Project Linus

Twenty years ago, Loucks read about a courageous 3-year-old who depended on her trusty security blanket to help her get through chemotherapy. Louck realized she could help other children get through cancer treatment, so she started to supply her local health care facility, Rocky Mountain Children's Cancer Center in Denver, with homemade security blankets. Louck's personal crusade eventually became Project Linus, a nationwide nonprofit that collects homemade blankets for children and distributes them to hospitals, shelters and aid organizations. Blankets donated to Project Linus can be sewn, quilted, hand-woven, knitted or crocheted, but they must be new, clean and free of smoke or pet hair. For more information and to find a local chapter visit their website at: www.projectlinus.org

Prayer Shawl Ministry

In 1998, Janet Severi Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of their experience in this program of applied Feminist Spirituality under the direction of Professor Miriam Therese Winter, MMS. Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every stitch.
Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc., the shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. Some recipients have continued the kindness by making a shawl and passing it onto someone in need. Thus, the blessing ripples from person-to-person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!

(*The shawls can also be crocheted, quilted, woven or machine knitted as well!)

For more information about the ministry and how you can contribute, visit their website at: www.shawlministry.com 

Women Heart/ Heart Scarves Project

Created in 2005 by two women heart disease survivors, the HeartScarves program has delivered hundreds of handmade, red scarves through WomenHeart Support Networks, and to women undergoing cardiac procedures. Symbolizing the lifelines of caring and support that exists among us, each red scarf is meant to offer comfort, support, and encouragement for a woman with heart disease and become a part of her healing journey. Recipients of the scarves truly feel the love and attention that go into the production of these hand-made items. For more information on how you can contribute, visit their site at: http://www.womenheart.org/?page=Programs_HeartScarve