Project Linus catching on in Pike

Blankets for kids in need is this group’s mission DINGMAN — Project Linus is off to a fantastic start in Pike County. “After only three meetings in Pike County, Project Linus has received 14 wonderful blankets from our volunteers,” said Julia Sullivan, chapter coordinator. Additional meetings have been added for the remainder of this year and they are: Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18. The meetings are from 10 a.m. to noon at Saint Vincent DePaul Church off of state Route 739. Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. Each volunteer and local chapter all work together to help achieve a mission statement, which states: “First, it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer ‘blanketeers.’” “Second, it is our mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.” Since the Orange County Chapter was started in 2001 and the Pike County Chapter was added in 2004 they have donated 17,525 blankets to children in need. You do not have to reserve your spot for this meeting. Just come and help out and learn how you can help the children. If you have any questions, you can email Sullivan at pclinus@ptd.net or call her cell of 845-692-2536 or leave a message at 570-775-0539.