PLNJ's Kids Helping Kids Quilt Mural Program
Hillary writes:
I am the Director of a mission driven organization dedicated to donating handmade blankets to children suffering serious illness and trauma in NJ. Over 800 volunteers and 3,000 blankets later--we have something very special we call a "hug from the heart". Our blankets heal spirits, we believe we are partners in hope.
Since September, schools in my area have been contacting us in the hopes of engaging students in our KHKQMP. So far, we've managed (somehow) to arrange for 22 such projects so far. There is a waiting list now because Friday's are the only week day we have to spend enjoying this service learning experience with kids.
Our organization then donates the completed murals to our recipient facilities as artwork to hang in public areas and hallways. Once grey drab walls are now transformed.
Scouts, churches and temples, community based recreational programs have also contacted us to find out how to begin.
We've had a ball! Kids want to be involved, help kids there own age who are fragile of health and make an impact.
You can volunteer at any age...this program proves it.
We offer donated quilt top fabric and an instruction sheet on how to begin.
The program is available to school-age children. In NJ a 15-min presentation on youth volunteering before or after project is available to arrange for on Friday mornings. Each group receives a Certificate of Appreciation presented at time of donation.
We can be reached at: Project Linus NJ, Inc.
79 Jackson Street, Keyport, NJ 07735
732-335-9033
www.blankiedepo.org
email: Blankiedepo@aol.com
Attn: Hillary Roberts, Director
And an update from March 2002:
"We just completed our 212th quilt mural last week. Our 2001 International Year of the Volunteer mural was recognized this past December in Washington, DC by the Points of Light Foundation. Our "Be The Dream" quilt mural for Martin Luther King, Jr. day became the forum for a Conflict Resolution dialogue between a school and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission in NJ."
If you'd like to share your story on these pages, please email Heddi at qwc@thecraftstudio.com.
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