Blankets, Blankets, and more Blankets

Last spring our stake Relief Society presidency challenged the sisters in the Naperville Stake to collect 2009 blankets.

The deadline was the General Relief Society Broadcast on September 26.

The collected blankets would be divided up and donated to three charitable organizations.
#1 Project Linus
It is their 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.”

#2 Newborns in Need
This group is "dedicated to making a baby’s introduction into the world one complete with basic necessities and as stress free as possible for the family" by providing baby necessities, bereavement support and premature baby support.

#3 LDS Humanitarian Services

Each organization had different requirements for the blankets that could be donated which was good because as you'll see from the pictures blankets were donated in every size, color and material conceivable. Most were handmade; crocheted, knitted, tied and quilted and some were purchased, but all were given with love.

The atmosphere Saturday night was electric as the stake Relief Society gathered together for dinner, in what had to be one of THE BEST attended events in years, before the broadcast began. Want to know the secret to ensuring great attendance at an event like this? Issue a challenge and watch the sisters come together in service, unity, fellowship and excitement.

As we walked into the gym all of the blankets were displayed on and around the stage.

On the right side of the stage were the recieiving blankets which were being donated to Newborns in Need.

The three playpens were completely full with stacks of receiving blankets in front of each playpen and there were more blankets displayed on easels behind them.
The remainder of the blankets were being divided up between Project Linus and LDS Humanitarian Services. Alaina and her friends tied some fleece crib-size blankets at Girls Camp and then tied several more at home and they are somewhere in that pile of blankets.

It was really overwhelming to walk past the stacks and stacks of blankets. Countless hours were spent in this service opportunity and I know our stake Relief Society presidency were so grateful for the support the sisters of the stake extended as they embraced this opportunity to give of themselves.
By the way ...

The final count...

...

...

3009 blankets, quilts and afghans