Healthy Mothers / Healthy Babies

Volunteers

Volunteers Wrap Palm Beach County Babies In Handmade Hugs

Mothers and Babies of Palm Beach County feel a bit more security, warmth and comfort thanks to the volunteers of Project Linus who this year have donated more than 100 handmade blankets to Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc.

Cathy Cohn, President/CEO, of HM/HB, describes how the gifts touch clients and staff, "When these blankets arrive the staff unpacks them with genuine enthusiasm, marveling at the beauty and uniqueness of each one. The moms and children just can't wait to get their hands on them because they make them feel so special."

Named after the adorable security blanket toting character from the Peanuts comic strip, today, The Boynton Beach National Chapter of Project Linus is comprised of 159 blanketeers. Members of the chapter already handcrafted and distributed 1,195 Afghans to 20schools, health clinics, hospitals, shelters group homes, and the children of armed forces' casualties.

Women's groups gather throughout the year at several neighborhood gated communities. Sausalito Place, at Gateway and Lawrence Roads, holds welcoming meetings the last Sunday of each month at 2:00 PM. The Boynton Beach Banyan Springs group collects the knit and crochet gift afghans, fleece blankets and quilts to distribute to organizations serving special needs children in Palm Beach, Dade and Broward counties.

Frankie Moses, the area Project Linus Coordinator, says, "This is an opportunity for those with a love of children and needlework to share their time." Conversations keep volunteers busy while their fingers do the work. Each week the women discuss a different, "Thought For the Day." at their session. Moses shares her favorite one, "When your talent intersects with a human need you have found your purpose in life."

Cathy Cohn agrees, "For many of our clients, juggling new parenthood with the daily responsibilities, a Linus blanket is like a hug when it's needed the most." Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies of Palm Beach County has enabled pregnant women and their babies have access to healthcare and other social services needed to assure healthier futures for all Palm Beach County families.

For more information about available services, call 561-732-2110 or 1-888-414-HMHB(4342)

Interested knitters and crocheters who would like to volunteer with Project Linus should call 561-374-9739.