Feature You Friday: Project Linus

Photo: http://www.act.earthday.org/

Good morning StitchStealers!

Happy Earth Day!  In 1970, Earth Day was started as an effort to increase public consciousness about environmental concerns.  Since then, it has led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency as well as the passing of the Clean Water, Air and Endangered Species Acts.  Earth Day has also evolved from a day of demonstrations and rallies, to a day of action for everyday people - to start recycling, start reducing and taking every small step to helping conserve our resources and protect the Earth we live on. 

In honor of that, we thought we should "feature" a way that StitchStealers could do their part today.  In trying to find a connection, I kept coming back to scraps.  Extra material.  Maybe something we bought that didn't end up working.  Maybe an abandoned project that you don't know what to do with.  Well, instead of storing them in your garages or basements (hopefully not the garbage!), you should put those extra scraps to work whether it be on your work table or someone else's!

There are many charities that take donations of fabrics, and even more that take donations of knitted hats, bags and blankets.  One that caught my attention, is Project Linus.

Project Linus is a national non-profit 100% volunteer organization that provides new, handmade, washable blankets to critically ill and/or traumatized children, ages newborn to 17 years of age.  There are local chapters of Project Linus that accept donations of yarn and fabric, notions and various other supplies - as well as take donations of finished blankets or quilts.  Many chapters also get together to create these special blankets. 

The Project Linus Chapter for several North Texas counties has an especially heartwarming story on their website that I am linking to here (though I will warn you you will need a few tissues by your side if you'd like to read it).  It is about how these blankets touched the lives of some of those affected by the tragic events at Columbine High School.

If you would like to participate or inquire about your local chapter, take a look at the Project Linus website. 

If you'd like to participate in an Earth Day event near you, you can search one out on the Earth Day Network website as well.  (Even if only to make a "green" pledge to turn your lights off when you leave the room - every little bit counts!).

Also in honor of Earth Day, check out today's StitchSteal - fun canvas tote bags (in three colors) from Alternative Apparel.  As a company, Alternative Apparel is dedicated to sustaining our natural environment through use of low-impact dyes, energy conservation and uses many recycled and organic materials.  You'd be getting products made by an eco-friendly company AND getting a steal - it's a win-win!

   

Have a wonderful weekend!

Would you like to be featured on a future “Feature You Friday”? It’s a great way to show off your skills, share your talents, or promote a business, blog or cause that’s dear to you.  All you need to do is send us a photo (or photos) of a project to the StitchSteals blog.  If you are chosen, your work (and links) will be seen by all of our StitchSteals Blog readers and Facebook fans.  Submit your photos today – we can’t wait to see what you have come up with!