IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 14, 2022
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project
CONTACT
Scott McLarty, 202-878-2112, scott@memorialblanket.org
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project, providing homemade blankets for individuals and families without homes, plans display on the West Lawn of the Capitol in DC on Dec. 21
Facebook page with photographs of blankets and news about the project and participants: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322512689587858
People across the US with sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting skills are invited to join the project: Find a state at https://memorialblanket.org
WASHINGTON, DC — The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project, a nationwide effort to encourage and compile homemade blankets for distribution to unhoused individuals and families, is preparing a display of blankets to cover 9,000 square feet of the West Lawn of the US Capitol in Washington, DC on Dec. 21, 2022.
“People across the US are already at work making blankets for next winter,” said homeless activist Pat LaMarche, who initiated the project. “We’re seeing churches and civic organizations along with blanket makers everywhere step up to help community members in need. People care.”
Blankets for babies and children are a special focus, given the increasing number of families facing loss of their homes in today’s unstable unstable housing market. The US Department of Education estimates that the number of schoolchildren experiencing homeless exceeds 1.5 million, which does not include toddlers and babies.
The project has participants in at least 19 states so far and organizers expect the number to increase. Pennsylvania, Maine, and Massachusetts are currently the most active states.
“We’re aiming for a total of at least 500 blankets, coming from every state and territory, on the West Lawn of the Capitol on Dec. 21. When the display is disassembled, the blankets will be distributed to people in dire need during the winter,” said Ms. LaMarche.
Each state is being asked to make at least 100 blankets, providing ten for the Capitol Lawn display and donating another 90 or more to outreach programs in their area. Typical blankets dimensions are 35″ x 80″ and 60″ x 80″ with a variety of fabrics, fibers, and colors.
“Being from an area with a significant homeless population, both on the street (homeless vets and the closing of a state mental hospital) and hidden (college students, young families, even school students) it was an easy decision to participate in this project which offers warmth in both a physical blanket, and hopefully, by realizing that someone unknown to them cares,” said Jan Davis, Massachusetts State Blanket Coordinator, East Hampton, Mass. “I’ve worked in human services and education for much of my life; this was an easy choice.”
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is hosted by the Charles Bruce Foundation (https://charlesbrucefoundation.com), which is located in central Pennsylvania. The Dec. 21 display will be an arts installation by this nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
MORE INFORMATION
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project on Facebook (national page)
To find a state Facebook group, type Homeless Remembrance Blanket and the state’s name in Search
https://www.facebook.com/groups/322512689587858
Nonprofit Seeks Artisans Across US to Help the Unhoused
Daily Kos, February 6, 2022
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 18, 2022
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project
https://memorialblanket.org
CONTACT
Scott McLarty, 202-878-2112, scott@memorialblanket.org
Salvation Army women’s group in Greenville leads South Carolina in national movement to craft and contribute blankets for families without homes
• Photos and video:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1773639309545135/permalink/3094310804144639/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1773639309545135/permalink/3087066601535726/
• People across the US with sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting skills are invited to join the project: Find a state at https://memorialblanket.org
WASHINGTON, DC — The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is thanking the Salvation Army in Greenville, South Carolina for leading the state in the nationwide effort to create and compile homemade blankets for distribution to unhoused individuals and families.
Participants in the project are using their sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting skills to make blankets to be contributed to people without homes.
“Between working on the blanket during our Thursday night Women’s Ministries and ladies working on the blankets at home, we have already collected 14 completed blankets, with several more still in progress,” said Captain Sarah Quinn, Officer for Congregational Life at the Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center in Greenville, South Carolina.
The Kroc Church Women’s Ministries learned about the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project through Rosie Kapp, one of its long-time members.
“Rosie Kapp came back from vacation telling us about this amazing effort that her daughter was a part of and encouraged us to get involved with it,” said Capt. Quinn. “Initially, she was thinking of the knitters and crocheters in our group contributing to the project. But as we started talking about it more, we realized that all of the ladies in our women’s group could get involved if we made no-sew fleece blankets.”
The Women’s Ministries set a date in March to learn how to make the blankets. Ms. Kapp made arrangements for the group to meet virtually with Pat LaMarche and Chris Kapp, national organizers of the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project.
“We were blessed with access to an enormous amount of fleece that same day. One of our ladies had been up late into the night trying to find affordable fleece for this project. The next morning, still discouraged from not having any luck in her search, she dropped a family member off at work at a local thrift store and was shocked to learn that store had recently received 70-plus industrial sized bolts of fleece from a company that had just gone out of business. We were able to get four bolts at a steal. From that we have been making our blankets for this project,” said Capt. Quinn.
Photos and a video of the blanket makers can be viewed at and downloaded from the Salvation Army Greenville Kroc Church’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1773639309545135/permalink/3094310804144639/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1773639309545135/permalink/3087066601535726/
“I love working with Rose Kapp’s daughter, Chris, on this project,” said Pat LaMarche, founder of the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project. “Last year, she field-produced our live podcast and one of her daughters ran errands for us late into the night as we assembled blankets. It’s only fitting that her mom is now involved with bringing on a new state to participate.”
“We hope this encourages other people to contact their out of state family members and bring them on board,” said Ms. LaMarche.
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is preparing a display of blankets to cover 9,000 square feet of the West Lawn of the US Capitol in Washington, DC on Dec. 21, 2022.
The project has participants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. The most active states are currently South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, and Montana.
Each state is being asked to make at least 100 blankets, providing ten for the Capitol Lawn display and donating another 90 or more to outreach programs in their area. Typical blankets dimensions are 35″ x 80″ and 60″ x 80″ with a variety of fabrics, fibers, and colors.
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is hosted by the Charles Bruce Foundation (https://charlesbrucefoundation.com), which is located in central Pennsylvania. The Dec. 21 display will be an arts installation by this nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Anyone interested in participating in this project can sign up for their state at https://memorialblanket.org.
MORE INFORMATION
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project on Facebook (national group)
To find a state Facebook group, type Homeless Remembrance Blanket and the state’s name in Search
https://www.facebook.com/groups/322512689587858
Press release: Schoolchildren in Maine craft and contribute blankets for families without homes
March 28, 2022
https://memorialblanket.org/?page_id=494
Press release: Homeless Memorial Blanket Project, providing homemade blankets for individuals and families without homes, plans display on the West Lawn of the Capitol in DC on Dec. 21
March 16, 2022
https://memorialblanket.org/?page_id=417
Nonprofit Seeks Artisans Across US to Help the Unhoused
Daily Kos, February 6, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/2/6/2078926/-Nonprofit-Seeks-Artisans-Across-US-to-Help-the-Unhoused
Maine students quilt together compassion and calculations
News Center Maine, April 13, 2022
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/maine-students-quilt-together-compassion-and-calculations-homeless-remembrance-blanket-project/97-30d65d21-79b2-48b7-88f1-3915f944058a
Maine students make handmade quilts for homeless people
The students at Wentworth School in Scarborough are joining a nationwide project
WMTW News, April 1, 2022
https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-students-handmade-quilts-homeless/39609030
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Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Pat LaMarche
Epicjourney10@gmail.com
207-671-0190
June 9, 2022
Worldwide Knit in Public Day Has Carlisle, Pennsylvania Location
#memorialblanket Participants to Knit at Letort Park to Raise Awareness of Project
In honor of World Wide Knit in Public Day (KIP), knitters, crocheters and quilters will gather in Letort Park, Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 12:30 to 2:00 PM to show their support for KIP while reminding area artisans that last year’s Homeless Memorial Blanket Project – now known as #memorialblanket – will be happening again on Homeless Remembrance Night, December 21st, the longest night of the year.
Last year’s poignant and highly successful central PA event has bloomed into a national effort slated to be positioned on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC.
Reverend Matthew Best, one of the founders of last year’s effort which provided 219 blankets to folks in need is excited about this year’s larger and hopefully more impactful event, “If the numbers from just Illinois, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Maine, are correct – we already have more blankets pledged than last year. We’re shooting for 500 at the Capitol building – or 9000 square feet. Last year’s 219 blankets covered 3200 square feet at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Carlisle. We have groups from all 50 states and two territories up and running – we’re looking forward to increasing nationwide awareness about the unstably housed – and to making hundreds of people around the nation feel like they matter: Because they do. After all, Homeless Remembrance Night stands as a reminder of not only those who live on the street – but those who die there as well.”
Bernadine Rider – one of the knitters who will be at Letort park from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. has already committed to making blankets for the #memorialblanket and welcomes others to join her in the park, “With KIP we’ve added a whole new layer to the importance of #memorialblanket. It’s not just about knitting or crocheting or quilting… at home… alone. Bringing folks together to create is a wonderful feeling. I’m looking forward to meeting other folks from the area working on this project.”
One of those other people is Amy Neurohr, “Last year I headed up the squares aspect of the blanket project. Knitters and crocheters who couldn’t make a whole blanket, just made squares. I collected all these together and connected them to make blankets. I’ll be doing that again this year. We want everyone participating who wants to participate – no one should feel left out because they can’t make a whole blanket alone. Homelessness won’t be solved alone either.”
Neurohr continued, “It isn’t just an art installation, or an attempt to help others in need. it’s also a demonstration of what we can do as a community. We care, we act, we accomplish. People think we aren’t a community anymore – last year’s #memorialblanket project proved that we are.”
More information on sponsors, participants and logistics is available at www.memorialblanket.org
#####
Press Advisory
Immediate Release
Contact:
Pat LaMarche
207 671 0190
epicjourney10@gmail.com
One Day One Blanket at Summer Fair
Volunteer Artisans from 2021 Homeless Memorial Blanket Project in Full Gear for 2022
This Saturday, June 25, on the lawn at Dickinson Campus – as part of the annual Summer Fair event – a gaggle of knitters and crocheters will meet at the Charles Bruce Foundation artisan booth and create a blanket IN ONE DAY!
Carlisle Summer Fair Craft Show Organizer, Connie Hollenbaugh is excited to have the knitters and crocheters in attendance at her Summer Fair event. “I made blankets for the art installation last year. Mine were among the 219 blankets placed outside, in Carlisle, as a beautiful yet tragic reminder of just how much space 219 people living on the street need – just to sleep! I’ll be making squares at this one-day event on Saturday, and I’ll be making even more blankets for the event at the Capitol this December. Homelessness won’t end itself. We all must join together to help. And we can’t forget our neighbors who need us.”
“Last year’s event shocked all of us – in a great way,” explained event organizer, Pat LaMarche. “Total strangers from as far away as Colorado made blankets for perfect strangers in need. We covered 3200 square feet of walkway and lawn at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Carlisle – and now we’re going national. We hope to have blankets from every state and cover a minimum of 9000 square feet on the west lawn of the US Capitol.”
Max Donnelly, one of the original founders of the #MemorialBlanket project, has made coloring pages for young people. The Charles Bruce Foundation who sponsors the event will be giving these away for kids who accompany their parents – while they knit or crochet. “We’ll have these coloring pages, and markers and crayons, etc. for anyone who’d like to make some art supporting the project.” Additionally, Donnelly invites folks to post their finished coloring pages on social media with the hashtag #MemorialBlanket, explaining, “Getting the word out is as important as making a blanket. The more people who know about it, the more people that can join in to help!”
The effort, dubbed #MemorialBlanket, marks homeless memorial night. The night when the entire nation remembers not only those who live on the street, but those who die there as well. More information is available at www.memorialblanket.org
#####
Press Release for Immediate Release
Contact Jeanna Som
Pat LaMarche
Epicjourney10@gmail.com
SPY Campers to Put Personal Stories onto Panels for Memorial Blanket
Kids’ Artwork Panels Will Become Part of Art Display for Homelessness Memorial at Capitol in DC
Thursday, July 14, 2022, at St. John’s Episcopal Church on the square in Carlisle, campers from the Summer Program for Youth (SPY) will draw their stories onto squares of fabric that will later be assembled into a blanket. The quilt of children’s art will be put on display on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol this December 21st.
Volunteer artists and authors, published by the Charles Bruce Foundation – a local organization that supports writers, artists and musicians (WAM!) have given their time to the campers every summer for the better part of a decade. This year, in addition to reading to the children, teaching them about journaling, writing, rhyming, illustrating and other forms of storytelling – they will be involving the kids in one of the largest art projects created by central Pennsylvania artists. Certainly, the largest blanket art installation made to bring attention to homelessness.
This quilt – made from squares – hand-drawn by the children on 100% cotton fabric donated by local church leader, Vicar David Hoth, will be assembled by area quilters.
“Each of the children enrolled in SPY camp will make a blanket square. They can make drawings of their stories. Their family make-up, their favorite pet, hobbies, imaginary creature – whatever. Nearly a hundred children participated in SPY this year and their self-expression will be quilted together to make family blankets for the #memorialblanket project sponsored by the Charles Bruce Foundation (CBF),” explained artist volunteer and CBF board member, Devera Lang.
Vicar Hoth explained next steps, “Then we’ll take those blankets with us to Washington DC – along with all the others made here in Pennsylvania and across the nation – to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the nation’s largest art installation reminding us – on the longest night of the year – that millions of Americans are unstably housed.” Vicar Hoth continued, “I’m excited to participate again this year. Last year’s display at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Carlisle was a gift to and from the community. Last year, following the art display, the blankets were distributed to those in need. The same will happen with the blankets this year.”
“Our campers learn so much from working artists and authors. For years, CBF has brought these professionals into the lives of our kids. And now, this December, they’ll get to see their creativity on display at the U.S. Capitol. The kids will be making a difference in the lives of others as their beautiful work warms families in need. I think they’ll learn a lot from this experience,” explained SPY’s Executive Director, Jeanna Som.
The press is invited to join the children while they make their squares – this Thursday, July 14, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at St. John’s Church, on the square in Carlisle.
More information about the #memorialblanket project is available at www.memorialblanket.org
#####
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Contact
Scott McLarty, scott@memorialblanket.org
Pat LaMarche, Epicjourney10@gmail.com
Diane Nilan, HEAR US
North Carolinians participating the Memorial Blanket Project to create crib blankets with baby feet designs
• “These Little Piggies are Homeless” blankets will be displayed at the Capitol in DC on Dec. 21, then distributed to families with infants and toddlers experiencing homelessness
• Journalists are welcome to attend creation of the blankets in Brevard, Morganton, and Asheville
• People across the US with sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting skills are invited to join the project: Find a state at https://memorialblanket.org
North Carolinians participating in the national Homeless Memorial Blanket Project are working with their littlest collaborators to create blankets for children and babies experiencing homelessness.
Blanket-makers at three sites in western North Carolina will print fabric for the blankets with baby feet to make a visual representation of the US’s tiniest, most vulnerable, and most disadvantaged without homes. They will paint the feet of babies and toddlers with non-toxic child-friendly fabric paint to decorate cloth that will be assembled into “These Little Piggies are Homeless” blankets.
The crib blankets will be distributed to families with infants and toddlers who lack adequate housing, after they are displayed on the West Lawn of the Capitol in Washington DC on December 21, 2022.
Members of the news media are welcome to attend the creation of the crib blankets, which will take place on the following three days:
- Wednesday, July 20, 11 a.m. to noon in Brevard at the Parent and Child Center, 970 Old Hendersonville Highway
- Friday, July 22, 2 to 4 p.m. in Morganton at Head Start, 800 North Green Street
- Thursday, July 28, 5 p.m. in Asheville at Transformation Village Shelter, 45 Rocky Ridge Road
Organizers of the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project are aiming for a total of at least 500 blankets, contributed by participants in every state and territory, on the West Lawn of the Capitol with the goal of raising public awareness of people without adequate housing.
When the display is disassembled, the blankets will be distributed to families and individuals in dire need during the winter.
The project has participants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Volunteers in each state are being asked to make at least 100 blankets, providing ten for the Capitol Lawn display and donating another 90 or more to outreach programs in their area. Typical blankets dimensions are 45″ x 80″ and 60″ x 80″ with a variety of fabrics, fibers, and colors.
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is hosted by the Charles Bruce Foundation (https://charlesbrucefoundation.com), which is located in central Pennsylvania. The Dec. 21 display will be an arts installation by this nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Anyone interested in participating can sign up for their state at https://memorialblanket.org.
MORE INFORMATION
Press release: Homeless Memorial Blanket Project, providing homemade blankets for individuals and families without homes, plans display on the West Lawn of the Capitol in DC on Dec. 21
March 16, 2022
https://memorialblanket.org/?page_id=417
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project on Facebook (national group)
To find a state Facebook group, type Homeless Remembrance Blanket and the state’s name in Search
https://www.facebook.com/groups/322512689587858
Nonprofit Seeks Artisans Across US to Help the Unhoused
Daily Kos, February 6, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/2/6/2078926/-Nonprofit-Seeks-Artisans-Across-US-to-Help-the-Unhoused
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For Immediate Release
Monday, September 12, 2022
Contact
Scott McLarty: scott@memorialblanket.org
Pat LaMarche: Epicjourney10@gmail.com
Pennsylvania housing advocate invites donations of blanket squares for the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project
• The Blanket Project is collecting blankets for a display on the West Lawn of the Capitol in DC on Dec. 21, followed by distribution to people experiencing homelessness.
• People across the US with sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting skills are invited to join the project: Find a state at memorialblanket.org
A housing advocate in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is encouraging people across the US to send squares to be assembled into blankets for the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project (memorialblanket.org).
Amy Neurohr is urging contributions of knit, crocheted, or quilted squares with the intention of creating as many blankets as possible for the Blanket Project as a way to involve others who might not have the time or resources to make entire blankets and quilts but would like to help.
Ms. Neurohr, a nonprofit consultant and founding member of the Blanket Project, conceived the collaborative blanket idea with the intention of creating as many blankets as possible for the Blanket Project.
“My grandmother taught me how to knit and crochet when I was six. I don’t know how many blankets I have made in my life, but they were all made with love to keep someone warm. I hope the recipients of our blankets will somehow feel that they are loved,” said Amy Neurohr.
The Blanket Project is gathering blankets for a display on the West Lawn of the Capitol on Dec. 21, followed by distribution to families and individuals without adequate housing.
“If you can’t make a blanket, you can help by purchasing supplies. If you can’t make an entire blanket, you can make one square, or a few. We are happy to assemble all of the squares we receive. If you can make a complete blanket, know that it will be a treasure to someone who is experiencing homelessness,” said Ms. Neurohr.
The blanket dimensions are 45″ x 80″. Squares can be 6″ x 6″ or 12′ x 12″. Those interested in contributing squares can either send them to
St. Stephen Evangelical Lutheran Church
30 W. Main Street
New Kingstown
PA 17072
Attention Amy and Rev. Matthew
Those with questions can contact Pat LaMarche at epicjourney10@gmail.com.
“This is the core of what we are about and why we do the ministries we do,” said Rev. Matthew Best, pastor at St Stephen. “Our mission statement states: we respond to Christ’s love by feeding those who hunger in body, mind, and spirit. That happens when we eat a meal with someone in our community, walk alongside someone trying to get into housing, or make blankets to raise awareness about the challenges of homelessness of our neighbors, providing a space for artisans to send their square is just one small part of our commitment.”
Organizers of the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project are aiming for a total of at least 500 blankets, contributed by participants in every state and territory, for the display on Dec. 21 with the goal of raising public awareness of people without adequate housing.
When the display is disassembled, the blankets will be distributed to families and individuals in dire need during the winter.
The project has participants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Volunteers in each state are being asked to make at least 100 blankets, providing ten for the Capitol Lawn display and donating another 90 or more to outreach programs in their area. Typical blankets dimensions are 45″ x 80″ and 60″ x 80″ with a variety of fabrics, fibers, and colors.
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is hosted by the Charles Bruce Foundation (charlesbrucefoundation.com), which is located in central Pennsylvania. The Dec. 21 display will be an arts installation by this nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Anyone interested in participating can sign up for their state at memorialblanket.org.
MORE INFORMATION
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project — Pennsylvania
facebook.com/groups/homelessmemorialblanketproject
Press release: Homeless Memorial Blanket Project, providing homemade blankets for individuals and families without homes, plans display on the West Lawn of the Capitol in DC on Dec. 21
March 16, 2022
memorialblanket.org/?page_id=417
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project on Facebook (national group)
To find a state Facebook group, type Homeless Remembrance Blanket and the state’s name in Search facebook.com/groups/322512689587858
Nonprofit Seeks Artisans Across US to Help the Unhoused
Daily Kos, February 6, 2022
dailykos.com/stories/2022/2/6/2078926/-Nonprofit-Seeks-Artisans-Across-US-to-Help-the-Unhoused
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For Immediate Release
Monday, November 14, 2022
Contact
Scott McLarty, scott@memorialblanket.org
Pat LaMarche, Epicjourney10@gmail.com
Homeless #MemorialBlanket Project to cover the West Lawn of the Capitol with handmade blankets: Wednesday, Dec. 21 in Washington DC
• Remembering families without a home on Thanksgiving: November is Homelessness Awareness Month
• People across the US with sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting skills are contributing blankets: Find a state at https://memorialblanket.org
• Facebook page with photographs and news about the project and participants: https://www.facebook.com/
WASHINGTON, DC — The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project, a nationwide effort to encourage and compile homemade blankets for distribution to unhoused individuals and families, is preparing a display of blankets to cover 9,000 square feet of the West Lawn of the US Capitol in Washington, DC on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022.
When the display is disassembled, the blankets will be distributed to families and individuals in dire need during the winter.
“This Thanksgiving, hundreds of millions of Americans will gather in homes and discuss all the things they appreciate about their lives. And millions more will not. November is Homeless Awareness Month. The staff and volunteers of the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project invite America to think about housing this holiday,” said Pat LaMarche, founder of the project.
“We can’t fix what we don’t understand. But with a little understanding, we can all work toward a solution. We hope people plan to join us — virtually or in person — at the West Lawn of the US Capitol, Dec. 21 as we spread the word about housing insecurity,” said Ms. LaMarche.
Organizers are inviting blanket makers to drop off their creations at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol Street NE in Washington DC. They can do so Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., now through Dec. 20. The church will store the blankets until the event. (More: https://memorialblanket.org/?
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is aiming for a total of at least 500 blankets (9000 square feet), contributed by participants in every state and territory, for the display on Dec. 21 with the goal of raising public awareness of people without adequate housing.
The project has participants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Volunteers in each state are being asked to make at least 100 blankets, providing ten for the Capitol Lawn display and donating another 90 or more to outreach programs in their area.
Typical blankets dimensions are 45″ x 80″ and 60″ x 80″ with a variety of fabrics, fibers, and colors.
Some states have begun to charter buses to bring participants to Washington DC for the Dec. 21 display.
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is hosted by the Charles Bruce Foundation (https://
Anyone interested in participating can sign up for their state at https://memorialblanket.org.
MORE INFORMATION
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
“Homeless Memorial Blanket Project puts a spotlight on housing insecurity”
The AFRO (Washington DC), November 6, 2022
https://afro.com/homeless-
Press release: Collection of blankets begins at a DC church in preparation for the Homeless #MemorialBlanket display on Dec. 21
October 26, 2022
https://memorialblanket.org/?
Press release: Pennsylvania housing advocate invites donations of blanket squares for the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project
September 12, 2022
https://memorialblanket.org/?
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project on Facebook (national group)
To find a state Facebook group, type Homeless Remembrance Blanket and the state’s name in Search
https://www.facebook.com/
Nonprofit Seeks Artisans Across US to Help the Unhoused
Daily Kos, February 6, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/
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Press Release
For Immediate Release
November 15, 2022
Contact: Jim Griffith createapalooza@gmail.com
Pat LaMarche epicjourney10@gmail.com
Carlisle Chamber Event to Benefit Charles Bruce Foundation Memorial Blanket Project
Local Merchant Combines Meet and Greet with Community Outreach
Thursday, November 17, 2022, at a planned mixer for the Chamber of Commerce, local proprietors, Jim and Karen Griffith, will share information about an event scheduled for the West Lawn of the US Capitol this December. The Griffiths will also provide opportunities for Chamber guests to contribute to the non-profit event.
“We’ve been amazed by the effort that is going into this national event – especially after seeing the work that went into last year’s regional event here in Carlisle,” explained Jim, who also happens to sit on the board of directors of the foundation. “I’ve participated in some of the planning. Our stores have provided a drop off site for donors supplying yarn to the volunteers making blankets for perfect strangers. It’s truly a herculean task to coordinate hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours for a one-day event.”
Chad Bruce, foundation founder who named the 501c3 charity after his late father expressed gratitude to Jim, Karen and all the staff at Create-a-Palooza, “They really get our mission. Jim’s a tireless member of the board. He helps us help others. He focuses on the arts. We’re especially excited that local superstar, Vince Yarnell, will be playing at a chamber event that highlights the work we do in the arts community.”
Create-a-Palooza will be accepting donations to help the foundation create a 9000 sq. ft. display of handmade blankets on the west lawn of the US Capitol. The event takes place on homeless memorial night – the annual event to recognize the folks who live and die on the street. “Raising awareness is so important. But it’s more than that,” added Jim, “afterward, every one of the blankets go to someone in need. I mean, this project really makes a point. On the longest night of the year, how can you forget that there’s someone living out there – in the cold? How can you? I can’t.”
More information about the Charles Bruce Foundation Memorial Blanket is available at memorialblanket.org
#####
For Immediate Release
Monday, November 28, 2022
Contact
Betsy Garrold, mainefood55@gmail.com
Pat LaMarche, Epicjourney10@gmail.com
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project Coordinators to Gather Blankets in Bangor on the 7th of December
+Homeless #MemorialBlanket Project to cover the West Lawn of the Capitol with handmade blankets: Wednesday, Dec. 21 in Washington DC +People across the US with sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting skills are contributing blankets: Find a state at https://memorialblanket.org + Facebook page with photographs and news about the project and participants: https://www.facebook.com/groups/618847109344619
BANGOR, MAINE— The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project, a nationwide effort to encourage and compile homemade blankets for distribution to unhoused individuals and families, is going to be in Bangor on December 7th gathering the blankets made by local knitters, crocheters and quilters to be donated to the project. There will be two press availabilities for Ms. LaMarche as listed below.
The blankets assembled from all over the country will be displayed on the West Lawn of the Capitol in Washington DC on Wednesday December 21st. When the display is disassembled, the blankets will be distributed to families and individuals in dire need during the winter.
Donated blankets can be dropped off at two locations in Bangor:
From 1pm to 3pm at The Cotton Cupboard Quilt Shop, 1213 Broadway, Bangor. https://cottoncupboardquilt.com/ Contact person: Evelyn Caruso.
From 4-5:30 pm at the UPS Store, 499 Broadway, Bangor. Contact person: Melissa Braley.
Pat LaMarche, founder of the project says:“I’m so excited to get home to Maine and talk with folks about their work on the project. Artisans – with an enormous talent and an equal capacity for caring – have devoted countless hours to create gifts of warmth.”
One of those artisans, Robin Pinkham of Bangor, says: “I really enjoy the creativity that comes with designing and making quilts. Knowing that someone will be kept warm with one of the quilts that I took such pleasure in creating is a really good feeling. I think that home made quilts and Afghans offer a special type of warmth because of the fact that they are made with caring hands.”
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is aiming for a total of at least 500 blankets (9000 square feet), contributed by participants in every state and territory, for the display on Dec. 21 with the goal of raising public awareness of people without adequate housing.
The project has participants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Volunteers in each state are being asked to make at least 100 blankets, providing ten for the Capitol Lawn display and donating another 90 or more to outreach programs in their area.
Typical blankets dimensions are 45″ x 80″ and 60″ x 80″ with a variety of fabrics, fibers, and colors.
Some states have begun to charter buses to bring participants to Washington DC for the Dec. 21 display.
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is hosted by the Charles Bruce Foundation (https://charlesbrucefoundation.com), which is located in central Pennsylvania. The Dec. 21 display will be an arts installation by this nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Anyone interested in participating can sign up for their state at https:// memorialblanket.org.
MORE INFORMATION
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MemorialBlanket
“Homeless Memorial Blanket Project puts a spotlight on housing insecurity” The AFRO (Washington DC), November 6, 2022
https://afro.com/homeless-memorial-blanket-project-puts-a-spotlight-on housing-insecurity/
Press release: Collection of blankets begins at a DC church in preparation for the Homeless #MemorialBlanket display on Dec. 21
October 26, 2022
https://memorialblanket.org/?page_id=896
Press release: Pennsylvania housing advocate invites donations of blanket squares for the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project
September 12, 2022
https://memorialblanket.org/?page_id=858
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project on Facebook (national group) To find a state Facebook group, type Homeless Remembrance Blanket and the state’s name in Search
https://www.facebook.com/groups/322512689587858
Nonprofit Seeks Artisans Across US to Help the Unhoused Daily Kos, February 6, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/2/6/2078926/-Nonprofit-Seeks Artisans-Across-US-to-Help-the-Unhoused
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For Immediate Release
Monday, November 28, 2022
Contact
Betsy Garrold, mainefood55@gmail.com
Pat LaMarche, Epicjourney10@gmail.com
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project Coordinators to Gather Blankets in Scarborough on the 6th of December
+Homeless #MemorialBlanket Project to cover the West Lawn of the Capitol with handmade blankets: Wednesday, Dec. 21 in Washington DC +People across the US with sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting skills are contributing blankets: Find a state at https://memorialblanket.org + Facebook page with photographs and news about the project and participants: https://www.facebook.com/groups/618847109344619
SCARBOROUGH, MAINE— The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project, a nationwide effort to encourage and compile homemade blankets for distribution to unhoused individuals and families, is going to be in Scarborough on December 6th gathering the blankets made by local knitters, crocheters and quilters to be donated to the project. The Drop Off site for southern Maine is the Wentworth School in Scarborough, 20 Quentin Drive from 8am to 10 am that morning. Pat LaMarche, the national coordinator for the event, will be available to the press during that time.
The blankets assembled from all over the country will be displayed on the West Lawn of the Capitol in Washington DC on Wednesday December 21st. When the display is disassembled, the blankets will be distributed to families and individuals in dire need during the winter.
Pat LaMarche, founder of the project says:“I’m so excited to get home to Maine and talk with folks about their work on the project. Artisans – with an enormous talent and an equal capacity for caring – have devoted countless hours to create gifts of warmth.”
One of those artisans, Christine Albert of Portland, says: “During the pandemic I saw that The Charles Bruce Foundation was asking people to
make blankets for the unhoused population in Carlisle, PA. At the time I was not able to make a blanket to donate so when the project went national this year I decided to get involved.
Housing insecurity impacts Mainers of all ages, including students I teach and have taught over the years. When basic needs like shelter are unpredictable students aren’t available for learning, instead they are worried.
I reached out to friends, family, and colleagues through social media in an effort to gather handmade blankets. The Memorial Blanket Project asks folks to donate handmade blankets for an installation on the West Lawn of the US Capitol in an effort to bring attention to housing insecurity. The Maine blankets will then be distributed to housing insecure Mainers. Handmade blankets take time, energy, commitment, and love – they give the maker an opportunity to think about people who are experiencing homelessness. We want the receivers of these blankets to know they are worth the time taken to have something beautiful created just for them, that they are loved. Mainers have responded by knitting, crocheting, and quilting the most incredible blankets. I’m so grateful to Pat LaMarche for creating this group and asking me to help.”
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is aiming for a total of at least 500 blankets (9000 square feet), contributed by participants in every state and territory, for the display on Dec. 21 with the goal of raising public awareness of people without adequate housing.
The project has participants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Volunteers in each state are being asked to make at least 100 blankets, providing ten for the Capitol Lawn display and donating another 90 or more to outreach programs in their area.
Typical blankets dimensions are 45″ x 80″ and 60″ x 80″ with a variety of fabrics, fibers, and colors.
Some states have begun to charter buses to bring participants to Washington DC for the Dec. 21 display.
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is hosted by the Charles Bruce Foundation (https://charlesbrucefoundation.com), which is located in
central Pennsylvania. The Dec. 21 display will be an arts installation by this nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Anyone interested in participating can sign up for their state at https:// memorialblanket.org.
MORE INFORMATION
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MemorialBlanket
“Homeless Memorial Blanket Project puts a spotlight on housing insecurity” The AFRO (Washington DC), November 6, 2022
https://afro.com/homeless-memorial-blanket-project-puts-a-spotlight-on housing-insecurity/
Press release: Collection of blankets begins at a DC church in preparation for the Homeless #MemorialBlanket display on Dec. 21
October 26, 2022
https://memorialblanket.org/?page_id=896
Press release: Pennsylvania housing advocate invites donations of blanket squares for the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project
September 12, 2022
https://memorialblanket.org/?page_id=858
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project on Facebook (national group) To find a state Facebook group, type Homeless Remembrance Blanket and the state’s name in Search
https://www.facebook.com/groups/322512689587858
Nonprofit Seeks Artisans Across US to Help the Unhoused Daily Kos, February 6, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/2/6/2078926/-Nonprofit-Seeks Artisans-Across-US-to-Help-the-Unhoused
~ END ~
For Immediate Release
Monday, December 5, 2022
Contact
Scott McLarty, scott@memorialblanket.org
Pat LaMarche, Epicjourney10@gmail.com
Washington National Cathedral will host a rehearsal on Dec. 14 for the Homeless #MemorialBlanket Project display on the West Lawn of the Capitol in Washington DC on Dec. 21
• Time: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 12 to 3 pm
Address: 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC
Rehearsal and collection point page: https://www.facebook.com/
• People across the US with sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting skills are contributing blankets: Find a state at https://memorialblanket.org
• Facebook page with photographs and news about the project and participants: https://www.facebook.com/
WASHINGTON, DC — The Washington National Cathedral will host a rehearsal on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 12 noon to 3:00 pm, for the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project’s display of handmade blankets and quilts on Wednesday, Dec. 21. The rehearsal is open to the public and press.
The National Cathedral will also serve as a collection point for the blankets and quilts, which will be distributed to families and individuals in dire need during the winter when the display is disassembled after Dec. 21.
“It’s thrilling to have the National Cathedral involved in our project,” said Pat LaMarche, founder of the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project. “The Cathedral isn’t just a symbol of ecumenical unity. It’s also proof that great things happen after decades of determination.”
“Our nation has turned to this space to memorialize important events ever since the first stone was placed in 1907. Housing advocates all across the nation have likewise dedicated decades to ending homelessness,” said Ms. LaMarche.
The National Cathedral, a landmark in the nation’s capital, is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese in Washington. The address is 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue in Washington DC. The display rehearsal will take place in the cathedral’s courtyard.
Blanket makers unable drop off their blankets at the rehearsal are still able to leave their creations at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol Street NE in Washington DC. They can do so Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., now through Dec. 20. The church will store the blankets until the event. (More: https://memorialblanket.org/?
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is aiming for a total of at least 500 blankets (9000 square feet), contributed by participants in every state and territory, for the display on Dec. 21 with the goal of raising public awareness of people without adequate housing.
The project has participants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Volunteers in each state are being asked to make at least 100 blankets, providing ten for the Capitol Lawn display and donating another 90 or more to outreach programs in their area.
Typical blankets dimensions are 45″ x 80″ and 60″ x 80″ with a variety of fabrics, fibers, and colors.
Some states have begun to charter buses to bring participants to Washington DC for the Dec. 21 display.
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is hosted by the Charles Bruce Foundation (https://
Anyone interested in participating can sign up for their state at https://memorialblanket.org.
MORE INFORMATION
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
“Homeless Memorial Blanket Project puts a spotlight on housing insecurity”
The AFRO (Washington DC), November 6, 2022
https://afro.com/homeless-
Utah schoolkids prepare quilts for the Homeless #MemorialBlanket Project display
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Press release, Nov. 30, 2022: https://memorialblanket.org/?
Press release: Collection of blankets begins at a DC church in preparation for the Homeless #MemorialBlanket display on Dec. 21
October 26, 2022
https://memorialblanket.org/?
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project on Facebook (national group)
To find a state Facebook group, type Homeless Remembrance Blanket and the state’s name in Search
https://www.facebook.com/
Nonprofit Seeks Artisans Across US to Help the Unhoused
Daily Kos, February 6, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/
~ END ~
Press Advisory
For Immediate Release
Contact: Pat LaMarche
epicjourney10@gmail.com
11 December 2022
Blankets Created for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Presented to #Memorialblanket
Handmade gifts for Vets Will Journey to Nation’s Capital to Raise Awareness
Tuesday, December 13th at 11 a.m., the Lebanon County Commission to End Homelessness will present organizers of the Memorial Blanket project with military themed blankets that will journey with hundreds of other Pennsylvania blankets to join the national homeless awareness event at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on December 21st, 2022.
The presentation will take place at the Community Club – located at Arrowheads Bar and Grill, 9-65 Fisher Avenue, Annville, Pa.
The Memorial Blanket event in DC, coincides with Homeless Remembrance night, in an effort to amplify the voices of those who experience homelessness as well as those who advocate for folks experiencing housing insecurity.
Presentations and comments will be made by Jo Garvin, of Veterans for Valor; Lebanon County Coalition to End Homelessness staff; as well as representatives of the PADMVA – Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
#####
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Contact
Scott McLarty, scott@memorialblanket.org
Pat LaMarche, Epicjourney10@gmail.com
Dec. 21: 1,000 handmade blankets for the Homeless #MemorialBlanket Project on display on the West Lawn of the Capitol in DC
When: Noon to 9 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 21
Where: West Lawn of the Capitol in Washington DC
What: 1,000 creative and colorful handmade blankets laid out on the lawn, organized by the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project
• The crocheted, knitted, and quilted blankets have been donated by blanket makers in every state and territory in the US, many of whom will be at the display.
• After the display, the blankets will be distributed to families and individuals in dire need during the winter.
• Blanket makers call on Congress to provide housing for people experiencing homelessness.
• News media and photographers invited
MORE INFORMATION
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project
https://memorialblanket.org
Press release: December 19, 2022
https://memorialblanket.org/?
Facebook page with photos and videos
https://www.facebook.com/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/
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