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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do you have a question about Project Linus or want to know how you can help? Review our listing of common questions along with helpful answers below. If you have additional questions not answered here, contact us at linusleslie@gmail.com or 201-391-0102.

 

How can I help?

Make a blanket and donate it our Project Linus chapter. We will take your blanket to a facility where it will be given to a deserving child.

 

How can I make a monetary or gift card donations?

You can write a check payable to "Project Linus" and send it to 1 Stratford Ct., Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677.  The check should indicate it is for the "North Jersey Chapter."  We will deposit it and the funds will be used to purchase supplies that will be used to make more blankets.  All donations are tax deductible as we are a 501c3 non-profit organization.  Gift cards from Michaels, Joanns, Wal-mart, or Staples will help us acquire materials necessary to make more blankets.  Cards should be sent to the address below.  Postage stamps will also be accepted.

 

How are monetary donations used by the organization?

There are many expenses involved in maintaining our Project Linus chapter. Normal expenses for our organization are: fabric, batting, yarn, other blanket-making supplies, blanket labels, printing, office supplies, postage, and shipping to name a few.

 

I have fabric or other blanket-making materials to donate. What should I do?

Our chapter is always very grateful for donation of yarn, fleece, quilting materials, postage stamps, or gift cards from Michaels, Joanns, Wal-mart, or Staples.  Your donation will be put them to good use buying necessary materials.  Materials must be new, unused, washable, and free of contaminants such as mold, mildew, animal hair, and smoke. They should be cotton or cotton/poly blend fabrics. Cotton or acrylic batting is acceptable and as are (non-wool) yarns that are washable. Knits, double knits, and other fabrics not appropriate for a child’s blanket may not be acceptable.  Please remember that Project Linus blankets are for children, so please avoid black, dark brown, and charcoal colors.  Bright or cheery colors or patterns are suggested.  Materials can be dropped off or sent to the chapter at 1 Stratford Ct., Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 or left at one of our dropoff locations.  All donations are tax deductible as we are a 501c3 non-profit organization. 

 

What type of blankets does Project Linus accept?

Our chapter accepts NEW, HANDMADE, WASHABLE, quilts, blankets and afghans for giving to children ages 0-18 years. Project Linus blankets are not donated to adults. As a national policy we accept all sizes and styles. Project Linus blankets must be of excellent quality and free from contaminants. Special care should be taken to ensure that blankets are free of smoky smells or any chemicals which could cause problems for a child. Ensure that blankets are free of pet or animal hair. Hospitals will not accept these blankets, and they will most likely be discarded. Recent studies show that laundering these blankets does not remove contamination, and in some cases can even make it worse.  Always check blankets carefully for pins, and remove any embellishments such as buttons that could be swallowed.

 

What do you mean by “handmade,” and why?

When we say “handmade” or “homemade” we mean something that is not commercially manufactured or purchased. Of course, home sewing machines, knitting machines, etc. are fine. It has always been the mission of Project Linus to donate only handmade blankets. We receive hundreds of letters and thank you notes every year from children and parents. Over and over they express how touched they are that a stranger would take the time to make something for them. They really make a difference. Purchased blankets are nice, but handmade blankets are from the heart. If you do not have the time or ability to hand craft a blanket, perhaps you would consider a monetary donation.  Checks payable to "Project Linus" can be sent to 1 Stratford Ct., Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677.  Gift cards can also be sent to this address.  All donations are tax deductible as we are a 501c3 non-profit organization. 

 

What type of blankets does Project Linus NOT accept?

Project Linus chapters are instructed to reject blankets that are not of excellent quality. In addition they must be free from contaminants. Special care should be taken to insure all blankets are free of smoky smells or any chemicals which could cause problems for a child. Hospitals will not accept these blankets, and they will most likely be discarded. Recent studies show laundering such blankets does not remove contamination, and in some cases can even make it worse. Again, if unusually strong smells due to chemicals used in detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets, mold and mildew or smoking products are apparent, most hospitals will discard the blanket rather than jeopardize the health of a patient. Always check blankets carefully for pins, and remove any embellishments such as buttons that could be swallowed. Thank you for helping to make sure that Project Linus blankets are safe and healthy, and will bring only comfort and security to a child in need!

 

What about sizes?

Project Linus donates blankets to children, from infants through teens. Many sizes are appropriate. For example, knitted, crocheted, and quilted blankets (not fleece) could be as small as 30" × 36".  Those are for babies.  Baby blankets cannot have fringe because it can be a choking hazard.  Fleece blankets must be at least 40" x 60" and are for older children.  Blankets for older children can be knitted, crocheted, quilted, or no-sew fleece.  Blankets could be as large as twin size for teens.  Please do not make blankets bigger than twin sized. (40" x 70")

Newborn: 30” x 36”     Babies/Todlers: 36” x 36", 36" x 40", or 40” x 40”    Older Child: 40" x 60" or 45" x 70"

 

Where can I find a pattern for making a Project Linus blanket?

Check the Patterns/Links page on ProjectLinus.org to see what is currently available online.  The easiest pattern is the "no-sew" fleece kind.  All you need is at least 1.5 yards of fleece fabric (54" wide).  Please, please, please cut the selvage edges (the uncut edges) entirely off.  Remove a 4" by 4" square from each corner.  Cut 1" wide strips for fringe along each side and then tie a single knot in each strip.  Don't tie two strips together.  Email me at linusleslie@gmail.com for a detailed instruction sheet with diagrams. 
Knitters, crocheters, and quilters can use the pattern of their choice.

 

The North Jersey (Hudson/Bergen) Chapter of Project Linus has been making blankets for children in distress in our area since mid-2002. Our total blankets delivered to date is over 57,000.

Where do the blankets go?

• Hackensack University Medical Center Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units

• St. Joseph’s Regional Children’s Hospital, Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Paterson

• Valley Hospital Pediatric Units & Pediatric Emergency

• Englewood Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care

• Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck

• Audrey Hepburn Children's House

• Clara Maas Medical Center

• DCF Shelters in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, Morris, and Sussex Counties

• Center for Hope and Safety

• Children’s Aid and Family Services

• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (children of fallen military personnel)

• Mountainside Hospital

• St. Mary's Hospital (Passaic)

• Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital (NYP in NYC)

• St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston

• Overlook Hospital, Summit

• Eva's Village, Paterson

Many groups are involved in making blankets for our chapter.  Many organizations and companies have been very generous in supplying blankets for our cause.

• Secaucus Blanketeers

• Clifton Quilters Guild

• Ladies of Secaucus Senior Housing

• First Presbyterian Church Blanketeers, Elmwood Park

• Warren Point Presbyterian Church Blanketeers, Fair Lawn

• Saint Paul Sisterhood

• Need-L-Wits of Elmwood Park

• Ladies of the Wallington Senior Center

• G3 Communications

• Dixon Homestead Library

• Blanketeers of the Woodlands, Ramsey

• Blanketeers of Sunrise Independent Living, Cresskill

• Blanketeers of St. Peter the Apostle Church, River Edge

• Washington Grand Hookers, Washington Township

• Peace Through Knits and Purls - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Dumont

• Stanley Congregational Church - Chatham

• St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lincoln Park

• Five Star Premier Residences, Teaneck

• Brownstone Quilters Guild

• North Hudson Girl Scouts, Bergen Girl Scouts

• Ramapo College

• Ramsey High School

• Stevens Institute of Technology

• William Paterson University

• KPMG

• NJ HOBY members

 

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