anyone doing the GAD virtual blanket volunteering?

[surfergirl602]

I just signed up our family for this one.

What does it entail?

I'm home all day, so it could be a good project.

[goofy4tink]

Not sure about the 'virtual' part, but we're making blankets for Project Linus. We'll each make at least one blanket and then send it off to the coordinator's home since we live about 2 hrs away!

[DisKate]

How do you find either the Project Linus or the virtual volunteering opportunities?

[kytiam]

How do you find either the Project Linus or the virtual volunteering opportunities?

I think it varys quite a bit from region to region. For me it was on the list of volunteer opportunities that popped up when I put in my zip code. It was only on the site a couple of days. The coordinator in our area said they had over 1200 people sign up to make blankets through the Disney GAD site so they had to take it off. I think opportunities will come and go throughout the promotion. Keep watching the site.

[BradyBz12]

You need to check the details of the specific volunteer opportunity you signed up for. If it wasn't listed on the site when you signed up, you should get info when you get confirmation from the organization that they've received your info and have you signed up to participate.

The Project Linus blanket requirements vary widely from the national group to all of the local chapters, so what it requires depends on specifically which one you signed up with.

There's another in-depth thread about this HERE (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2369028)

According to some info posted to that thread, you can only sign up for the virtual projects if there are no other volunteer opportunities in your area.

[MomtoGKC]

According to some info posted to that thread, you can only sign up for the virtual projects if there are no other volunteer opportunities in your area.

This is where I was confused. I signed up for the national group because our local chapter isn't participating. There are lots of opportunities near me but none left right now that allow kids 6-10. They let me sign up so hopefully it will work.

[patman2011]

hey, we are all doing the blankets here in tx.:)as a prev poster said, you have to look at the requirements, as they do vary. ours require 2 fleece blankets per person. i am looking forward to doing this with dd11 and dd9, who knows a sewing machine may be involved.:rotfl:

[Soccer Princess]

I entered my e-mail address for the virtual Project Linus, but have not received an e-mail with any info yet? How long did it take to get it? Do you think we would be safe to go ahead and start on our blankets or wait until we get an e-mail back?

It looks to me you just make at least one blanket per person (fleece, quilt, crochet, knit...) and then mail them into the national headquarters in IL with the form letter filled out (from the pdf) and a picture(s) of your family doing the project.

[princesswendy720]

I entered my e-mail address for the virtual Project Linus, but have not received an e-mail with any info yet? How long did it take to get it? Do you think we would be safe to go ahead and start on our blankets or wait until we get an e-mail back?

It looks to me you just make at least one blanket per person (fleece, quilt, crochet, knit...) and then mail them into the national headquarters in IL with the form letter filled out (from the pdf) and a picture(s) of your family doing the project.

That's right. I emailed the coordinator at national HQ and she confirmed those instructions to me. I had planned on starting our's yesterday but a stomach virus struck me down Sunday night :sick:

Hopefully I can make it over to Walmart before the weekend and send them off this week!

[ksl5f123]

We are doing this also. Our blankets are cut out and pinned waiting for me to make it to the store to buy some color coordinated thread!

[Soccer Princess]

I think I'm confused on how to sign up for this one? I just entered my e-mail address on the website and it said a project toolkit would be e-mailed to me. Should I get the e-mail right away (is it automated?) or do I have to wait for an actual person to send it to me? How long did it take to get your toolkit e-mail?

[MomtoGKC]

I think it took us 2 days to get our official e-mail.

[Soccer Princess]

I signed up yesterday, so I guess I am just being impatient lol. Thanks for the info! :)

[keishashadow]

i signed up on portal for 2 different project linus chapters (both not within driving distance, figured one or the other would be happy to have me);)

i received a response back within an hour from chapter 2+ hours from me...my point is if u want to do a blanket; expand your search if u r willing to mail them.

i went to joann fabric last wednesday, bought the materials for 3 blankets for $27, had a great time making them with my family & mailed them off yesterday (less than $8).

got the email today from volunteer coordinator that i should be getting email w/i 2 weeks:goodvibes

the blankets whip up quickly, trust me, if i can make one anybody can:laughing:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/keishashadow/KS%20Two/blanket002-1-1.jpg yes, i am wearing a grumpy shirt to get in the mood:goodvibes. Really nice idea, i plan on continuing to make them if i can find a closer chapter.

[BradyBz12]

my point is if u want to do a blanket; expand your search if u r willing to mail them.


Just keep in mind that all local chapters have different requirements, and not all will allow you to mail in your blankets. Be sure to check first.

[keishashadow]

Just keep in mind that all local chapters have different requirements, and not all will allow you to mail in your blankets. Be sure to check first.

both chapters i looked @ (1 near Erie, Pa, & the near Morgantown, WV) did and had info clearly indicated on their sites. Odd to think why any of the chapters would turn down the donation via mail.:confused:Still, good idea to check out all the details to any volunteer offering before committing.

[Soccer Princess]

Has anyone who is doing it nationally received their verification yet? How long did it take once you mailed your blankets in?

[BradyBz12]

Odd to think why any of the chapters would turn down the donation via mail.:confused:Still, good idea to check out all the details to any volunteer offering before committing.

No idea, but there have been reports of some chapters requiring blankets be delivered in person, and others where you actually have to go to a specific location on a designated day and make your blankets then. :confused3

[keishashadow]

No idea, but there have been reports of some chapters requiring blankets be delivered in person, and others where you actually have to go to a specific location on a designated day and make your blankets then. :confused3

i guess since the chapters are run by volunteer(s) they can dictate their terms:confused:. Glad i picked a very accommodating one:goodvibes.

[lomillerin]

Are you allowed to buy fleece blankets or do they have to be handmade?

[keishashadow]

Are you allowed to buy fleece blankets or do they have to be handmade?

the group sent me directions & it did specify home-made, a matter of cutting fringe & to size (then finishing it in a specific sort of loop-tie off), a child can do it w/adult supervision.

[lomillerin]

the group sent me directions & it did specify home-made, a matter of cutting fringe & to size (then finishing it in a specific sort of loop-tie off), a child can do it w/adult supervision.

I don't mind making them and it will be kind of fun to do with my daughter. I just wondered if they accepted bought blankets. I saw some fleece blankets on sale and thought they would be nice also.

[BradyBz12]

I don't mind making them and it will be kind of fun to do with my daughter. I just wondered if they accepted bought blankets. I saw some fleece blankets on sale and thought they would be nice also.

I believe most (all?) chapters require blankets to be homemade, but check with the one you're interested in volunteering with to confirm.

[Befferk]

The 10 we made and mailed in (to a chapter about 50 miles from me) are being sent in a batch of 100 from the local chapter to Haiti. She said Project Linus is sending 10,000 overall. :goodvibes