Project Linus is named after the Peanuts character Linus, who cannot be separated from his precious blankie. The goal of this nonprofit is to provide new blankets to children in hospitals other types of care centers.

Around the country, blankets are collected and distributed by a regional organizer, and we have a pretty special gal, Barb McLean working in our neck of the woods.

Barb has been helping children around the world, starting as an Air Force nurse stationed in Calcutta India. She found a dehydrated baby in the street and took it to Mother Teresa's orphanage. At that point, she dedicated her life to making a difference in the world. She's spent over 20 years as a coordinator for Project Linus, managing the program for sixteen different health care centers; we'd say she has succeeded in her mission!

Barb and shop owner Kelley Hobart at Alpaca Direct.

In 1996, President Barack Obama awarded Barb the President's Lifetime Achievement Award for Service. Read more about Barb's work in this article from the Coeur d'Alene Press.

If you would like to donate a blanket to Project Linus, click here to find your region's coordinator.

Here are some blanket patterns that we think would be wonderful for the project.

Left to right: Four Square Blanket, Kisses and Hugs,
Modern Chevron, and Hexagon Throw

Four Square Blanket by Universal Yarn, knit with Universal Uptown Mist and Universal Uptown Worsted.

Kisses and Hugs Reversible Baby Blanket by Kelley Hobart knit with Berroco Vintage Chunky.

Modern Chevron Throw by Universal Yarn, knit with Universal Uptown Worsted.

Hexagon Throw by Universal Yarn, knit with Universal Yarn Spirit Stripes and Universal Uptown Worsted.

Ravet Blanket by Skacel, knit with HiKoo Simplicity Worsted.

Here is some important information about the types of blankets Project Linus accepts:

• Materials must be new, washable, and free of contaminants such as mold, mildew, and smoke.
• All sizes and styles are accepted, although some chapters may have more narrow requirements based on the needs of the facilities to which they donate.
• Blankets must be free of pet or animal hair.
• Do not include any embellishments, such as buttons, that could be swallowed.

Project Linus is such a worthy organization, so join the effort and knit or crochet a blanket for a needy child and.

Cheers,