Wrapped in Care: Project Linus Blankets Bring Warmth and Joy to Clinic Families October 30, 2025

At Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, compassionate care often extends beyond medical treatment. Over the past year, a new collaboration with Project Linus, a national nonprofit that provides handmade blankets to children in need, has added a heartwarming dimension to the Clinic’s mission.

The idea began when a drawing class student who volunteers with a nonprofit called Project Linus shared the organization’s work with BIFMC staff member, Sumaya Florez. Although the Clinic serves adults as patients, children often accompany their parents and grandparents to appointments. “I thought it would be a beautiful way to do something for them,” Florez explains. “When I give away a blanket, I invite the adults to read to their kids while ‘using the blanket.’ I call it the reading blanket.”

To BIFMC staff, the project is also another way to encourage patients who may not have access to childcare during their appointments to bring their children without feeling strained. So far, those children who have accompanied their families have been delighted to receive a warm new blanket to snuggle, and entertained while reading a good book.

Since January 14th, 47 blankets have been distributed to children who visit the Clinic. The response has been overwhelming. Parents are grateful for the gesture, and children beam as they cuddle into their handmade gifts. “Sometimes, I’ll drape a blanket over a child, hand them a book, and they’ll sit quietly reading,” Florez shares. “It’s so cute to watch!”

The Clinic’s project is part of a much larger local effort. According to Chapter Coordinator Donna Wood, the Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties Chapter of Project Linus distributed over 1,700 blankets in 2024. Partnering with agencies such as DHEC/WIC offices, Head Start, Ronald McDonald House, Lowcountry Behavioral Health, Our Lady of Mercy, James Island Outreach, Bon Secours St. Francis NICU, and even special programs like Camp Happy Days and Snowball Express, the chapter provides blankets to children across a wide spectrum of need.

Project Linus also offers knitters, crocheters, quilters, and sewers the chance to share their talents with children who could use a little extra comfort. Blankets must be new, smoke-free, pet-hair-free, and washed with unscented detergent before being bagged and dropped off. Collection boxes are located at Honest-1 Auto Care (West Ashley and Ladson locations), or donations may be brought to monthly chapter meetings at St. Luke’s in Summerville (1st Tuesday and 2nd Saturday).

Two weeks ago at BIFMC, another 30 blankets arrived, ensuring that the project will continue well into the new year. More than cozy gifts, the blankets also serve as gentle reminders for parents: spend quality time with your children, encourage reading, and reduce screen time.

Families describe the blankets as comforting and beautiful, while staff marvel at the artistry and love stitched into every piece. “Each blanket is a unique work of art, created with care by volunteers who pour time and dedication into every stitch,” Florez shares.

Though details about local donations and volunteer involvement are still being finalized, the hope is to expand the program. “This project is more than giving away blankets,” Florez reflects. “It’s about strengthening family bonds, nurturing imagination, and showing children that they are embraced with care.”

About Project Linus

Project Linus is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing new, handmade blankets to children in need. Each blanket is lovingly crafted by volunteers, known as “blanketeers,” who knit, crochet, sew, or quilt unique pieces of comfort for children from birth through age 18.

The Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties Chapter alone distributed more than 1,700 blankets in 2024, partnering with hospitals, schools, nonprofits, and community programs to reach children across the Lowcountry.

Want to Get Involved? Blankets must be new, pet-hair-free, and laundered with unscented detergent. Donations can be dropped off at Honest-1 Auto Care (West Ashley or Ladson) or at chapter meetings at St. Luke’s in Summerville (1st Tuesday & 2nd Saturday of each month).

Learn more or join the community of blanketeers by visiting the local Facebook group: Project Linus – Berkeley, Charleston & Dorchester Counties, SC

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is a free clinic in Charleston, SC, that provides free medical care to eligible patients, just like any family practitioner or internist. The Free Clinic serves uninsured adults living at or below 299% of the federal poverty level who live or work across Charleston, Berkeley or Dorchester counties. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.