Theresa Roy of the Cameron County chapter of Project Linus is pictured with custom-made blankets and quilts. (Staff photos by Heather Cathleen Cox)
By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
Theresa Roy and her daughter Eva Bisaillon are not strangers to the quilting process, and they are happy to share their love of quilting and their passion for children in need with the city of San Benito through an endeavor better known as Project Linus.
Project Linus is a non-profit organization with a two-fold mission to provide for the needs of children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need. The group offers love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort through hand-crafted blankets and afghans which are lovingly created by volunteers called “blanketeers.” The group also provides a service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the purpose of benefiting children.
“The organization brings together people to make new blankets of new and leftover cotton material for children in need,” said Roy. Though in her 80s, Roy said, “It takes me about a day-and-a-half to sew a quilt.”
Not everyone sews at the same speed. And that’s okay. “If someone wants to come out and they don’t know how to sew, that’s okay, too. They can cut or sew on labels. But if you sew and want to bring your sewing machine, that’d be great,” said Bisaillon, vice principal at Landrum Elementary.
Last month marked the first meeting of the Cameron County chapter of Project Linus, given its name in reference to the Peanuts character Linus who was known for carrying his “security blanket” with him everywhere. Bisaillon explained, “When you’re in crisis, you need some security. I love the symbol of Linus, himself. It’s something to hold onto for a child who has lost everything and is frightened.”
There are around 400 chapter coordinators and newly-formed chapters of Project Linus that include ongoing training, communication and appreciation efforts which utilize some 60,000 volunteers nationwide. Blankets are crafted in the following sizes: preemie, baby, child, teen and large.
Bisaillon said, “I’ve sent out about 50 invites for people to come be blanketeers.” She added that blanket recipients might be found through community organizations such as but not limited to Loaves and Fishes and will be under the age of 18.
Members of the Project Linus, Cameron County chapter said anyone who can learn to tie a square knot is invited to join in the fun anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 3, at the Landrum Elementary cafeteria. People are encouraged to use the rear entrance. For more information, contact Bisaillon at (956) 399-7666 after 7 p.m. or Roy at (956) 244-1599 between the hours of 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Furthermore, Linus organizers said, “Project Linus depends on the generosity of others for financial support.” It is also said that donations made to Project Linus are “generally tax deductible,” though the group advises each individual to check with their tax professionals before determining such tax deductibility. Should someone wish to make a financial contribution to this cause, mail said donation to Project Linus National HQ, PO Box 5621, Bloomington, IL 61702-5621. If the donation is specific to a certain chapter, donors are advised to denote such requests in writing. Visit the organization on the web at projectlinus.org.
Read this story in the Oct. 24 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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