Frequently Asked Questions
What types of blankets do you accept?
We accept a variety of handmade blankets, quilts, and afghans made from washable and dryable fabrics (e.g., cotton, flannel, and fleece) and yarns. Please note that ALL purchased blankets must have some sort of embellishment, border, or appliqué to make them acceptable as handmade blankets.
All donations are tax deductible as we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization.
Where can I donate my handmade blanket(s)?
We have the following two blanket drop-off locations as we know you may not be able to attend the monthly meetings but want to contribute your handmade items.
MATERIAL GIRLS QUILT BOUTIQUE (The Henley Family) 6750 B Crain Highway, La Plata, MD 20646. Website: www.materialgirlsquilt.com.
JOANN FABRIC & CRAFT @ Brandywine Crossing, 15920 Crain Highway SE, Brandywine, MD 20613.
Whenever you drop-off items, please make sure your handmade blankets or fabric are designated for Project Linus and include your contact information, so we can provide a gift in kind for your wonderful donation.
What size and type of blankets are needed?
We accept a wide-range of handmade blankets including crochet and knitted blankets, quilts, fleece throws, etc.
As children come in a variety of shapes and sizes, the following are a suggestion, not a requirement for sizes: Infant 25" x 35" | Toddler 35" x 45" | Child 40" x 60" | Teen 60" x 72".
Tied fleece (1 layer): Use 1-1/2 to 2 yards of fleece to tie. Make sure to cut salvage off before cutting 2-1/2 inch strips.
Fleece blankets with crocheted edges: Use 1-1/4 yards of fleece (makes approx 44 x 58 blanket). Crocheted edge can always be larger or smaller but fleece is 58 to 60 wide. Make sure to cut salvage off before cutting with rotary, hole-punching tool (e.g., skip-stitch blade).
Cotton / Flannel Sandwich Quilts: For sandwich quilts we generally use 1-1/4 yards of cotton or flannel fabric for both top and back of contrasting or matching design. Place them right sides together on batting, pin in place, and cut out around the cotton. We then sew about 1/2" in from the raw edge leaving an opening to turn the sandwich right sides out and round the corners. We close the opening and top stitch around the right side again about 1/2" from the edge. The quilting is done using a double strand of crochet cotton pulled through all three layers and double knotted. These ties should be between 4 to 6 inches apart.
For additional ideas on what to make, please check out our Blanket Ideas & Links page.
Additional links: One-page printable blanket standards and / or our Donation form (e.g., what we accept and do no accept).
Do you accept fabric donations?
We will gladly accept most of your unwanted or excess fabric and yarn. As blankets, material, and yarn deteriorate over time especially if stored in non-temperate conditions (e.g., attics, basements, and garages), ALL donations of blankets, fabric, and yarn must be clean, in good condition, free of debris, and without musty or noxious odors. We do not accept old, poorly kept, smell-ridden, dirty, and / or previously used blankets or material. Below is a list of items we will accept:
Cotton and Flannel fabric that we use in our quilts. Ideally we prefer 1/4 yard pieces or larger.
Fleece and Minky fabric is also accepted and smallest piece that we can use would be an 18" square, which can be used in taggy blankets for infants.
Batting is accepted and used in our sandwich quilts.
We are always looking for yarn for our crochet crowd. It can be any color but must be washable and a smooth texture.
Lastly on our wish list is crochet thread of any color but cannot be high gloss or metallic thread varieties. This is what we use to tie our sandwich quilts together.
Check out the following photo album -- Blankets Made from Your Donated Fabric and Yarn -- to see what our amazing Blanketeers have done with fabric and yarn donated to our local chapter.
Additional note: If interested in receiving a receipt for your taxes, please include your name, mailing address, and request for a gift in kind receipt along with your donation.
Do you accept monetary contributions?
Yes, please go to Project Linus website www.projectlinus.org/donate.php and complete the donation form. If you want your donation to be applied to our local Project Linus of Charles County, MD, Chapter, please complete the following:
For "Apply My Donation To" > select "Local Chapter."
Indicate in the note field the name of our Chapter and Coordinator:
Charles County, MD, Chapter
Karen Huffman, Coordinator
Do you support service projects?
Yes, we support a variety of service projects including high school, scouts, and more! We can provide guidelines for blankets and service hour "credits." Please contact us for more information.