Fourth Quarter Newsletter, December 2019
CHAPTER COORDINATOR’S MESSAGE
Where did it go? I am still looking for 2019, and all it takes is a blink of an eye to realize that now it is just a memory. I hope you each have wonderful memories and are ready to create new ones. This newsletter contains several opportunities to do just that. So, grab your calendar and mark down the 2020 dates for our MABD, Volunteer Tea, and the Junior League Expo.
We have reached the 75,000 mark of giving out blanket “hugs” and the thanks go to each of you. The WNC Project Linus Chapter has grown tremendously the past 10 plus years and the future looks bright for continued growth. With this said, we are looking for ways to streamline some of our operations. This is one of the reasons for the following:
As was stated in the last newsletter, starting in 2020 there are going to be major changes in the way that we issue the newsletter and the in-kind receipts. The first quarter newsletter for 2020 issued in April, will only be sent electronically and will no longer contain an in-kind receipt. Each year the fourth quarter newsletter will be sent in the mail and will include an in-kind receipt of your yearly donations. If you do not have access to a computer, you will need to let me know and I will mail a copy of the newsletter to you. This isn’t a problem, but it is necessary for you to take the responsibility to let me know. If you have an email address and not notified us, please provide it to Helen McConnell. Her email address is jhmcconnell@bellsouth.net For your convenience the newsletter will be on our website www.projectlinusofwnc. This site is maintained by our volunteer, Anne Ogg, and her help is greatly appreciated.
DROP-OFF LOCATION
We were saddened to learn about the closing of all AC Moore Craft Stores. As many of you know, they have been our main drop off point since the day they opened for business in 2005. However, arrangements have been made with the JoAnn Craft and Fabric store in Asheville to be our new drop off location. They are looking forward to working with us and have placed a bin up front behind the cash registers to place your donations. When the bin is full, they will take the blankets to safe storage in the back. I am grateful to the ladies that go once a week to collect the donations. Remember to put your name and address with the blankets so that I can keep in touch with you. We do not give out any of your mailing addresses. Also, this JoAnn store is only for Asheville, as we no longer use their store in Hendersonville as a drop-off location.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY MABD
We have scheduled the Buncombe County Make a Blanket Day for Saturday March 21st. Once again it will be held at Eliada Home located at 2 Compton Road from, 10:00 until 2:00. While we say Buncombe County, it is hoped that each of you will attend no matter where you live. as it isn’t limited to residents of just one county. Here is your opportunity to meet other blanketeers and join together to work on Project Linus blankets. You can bring a project you are currently working on or start a new one, as all supplies will be provided. There will also be lots of delicious nibbles. This is the only notification that you will receive before the event date so don’t miss out this fun day. Mark your calendars now.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION TEA
The date has been set for our annual tea. It will be on Wednesday April 29 at the Church of the Nativity from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. We will send an invitation to all who have contributed this past year; however, I want to remind you that as in the past, space is limited and we do fill up. So mark your calendar and be sure to RSVP when the invitation arrives. Also, we would love to have you join in the craft sale by submitting an item or two that you have made, as this is one of our big fund raisers.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The Junior League of Asheville is holding their third annual Volunteer Expo. It will be held at the Crown Plaza Expo Center on Saturday February 29 from 10:00 until 3:00. This event is free to attend and will feature more than 70 local nonprofits. This is an opportunity to learn more about volunteer needs in WNC. Project Linus will have a booth and if you are interested in staffing the table for a few hours and helping spread the mission of PL do let me know.
“WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS INSIDE YOU” Prem Rawat
BLANKET DROP-OFF SITES
Asheville:
JoAnn Fabric and Craft Store
80 S Tunnel Road
Hendersonville:
Grace Lutheran Church
1245 Sixth Avenue West
Sheridan Kay Quilting
1680 Spartanburg Highway
Weaverville:
5 Little Monkeys Quilt and Sew
32 North Main Street
FOURTH QUARTER STATISTICS
In Out
October 459 431
November 436 503
December 404 409
Fourth Quarter Totals 1,299 1,343
With these latest numbers our chapter has now distributed 75,322 blankets!
Number of knitted dolls and stuffed animals donated and distributed this quarter: 252
Weighted blankets donated to date: 1,266
CONTACTS
Chapter Coordinator
Ellen Knoefel 828-645-8800
Buncombe County
Ennis Julian 702-499-3567
Cherokee, Clay and Graham Counites
Ellen Knoefel 828-645-8800
Haywood County
Mariam Howell 828-456-5154
Henderson County
Helen McConnell 828-890-3067
Jackson and Macon Counties
Ellen Knoefel 828-645-8800
Madison County
Nancy Fish 828-768-1344
Mitchell County
Janet Jackson 661-319-8286
Transylvania County
Pat Crawford 828-883-8746
Yancy County
Asta Jeffcoat 828-682-4373