Something to Blog About

Hello everyone, and happy cold, winter evening!

It's been a busy few weeks, so I thought I do a little sharing!

Illinois Tornadoes

As you already know, November brought some horrific weather to the Midwest and particularly Illinois. Several tornadoes went through the area, and one, very large, EF4 tornado went through Washington, IL...the backyard of Project Linus National Headquarters. It took a few days to determine what the need for blankets was going to be, and in the end they were looking for 2000. They were looking for larger blankets, good for kids big or small, so we weren't able to send quite as many as we often do, but we were able to help them meet their goal. We received a very nice Thank You in return...

Dear Gina,

On behalf of the children and their families affected by the tornado that hit Washington Il.  A very BIG THANK YOU to you and your chapter for the  generous donation of  blankets that I received today.

Thank you so much
Barbara
Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford Co’s IL  

Another Thank You

Just yesterday I received another Thank You from a mom...

Good morning, 

I just wanted to say thank you! My 13 year old C. had surgery last week at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls. When he came around and was out of pain he noticed the blanket at the foot of his bed. It had ducks flying and was blue and brown and tan. I didn't know what he would think of it being so "old"...you know 13 is a tough age. But he loved it! When we got home and he got in bed he wanted to make sure I kept putting that over his blankets on his bed. Your beautiful quilt meant a lot to him and made him feel secure. As a Project Linus blanket that makes perfect sense! 

Thank you from our home to yours, and may God bless the hands that created that wonderful quilt. As a young wildlife enthusiast, wanting to be a field biologist it was perfect! As a patient hurting and scared, it was warm and welcoming. As a mom, it was nice to know how much you care and think about the kids on the pediatric floor. So thank you very much!

KM & CM

2014 Mary-thon
Are you ready to make a $10 donation to Project Linus from your Mary-thon registration and get healthy, fit and Change Your Lifestyle in the process?  Many of us have been there - we've set fitness or weight loss goals year after year after year and have never finished.  So - think about it - do you have a goal related to health and fitness that you'd like to accomplish in 2014? Or are you ready to make a positive Change to Your Lifestyle?  The 2014 Moving Forward Mary-thon is a GREAT option. No running required (unless you want to) - just regular exercise. The Mary-thon provides accountability, support and encouragement from Mary Balagna (PL National VP) and fellow Mary-thoners - what an amazing group! Project Linus gets $10 for every registration - be sure to designate the Great Falls Chapter! Please go to read about the 2014 Mary-thon www.mary-thon.net and to register.

 

Fundraiser for another chapter

For the sixth consecutive year, charities in the Lubbock and South Plains, Texas area can secure "rewards" ranging from $10,000 to $3,000 by participating in the Community Rewards program sponsored by City Bank Texas. City Bank will make available a total of $50,000 to be awarded to 10 local nonprofits to assist them in carrying out their missions of hope and service to people in need in our city and area. The Project Linus - Lubbock Chapter is in the running to receive one of these prizes. They've been as high as 3rd place, but have dropped back to 7th place. If you have a few minutes, would you please go to http://www.citybankonline.com/community-rewards/community-rewards.html and vote for them? You can vote every day until Monday, December 16. I know they would appreciated all the help we can give them!

 

Quiltmaker's Free Pattern for National Make a Blanket Day

For the fifteenth year, Quiltmaker Magazine has published a free pattern in support of Project Linus! This year's pattern is foundation pieced Fancy Fishies. You can find it at http://www.quiltmaker.com/ content_downloads/QM_FancyFishies.pdf.
Cute, isn't it???

Should we have a quilt challenge to see what everyone can do with this pattern before our February 2014 Blanket Bee??? :)

 

Blankets! Blankets! Blankets!

Those folks in Helena have sure been busy! Got a note from Jenny at The Sewing Palace recently that our donation box was full!  The 'box' is something like 2' x 3' x 4' tall...so not small! My sister-in-law stopped by to pick them up....3 full large bags and 1 more almost full! Thanks to all of you there! And a special Thanks to Maureen for hosting some monthly blanket days for the ladies in that area! I hope to be able to join you sometime soon!

December Blanket Day!

Our blanket day is a couple weeks out yet, but just a couple reminders. We will have a pot luck lunch. When I send out the evite, there will be a way to say what type of dish we need and what you will be bringing. This is always fun, and, of course yummy! Our block for December will be either the Disappearing 4-Patch or the Disappearing 9-Patch. For the Disappearing 4-Patch, you'll want to use bigger blocks....10 inches works well. For the Disappearing 9-Patch you can use almost any size. I wouldn't go smaller than 4 inches though....and not bigger than 8 inches. We are in need of some bigger blankets, so I'm hoping you'll make lots of blocks!

I think that's it for now. I know the holidays are busy for everyone, and I am so very grateful for all of you who still manage to find some time to help. It is so appreciated!!!!

See you in a couple weeks!

gina