Will County's Project Linus Helping Ease Pain of Grieving Families

Nearly three dozen hand-made blankets are on their way to families grieving the deaths of loved ones who served in the United State military thanks to the Will County Chapter of Project Linus.

The blankets, made locally by volunteer “Blanketeers” and donated to Project Linus of Will County, were shipped to the TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) organization in Virginia courtesy of a $250 grant from Jeff Eberhard, owner of EZ Auto Sales in Joliet.

“We’re blessed to be able to provide these blankets for groups such as TAPS while at the same time providing a fun, rewarding service opportunity for the Will County community,” said Project Linus co-coordinator Claudia Baxendale of Plainfield. 

Project Linus’ primary mission is to provide love and a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need through gifts of new, hand-made, washable blankets and Afghans crafted by local volunteers, or “blanketeers” as Project Linus has lovingly labeled them.

“I’m proud to be able to play a role in this very worthwhile effort,” said Eberhard, who raised an additional $250 for the Will County Chapter through a contest on the EZ Auto Sales Facebook page.

Project Linus of Will County delivers to nearly 20 organizations on a regular basis and always accepts donations of new handmade blankets. Opportunities to participate are available for local individuals, churches, social groups, school groups, civic organizations, etc. Information on volunteering and donating is available by calling 815-981-5132 or e-mailing Claudia.baxendale@gmail.com or by visitingprojectlinuswillcountyillinois.com.

The Bloomington, Illinois-based not-for-profit has nearly 400 chapters across the country. Donations to project Linus may be made by calling 309-585-0686 or by going to www.projectlinus.org. Donors should indicate they wish to have the donation credited to the Will County Chapter.