Project Linus, named after the beloved Charles Schulz Peanuts character, is a nationwide nonprofit organization that supplies blankets to children who are in need.

"We like to say that we are giving a special hug to the child through the blanket," says Pat Weber, chapter coordinator for the Sandhills-Moore County chapter.

Blankets are given to children ages zero to 18 who are seriously ill, have been in a traumatic situation, or simply need comfort.

The volunteer-made blankets range from crocheted afghans, to quilts, to no-sew fleece blankets.

The main volunteer workshop for the chapter is in the Seven Lakes community. According to Weber, 75 percent of the blankets are made there.

Each chapter operates individually with the help and support of volunteers. The Sandhills-Moore chapter serves Moore County and surrounding areas, including Lee, Hoke, Montgomery, Harnett, and Cumberland County. According to Weber, it is the volunteers that "make it work."

Schools in the area also participate in blanket making. Students at Cameron Elementary School, O'Neal School, and Pinehurst Elementary School spend the year working on blankets, giving them to Project Linus in the spring.

These donations make a big difference. According to Weber, Project Linus would love to see more schools participate.

The project provides blankets to organizations in the area, including Moore County Hospital, FirstHealth, Emergency Medical Services, the sheriffs and health departments in Moore and Hoke counties, and all Moore County fire departments and the Red Cross.

Because of the Sandhills chapter's proximity to Fort Bragg, Project Linus has begun to supply blankets to surviving children whose parents have died in the Iraq war.

Blankets are also provided to the Fisher House in Fort Bragg, which is long-term housing for families of wounded, hospitalized soldiers.

Project Linus is a nonprofit, and it relies heavily on donations and fundraising.

Some main sponsors include the Seven Lakes Kiwanis, the Golf Capital Chorus, the Women of Seven Lakes, and the Chapel in the Pines. Also, individuals who are not disposed to make a blanket can contribute fabric and monetary donations to the organization.

The Project Linus volunteers also make crafts and arrange bake sales in order to get money for material. The group also sells their "Heartwarming Recipes" cookbook.

With the current economic situation, the organization is working even harder to raise money. "When I started two and a half years ago," says Weber, "material was costing about $4.50, then it went up to $7.50, and now, prices are up at $10.50 per blanket."

Despite this issue, the Sandhills-Moore chapter of Project Linus is currently producing about 125 blankets each month, but there is a need for more.

Those interested in setting up a community workshop, volunteering, or donating may contact Pat Weber at (910) 673-1457 or weberconsult.nc.rr.com.

Adi Anderson is an intern at the Pilot. Contact her at adi@thepilot.com.