Show and Tell, or Ask was the theme for the recent Christmas meeting of the local Project Linus group. The morning coffee was attended by a dozen members.

During the meeting many additional lap quilts were donated, bringing this year's final total to about 1,900 quilts, most of which have been already passed along to the Lighthouse Shelter, Arden House and Sarah's House. The balance of quilts are going towards helping North County High School to complete its community service project for needy families.

"We were hoping for an even 2,000, but the actual amount was closer to 1,900," said outgoing coordinator for the past couple of years, Sabrina Hayes. "We got a big boost during this past year's Disney Give A Day, Get A Day."

Also very exciting is the recent $50,000 donation to the national group from JoAnn Fabric and Craft Store.

Present at the meeting was Karen Harper, the group's upcoming coordinator. She counts having made about 50 of the quilts herself since last February.

"I don't really count them," she said. "But it's a lot. I just get a lot of joy from making these quilts."

Fellow quilter Peggy Smith typically creates about 10 quilts each year and she's been busy sewing for Project Linus for a couple of years. Prior to that, she was involved with ABC Quilts.

"I have no idea how many I've made," said Smith. "But I especially like to make smaller ones that I can carry around with me. They fit in a bag nicely and are soft and cute. The larger homes I do at home."

Lisa Murphy, a relative newcomer to the chapter, found out about the organization through a online quilting site. She wanted to donate and swap fabrics in the beginning.

"I've probably created 12 to donate in the past year," said Murphy.

Don't think for a minute that everyone in the group is a seasoned quilter. Take Veronica Mount for instance. An eighth-grader from St. Mary's Elementary School, the youngster is eager to learn new skills while earning service points. She took the opportunity to add crocheting to her growing skill set.

Most of the quilts piled on a nearby table look to be bright and cheery works of art. Many include fleece as a backing material, making these blankets sure to be extra cuddly. But the one overwhelming thing in common was the love that these dedicated 'blanketeers' put into this service project.

Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteer 'blanketeers' across the country who help collect, make, and distribute blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans. Nationally, the group has distributed more than three million blankets since 1995. 

Project Linus also depends upon helping hands from many businesses who provide monetary and/or product donations. If you know of a child in need or would like more information about the Anne Arundel chapter or being a friend of Project Linus, please contact 410-626-7713 or baylinusblankets@yahoo.com