volunteer with the organization.

With three generations of Project Linus volunteers, the Grants were on hand when Kearns gave blankets to Ferrera and Gemma last week.

Kearns said the project is always looking for new blankets and deserving recipients. Any interested in making blankets or who knows a child who could use a handmade hug should email Nancy Kearns at nkearns@fullervillage.net.