In Sync Students
Support Project Linus
By Teri Mangiaratti
In Sync Center of the Arts
12/29/11

Friends and family at In Sync Center of the Arts had a wonderful time at their blanket making party on Dec. 11.

Many families gathered to cut fleece fabric and tie hundreds of knots to make the snuggly blankets. They then made cards to accompany the blankets and wrapped them up with a bow to get them ready for delivery. Together they made more than 50 blankets for Project Linus.

Project Linus is an organization that distributes blankets to children in need all over the Boston area. It began in 1995 with blanket deliveries to local children’s cancer centers. Since then, it has expanded to include children who are seriously ill or traumatized in many ways.

The blankets made by the large In Sync group will reach children at Newton-Wellesley and South Shore hospitals, as well as local shelters, fire departments and individual children in need of comfort.

While I helped organize this event with my sons, Jake and Nick, I found that watching so many families work together toward the simple goal of finishing these blankets was heartwarming. It is wonderful to expose children to the idea of charity at this time of year — especially with something so “hands-on.”

Anytime children can donate their own time, efforts and talents, the message of the season is better delivered. It makes us all happy to think of a child receiving a new, favorite blanket at a time when they need comfort the most.

Project Linus is very easy to find on the Web at www.projectlinus.org, and planning a blanket making party for your own friends and family is a great activity.