On Nov. 15 and 16, the Augusta chapter of Project Linus filled a room with sewing machines, the colors of fabric, and over 100 volunteers determined to bring comfort to children facing some of life’s hardest moments. Their annual fundraiser, “Quilts-giving” wasn’t just a marathon of stitching, it was a marathon of dedication and love. Standing in the room, you couldn’t help but feel the volunteers’ excitement beaming in every direction.
Project Linus is a national volunteer nonprofit dedicated to giving handmade quilts and blankets to children in need. These blankets aren’t simply fabric and thread; they provide children a sense of safety during uncertain times.
With the mission “Providing Security Through Blankets,” the Augusta chapter has delivered an astounding 37,000 handmade blankets to local children. Every blanket has a story behind it, stitched by volunteers who call themselves “The Blanketeers.” They joke about being a tight “knit” community, but their bond goes much deeper. They gather to sew, but what they truly create is connection, between each other and with the children they may never meet but always care for.
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Chapter Coordinator Christine Newby spoke passionately about why these blankets matter. For a child displaced by fire, facing a serious illness, or going into foster care, receiving a handmade blanket gives them something no one can take away: their own piece of comfort.
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“We serve children from birth through age 18, and we give them handmade blankets filled with love and hugs,” Newby said.
She explained that volunteers often give not just their skills, but their hearts. Many are retirees or students learning to serve their community.
“We’re so excited that all the schools and colleges require community service hours because they come to us and volunteer. Now we’re able to pass on these crafts and skills to the next generation. Our youngest person who made a quilt for us was an eight-year-old boy,” Newby said.
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Volunteer Mary Gainer described the magic perfectly when she said, “You bring your kids, you bring your friends, your family, your neighbor and you sit and you sew. And you’re not in your house sewing; you’re talking. You’re talking to one another. And you’re looking at each other’s work and it’s so much fun.”
Anyone is welcome to volunteer, no experience needed. All blankets and quilts made at their annual “Quilt-a-thon” are scheduled to be delivered before Christmas 2025.
The Augusta Chapter of Project Linus meets on the third Saturday of every month at the Gerald Jones Learning Center, 4020 Washington Road, Suite 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To learn more, visit www.ProjectLinus.org and select the Augusta Area, GA/SC Chapter.
