The next Project Linus Blanket Bee will be Saturday, Jan. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 13001 N. Fountain Hills Blvd.

Project Linus is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a two-fold mission: 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.”

The other: To provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities for the benefit of children.

Project Linus blankets are new, handmade, washable blankets to be given as gifts to seriously ill and traumatized children, ages 0-18.

Project Linus accepts blankets of all sizes (up to single bed size). All blanket styles are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors.

Blankets must be homemade, washable, free of pins, and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons.

Here are the top 10 reasons to come to a blanket bee, as proposed by Terese Knapik, area coordinator for Project Linus:

1. Meet some wonderful new friends (and visit with some existing ones).

2. Learn some new blanket tips and tricks. Find a resource to ask that puzzling pattern question.

3. Share in a delicious potluck. Free coffee and ice tea compliments of Starbucks.

4. Be inspired by listening to guest speakers tell stories of how Project Linus comforts children.

5. Spend the day blanket-making in a great location with a beautiful view of the Fountain.

6. Show off your work at the blanket challenge.

7. Get or donate blanket supplies. The group happily accepts leftover yarn, discontinued blanket projects and excess fabric remnants.

8. Learn to knit, crochet or sew for free. There is always an expert willing to teach.

9. You don’t sew, knit or crochet and don’t want to learn? The group needs blanket processers who scan for pins, sort the blankets by size, apply Project Linus labels, and packaging of completed blankets. Also needed are folks to cut fabric, batting and fleece; no skills required.

10. Feel the satisfaction of donating your time for blankets that will be distributed to a child in crisis.

To date, the Northeast Phoenix chapter has donated more than 36,000 blankets since it began in 1998. The entire Project Linus organization has donated more than 5 million blankets to children in need since 1998.

For more information, see the website http://linusphxne.com or contact Terese Knapik, NE Phoenix Project Linus Chapter coordinator, at (602) 402-8377.