SECURITY BLANKET: Project Linus gives ailing children a warm gift

Begun in 1995 by a Colorado woman, Project Linus provides handmade security blankets to children in crisis situations; an Albany chapter of the non-profit, international organization started last September.

More than 100,000 blankets have been distributed nationwide through Project Linus, including 500 to youngsters in such places as St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam, and Community Maternity Services and St. Anne Institute, both in Albany.

Warm and snugly

"You never thought a blanket would mean that much," she said. "But when you see all these kids walking around with blankets, you see that it is security to them."

Project Linus began in 1995 after Karen Loucks-Baker read an article in Parade magazine about a young girl with cancer whose security blanket helped her cope with her illness. Mrs. Loucks-Baker decided to provide homemade security blankets to Rocky Mountain Children's Cancer Center in Denver -- and Project Linus started.

Local touch

The blankets may be quilted, knitted or crocheted in any size, but they must be new and free of any scents, such as perfume or smoke, because some children have allergies or sensitivities to odors.

Not only are the blankets soft and colorful, some also included a message for a more personal touch, such as, "Made with loving heart and hands in hopes of providing comfort and warmth for some young child -- A Loving Nana."

Mrs. Ginder was visiting her granddaughter at Albany Medical Center Hospital last January and gave blankets to children in the pediatric intensive care unit. Kids love them, especially her granddaughter's roommate who was thrilled to receive a bright red blanket.

"She grabbed it and said, 'I love it. It's my favorite color,'" Mrs. Ginder said.

Parade of comfort

One blanket was given to three-year-old Anna Smith, who was hospitalized at St. Mary's for two days with dehydration. Her mother, Beth Ann, was surprised to learn about Project Linus and amazed that such an effort was in place to make kids' hospital stays easier.

"It was quite serendipitous because I was traumatized to be there in the first place," Mrs. Smith explained. "But when they gave us the blanket, it was nice and unexpected."

Pitching in

Project Linus means a lot to Mrs. Kenworthy because it gives her a chance to pursue her hobby and help needy kids.

"I enjoy crocheting, and I like to help children," she said. "Everybody likes to snuggle up with a blanket, especially the young children who can have something to hold onto. And they get to take it home and use it whenever they need it."

Nice touch

"It's a wonderful project, and what's especially touching is the little message that the child receiving it finds comfort in," Mrs. Koller said. "In so many circumstances where children are upset, scared or nervous, this is comforting to have, and the blanket goes home with them."

Sister Margaret Donovan, CSJ, vice president for mission effectiveness at St. Mary's Hospital, agreed that Project Linus is making a difference in the lives of the youngest patients who come there.

"Anything we can give them to make it better, we certainly want to do that, because hospitals are scary places for children," she said. "I think it's wonderful that people do this, and it's great for the children because it does show that we care."

(For more information on Project Linus, e-mail Paula Ginder at [email protected] or call 355-2188. If you wish to contribute money or blankets to Project Linus, write PO Box 292, Guilderland, NY 12084-0292.)

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