How the Linus Connection Brings Warmth To Children in Need
photos courtesy Stephanie Sabatini
The inspiration for The Linus Connection began in the 1990s when executive director Stephanie Sabatini stumbled upon a story in Parade magazine about Project Linus in Colorado. She recalls, “They were making blankets for children battling cancer at Denver Children’s Hospital, and something about that simple act of comfort struck me. I realized we could do something similar here in Central Texas, where so many kids find themselves in painful, risky, or stressful situations.”
Their purpose is clear: to offer comfort, even if it’s just a little bit, to children in need. Countless Texans work tirelessly to help these kids in different ways and what The Linus Connection does is create handmade security blankets that are a tangible reminder that they are not alone.
25 Years of Warmth
In the 25 years since its founding, the group has made and delivered more than 125,000 blankets, a number Stephanie says continues to amaze her. Sadly, she admits she does not have many first-hand stories of children receiving the blankets, as Connection members do not typically get to see those moments. “But, personally,” she says, “what I love most about The Linus Connection is the way it brings people together. There are so many talented women in our community who, for various reasons—whether work, age, disability, or other obligations — can’t volunteer in more traditional ways. But they want to help, and we provide that opportunity.”
Crafting Connections
The organization supplies the materials needed to make blankets, so volunteers can make a difference right from home, in their own time, while watching TV or waiting for appointments. Feedback from volunteers reflects their enjoyment from knowing they are somehow connected to helping children they may never meet.
Every month, volunteers distribute between 300 and 500 blankets to local organizations — from homeless shelters and hospital emergency rooms to camps for foster children. Anywhere kids are facing tough situations, Connection volunteers want to be there with a blanket.
Celebrating Milestones
On October 19 the group celebrated their 25th anniversary at St. Philips United Methodist Church in Round Rock. Stephanie says, “It was a lot of fun, and also a great way for us to raise support for the year ahead.”
How You Can Help
The group holds monthly meetings, open to all, on the third Saturday of each month at St. Philips. Scan the code for information and ways you can help, or visit them on Facebook/LinusConnection.