Project Linus offers service opportunity for students

Last year, 236 blankets were made by Waynesburg University’s students and 236 children’s lives were changed.Rachel Pellegrino, The Yellow Jacket

This was made possible by the national non-profit organization Project Linus, which provides security blankets to children in need.

Kelley Hardie, assistant dean of Student Services, started a chapter of Project Linus in Greene County in April, because she believed there was a need in Waynesburg for the organization.

“I decided to apply to initiate a chapter here in Greene County, because it was a need that wasn’t being met,” Hardie said. “I just thought that [it] would be a really great opportunity for Greene County.”

Hardie was also motivated by the organization’s mission. Project Linus’ two-fold mission is: to first provide love and a sense of security to children in need and secondly, to provide a fun service opportunity that benefits children.

The organization has existed since its founding in 1995 by Karen Louks, who decided to make blankets for her local children’s cancer center. Project Linus was named after the infamous Linus from the Peanuts comic strip, because he was famous for carrying around his security blanket. Now, security blankets are made for children to carry around for the same reason as Linus – comfort.

“[Project Linus] provides security blankets to children who have a terminal illness or some type of life threatening condition or that could include domestic violence or mental illness,” Hardie said.

Waynesburg University sends the blankets made by students to a variety of places, Hardie said, as long as they fit with the mission of Project Linus. 

“We send them to any organization that fits that mission, so in the past, we’ve sent them to Ronald Mcdonald’s in Morgantown, and we’ve worked with Catholic Charities, we’ve worked with The Angel Tree Ministry program and a local church,” she said.

Hardie believes it’s a great service opportunity for students on campus.

Heidi Dziak, senior accounting major, helped out substantially last year with the event. She enjoyed making the no-sew fleece blankets, because she said they’re easy and fun to make. 

“I love making them, and it’s really easy for me to do. Plus, I know it’s really important,” Dziak said. “Having that little bit of security to hold on to is really really important for some people because if not, what do they have? I think of kids in foster care who don’t have someone as their security. They can’t go to their mom or dad, they can’t go to their brother or sister, because they don’t have them. So, to have that nice soft warm feeling of a blanket really means a lot.”

Both Hardie and Dziak hope the “blanket making parties” become bigger at Waynesburg and more people get involved this year. 

“Anybody can come, it doesn’t matter; even if you don’t know how to make them and you just want to help,” Dziak said.

Dziak described the emotions and benefits she’s experienced from helping out with Project Linus.

“When you finish a blanket, you just see this awesome product … when you look back and see it, you’re just so proud of it, and the fact that not only they can be proud of it, but knowing that it’s going to a good place.” Dziak said. “I want everyone to be able to feel that and to feel they are making a difference in a child’s life.”

Project Linus will meet in Stover 102 at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, Oct. 25 and Nov. 8. Snacks, coffee and materials will be provided. All are welcome.