Security Blanket
Joyce Gentzler had no idea that a few pieces of material, Velcro and old sheets could change so many lives. “It’s so gratifying to know that just that stuff can make such a difference in a child’s life,” Gentzler says.
Gentzler serves as chapter coordinator for the Joplin/Southwest Missouri chapter of Project Linus. The non profit organization provides handmade blankets to autistic and ill children.
Gentzler read about a community sewing day for Project Linus and knew she should get involved. One project that is near and dear to Gentzler’s heart is making weighted blankets for children with autism-related disorders. These blankets consist of cloth and Velcro and are stuffed with sheets. The blankets weigh around 15 to 18 pounds. “For some reason, these blankets help kids sleep at night when they have not slept well for months or years,” says Gentzler.
Since 2005, a total of 6,700 blankets have been sewn and given to children in the Joplin community. Of these, 250 weighted blankets were distributed to families of children with autism-related disorders. Responses from parents, says Gentzler, have been dramatic.
Early childhood special education teacher LaTonya Ruth heard of what Gentzler was doing and paid her a visit. Not only was Ruth able to get blankets for her classroom that have made a difference for her students, but she was able to get help for her 12-year-old daughter Virjillia “Jilli” Raner. Jilli has Asperger’s syndrome, an autism-related disorder, and has a hard time sleeping. Jilli was able to completely come off her sleep medication after two weeks with the blanket.
Gentzler also makes and sends blankets to children of local soldiers who’ve been killed in the line of duty with a note that reads: “A hug to you from us.”
There are more than 400 chapters of Project Linus around the country, including ones in Springfield, Kansas City, Columbia, St. Louis and Joplin. Locally, chapters send blankets to hospitals, schools and anyone in need.
Gentzler encourages everyone who can sew to get involved. And even if you can’t sew, she says, chapters can always use donations of supplies like cloth and Velcro. Not all chapters make the weighted blankets. But for those that do, such as Gentzler’s chapter, you can help by watching for used sheets at garage sales or, better yet, your own home.
