Since 2002, volunteers with Project Linus have been devoted to "providing securty through blankets" to those throughout Montgomery County.
The project began locally with a simple start.
"During the fall and winter of 2001, ladies at the Senior Adult Activities Center in Ambler began to make blankets for Project Linus, having them delivered to the Philadelphia chapter," explained the Montco website. "When Loretta Zvarick and Barbara Epstein agreed to be co-coordinators of a local chapter, an application was made to national headquarters. We were established as the Montgomery County Chapter of Project Linus on April 1, 2002."
In the 11 years in the county, the location has collected and created 30,000 blankets for those in need.
"Blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug," said the national website. The national non-profit is headquartered in Illinois, but now has locations in each of the 50 states.
All donations must be new material or blankets. Sizes can be as small as 30-by-30 inches. Other acceptable sizes are 36 x 36, 36 x 45, 45 x 60, 45 x 72 according to the Project Linus website.
Donations can be made across the county. Check this list of drop-off spots for one closest to you:
Senior Adult Activities Center
Forest and Spring Garden Streets
Ambler
ACMoore
Bethelehem Pike
Montgomeryville
Justa Knitting Basket
Justa Farm Shopping Center
1920 County Line Road
Huntingdon Valley
1600 E. High St.
Pottstown
ACMoore, Limerick
Pottstown Sewing & Crafts
142 Shoemaker Road
Pottstown
A. C. Moore
Route 63, Moreland Road
Willow Grove
(next to Barnes and Noble)
Round Bobbin Quilt Shop
1126 B Horsham Road
Ambler
215-367-5596