Iowa Volunteer Opportunities: Project Linus

Hello Everyone,

I'm trying to adopt an attitude of giving is much better than receiving this holiday season. Growing up, our family didn't have much, but my parents would still try to include us in volunteer opportunities. I remember walking in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica, collecting supplies for the food bank and handing out meals to fire fighters for the Salvation Army. When I went off to college, I didn't continue this volunteer attitude as much as I should. Now that I have a daughter, I want her to value the things in her life and to "pay it forward." I posted a few weeks ago about a family that decided that birthdays were to be spent doing good deeds for others. I practically cried when I read about the reactions they got from people when they did this. I have decided in the future instead of getting a present, I much rather spend the time with my family doing things for other people.

Now that the holidays are here, there are more people reaching out for volunteers and donations. At work we recently did a United Way fundraiser and Combat Hunger. I just "adopted" a child from the United Way for Christmas and got her a sweet Barbie and convertible. I always wanted a convertible for my Barbies when I was little. (I only got a shoe box instead). It's fun to shop for another kid.

So, I'm in the mindset that I want to help people as much as possible and all year around. So, I'm hoping by posting volunteer opportunities in central Iowa, some of you will also be able to help. The Volunteer Iowa webpage has a great search function for finding organizations that are in need of volunteers.

This post is going to be about Project Linus. This organization makes blankets for children in need. That can mean a child that has a serious illness, has been traumatized or otherwise just needs something to cuddle. I know as a crafter you can get to a point where you're making things that you don't know what to do with. This is a great project for those who quilt or crochet. I'm hoping to use some of my sewing skills and my fun scraps to make something this December.!