Accepted Donations
Style/Type of Blanket?
We accept new blankets that are sewn with material (cotton, flannel, fleece and other materials appropriate for a child), yarn blankets that are knitted or crocheted and “no-sew” fleece blankets. Please do not attach anything to your blankets such as buttons that could be a choking hazard, or ribbons, strings or other items that are more than 4" long.
We accept new blankets that are sewn with material (cotton, flannel, fleece and other materials appropriate for a child), yarn blankets that are knitted or crocheted and “no-sew” fleece blankets. Please do not attach anything to your blankets such as buttons that could be a choking hazard, or ribbons, strings or other items that are more than 4" long.
“No-Sew" Fleece Blankets
Our “no-sew” fleece blankets are made from a 1.5-yard length of fleece.
Caseworkers have expressed a preference for single layer fleece blankets. Due to the size and weight of double layer blankets, they are limited to giving them to older children. Single layer blankets can be given to toddlers on up to teenage youth and fit nicely in a brand new backpack or duffle bag.
Our “no-sew” fleece blankets are made from a 1.5-yard length of fleece.
Caseworkers have expressed a preference for single layer fleece blankets. Due to the size and weight of double layer blankets, they are limited to giving them to older children. Single layer blankets can be given to toddlers on up to teenage youth and fit nicely in a brand new backpack or duffle bag.
Blanket Size?
Our blankets are given to children and youth of all ages -- infants up to teenage youth. Approximate dimensions: 36” x 36” (small), 40” x 50-60” (medium), 60” x 80” (large). These measurements are suggestions and can vary.
Our blankets are given to children and youth of all ages -- infants up to teenage youth. Approximate dimensions: 36” x 36” (small), 40” x 50-60” (medium), 60” x 80” (large). These measurements are suggestions and can vary.
Colors? Patterns? Themes?
All colors, themes and patterns appropriate for children & youth are acceptable. We do ask that you avoid themes related to violence or war (guns, knives, soldiers, etc.), drugs/alcohol, or logos/images related to causes (such as cancer ribbons).
Blankets should not have any embellishments such as pockets, beads, zippers or buttons. All blankets should be machine washable and dryable.
All colors, themes and patterns appropriate for children & youth are acceptable. We do ask that you avoid themes related to violence or war (guns, knives, soldiers, etc.), drugs/alcohol, or logos/images related to causes (such as cancer ribbons).
Blankets should not have any embellishments such as pockets, beads, zippers or buttons. All blankets should be machine washable and dryable.
Do you accept monetary donations?
We do accept monetary donations by sending a check or by credit card on our website. All proceeds go toward support of our operating costs, from the housing to the logistics of our mission of warming the heart of every child in the foster care system. You can make a one-time gift of any amount or a recurring donation. Donate
We do accept monetary donations by sending a check or by credit card on our website. All proceeds go toward support of our operating costs, from the housing to the logistics of our mission of warming the heart of every child in the foster care system. You can make a one-time gift of any amount or a recurring donation. Donate
"No-Sew" Fleece Blanket Kits
Can I make a blanket if I don't know how to sew, knit or crochet?
Yes! We offer blanket kits ($10 each) that allow anyone to get involved and make a blanket in about 40 minutes. Each kit provides step-by-step instructions on how to make and personalize a "no-sew" blanket as well as all of the blanket materials prepped and ready. All you need is a pair of scissors.
Each blanket kit includes:
• Patterned fleece to make one blanket
• "No-sew" blanket instructions
• Fringe cutting template
• Special tag attached to the blanket to send a message of love and encouragement with every blanket you donate
Yes! We offer blanket kits ($10 each) that allow anyone to get involved and make a blanket in about 40 minutes. Each kit provides step-by-step instructions on how to make and personalize a "no-sew" blanket as well as all of the blanket materials prepped and ready. All you need is a pair of scissors.
Each blanket kit includes:
• Patterned fleece to make one blanket
• "No-sew" blanket instructions
• Fringe cutting template
• Special tag attached to the blanket to send a message of love and encouragement with every blanket you donate
Things to avoid when making a fleece blanket
The photos below illustrate (left) a blanket kit ready to be fringed and tied and (right) a completed blanket with several problems that we ask Blanket Angels to avoid:
The photos below illustrate (left) a blanket kit ready to be fringed and tied and (right) a completed blanket with several problems that we ask Blanket Angels to avoid:
- fringe cut on all four blanket sides, resulting in...
- fringe cut into the pre-attached tag
- fringe pieces that are tied together, resulting in a blanket that will not lie flat
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What does it mean to sponsor a blanket?
Sponsoring a blanket means that you are making a donation ($10 for one blanket kit) that will support the creation of one “no-sew” fleece blanket. Your donation helps to pay for the fabric, for us to make and give out the special tags and helps cover other expenses involved in our mission and ministry. The blanket can be for you or your group to make, or you can make a donation to sponsor a blanket that someone else will make. Blankets are taken to assisted living facilities for seniors to make and to adult day care centers, helping them feel valued and comforted.
Sponsoring a blanket means that you are making a donation ($10 for one blanket kit) that will support the creation of one “no-sew” fleece blanket. Your donation helps to pay for the fabric, for us to make and give out the special tags and helps cover other expenses involved in our mission and ministry. The blanket can be for you or your group to make, or you can make a donation to sponsor a blanket that someone else will make. Blankets are taken to assisted living facilities for seniors to make and to adult day care centers, helping them feel valued and comforted.
How do I order a blanket kit?
You can order a blanket kit three different ways:
You can order a blanket kit three different ways:
- Place an order on our Make a Blanket webpage with your credit card.
- Send order request by email (info@myveryownblanket.org) and pay with check, cash or credit card at the time of pick up.
- Visit our workshop during our business hours (M - F, 9 am - Noon)
How do I pick up a blanket kit?
Once you have placed a blanket kit order, you can pick up your kit(s) any time during regular workshop hours, Monday – Friday, 9 am to Noon, at 407 W. Main St., Westerville, Ohio 43081. If you wish, you can also schedule a specific pickup time during those hours when you order online.
If you have ordered more than 20 kits, please let us know when you want to pick them up. You can choose a date/time during the online order process or let us know by email (info@myveryownblanket.org), and we will get all the materials ready for you!
Once you have placed a blanket kit order, you can pick up your kit(s) any time during regular workshop hours, Monday – Friday, 9 am to Noon, at 407 W. Main St., Westerville, Ohio 43081. If you wish, you can also schedule a specific pickup time during those hours when you order online.
If you have ordered more than 20 kits, please let us know when you want to pick them up. You can choose a date/time during the online order process or let us know by email (info@myveryownblanket.org), and we will get all the materials ready for you!
How do I receive kits if I live out of the Central Ohio area?
We can ship blanket kits to you if you cannot pick them up. You can request shipping when you order online or when you order by email. Blankets kits are shipped free of charge thanks to the generosity of our shipping partners, Ohio Health Community Plan.
We can ship blanket kits to you if you cannot pick them up. You can request shipping when you order online or when you order by email. Blankets kits are shipped free of charge thanks to the generosity of our shipping partners, Ohio Health Community Plan.
When can I drop off finished blankets?
We are open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to Noon; you can stop by any time during those hours. If those hours are not convenient, you can also drop blankets off in one of the bins outside our workshop at 407 W. Main St., Westerville.
If you do not live near our workshop, we encourage you to donate your blankets directly to an agency in your area that helps children in foster care. We have made contact with at least one agency in each state in the U.S. AGENCY LIST
If the agency in your state is too far from your home, please let us know at info@myveryownblanket.org. We will help you find a closer location.
We are open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to Noon; you can stop by any time during those hours. If those hours are not convenient, you can also drop blankets off in one of the bins outside our workshop at 407 W. Main St., Westerville.
If you do not live near our workshop, we encourage you to donate your blankets directly to an agency in your area that helps children in foster care. We have made contact with at least one agency in each state in the U.S. AGENCY LIST
If the agency in your state is too far from your home, please let us know at info@myveryownblanket.org. We will help you find a closer location.
What are the special tags?
We created special tags for the blanket angels to write their own first name (and a brief positive message if they wish) on the tag, showing the child who receives the blanket that someone did indeed make this just for them! You can see some examples below. You will receive a tag as part of a blanket kit. You can also pick up tags from our workshop, or we can send them to you.
Blanket Angels, be sure to write your name on the SECOND line on the tag and your message at the bottom of the tag. Please leave the TOP line blank so there is room for the child who receives the blanket to write their name. Thanks!
More about our special tags
We created special tags for the blanket angels to write their own first name (and a brief positive message if they wish) on the tag, showing the child who receives the blanket that someone did indeed make this just for them! You can see some examples below. You will receive a tag as part of a blanket kit. You can also pick up tags from our workshop, or we can send them to you.
Blanket Angels, be sure to write your name on the SECOND line on the tag and your message at the bottom of the tag. Please leave the TOP line blank so there is room for the child who receives the blanket to write their name. Thanks!
More about our special tags
If you are able to sew on the tags, they are sewn on a corner of the back of the blanket as shown in the photo. You can use a running zigzag stitch or a straight stitch. In our workshop, we use invisible thread in the bobbin and white on top so that thread doesn't have to be changed to match different blankets. However, you can use whatever color thread is appropriate.
We also have volunteers in our workshop who attach tags to completed blankets. Just tuck the completed tag into the finished folded blanket, and we'll take it from there!
We also have volunteers in our workshop who attach tags to completed blankets. Just tuck the completed tag into the finished folded blanket, and we'll take it from there!
Delivering blankets to children in foster care
Where are blankets delivered?
We send blankets to our partners in State Child Protective Services and private agencies providing a home and safety to children in foster care. Social workers distribute the blankets to children who are removed from their homes.
Sometimes, blankets are made by volunteers in other states, and we send them our special tags. These can be individual blanket angels, groups or organizations. These volunteers connect with Child Protective Service agencies in their areas and donate the blankets directly to them.
If you do not live near our workshop, we encourage you to donate your blankets directly to an agency in your area that helps children in foster care. We have made contact with at least one agency in each state in the U.S. AGENCY LIST
If the agency in your state is too far from your home, please let us know at info@myveryownblanket.org. We will do our best to help you find a closer location.
We also partner with My Comfy Kits (a program of Orphan World Relief), Comfort Cases, My Stuff Bags and Stitched Together. These non-profit organizations provide children and youth in foster children with backpacks or duffel bags filled with personal care items, books or toys, clothing – and our blanket. These bags are often the only possessions a foster child owns and can keep on their journey through the foster care system.
We send blankets to our partners in State Child Protective Services and private agencies providing a home and safety to children in foster care. Social workers distribute the blankets to children who are removed from their homes.
Sometimes, blankets are made by volunteers in other states, and we send them our special tags. These can be individual blanket angels, groups or organizations. These volunteers connect with Child Protective Service agencies in their areas and donate the blankets directly to them.
If you do not live near our workshop, we encourage you to donate your blankets directly to an agency in your area that helps children in foster care. We have made contact with at least one agency in each state in the U.S. AGENCY LIST
If the agency in your state is too far from your home, please let us know at info@myveryownblanket.org. We will do our best to help you find a closer location.
We also partner with My Comfy Kits (a program of Orphan World Relief), Comfort Cases, My Stuff Bags and Stitched Together. These non-profit organizations provide children and youth in foster children with backpacks or duffel bags filled with personal care items, books or toys, clothing – and our blanket. These bags are often the only possessions a foster child owns and can keep on their journey through the foster care system.
Blanket-making events
I am interested in hosting a blanket-making event. What do I need to know?
A blanket-making event is a great way to get families, friends, work colleagues, social groups, Scout troops – just about any group – involved together making our “no-sew” fleece blankets, no matter where you live.
You will need to select a date and a location with enough flat work surfaces for your group to work on their blankets, and you will need to gather a pair of scissors for each group member.
If you live within 30 miles of Westerville, Ohio . . .
We offer in our workshop all the supplies needed to complete your blankets. We have fleece in numerous colors, styles and different prints (all age appropriate) for only $10 each blanket. You can choose your own fleece, or we can pre-select a variety for you. Each fleece kit includes the material ready to cut and fringe, the fringe cutting template, the special tag ensuring the blanket will stay with the child when they move from placement to placement, the packaging and shipping we provide so that blankets reach children in foster care and the opportunity to be a part of our ministry. Everything will be ready for you to pick up so that you are in and out of the Blanket Workshop, ready for your blanket making party, in less than 15 minutes. Below is our graphic illustrating the process.
A blanket-making event is a great way to get families, friends, work colleagues, social groups, Scout troops – just about any group – involved together making our “no-sew” fleece blankets, no matter where you live.
You will need to select a date and a location with enough flat work surfaces for your group to work on their blankets, and you will need to gather a pair of scissors for each group member.
If you live within 30 miles of Westerville, Ohio . . .
We offer in our workshop all the supplies needed to complete your blankets. We have fleece in numerous colors, styles and different prints (all age appropriate) for only $10 each blanket. You can choose your own fleece, or we can pre-select a variety for you. Each fleece kit includes the material ready to cut and fringe, the fringe cutting template, the special tag ensuring the blanket will stay with the child when they move from placement to placement, the packaging and shipping we provide so that blankets reach children in foster care and the opportunity to be a part of our ministry. Everything will be ready for you to pick up so that you are in and out of the Blanket Workshop, ready for your blanket making party, in less than 15 minutes. Below is our graphic illustrating the process.
If you live more than 30 miles from Westerville, Ohio
The blanket-making event process is a little different if you don't live within driving distance of our workshop.
You can order from our website fleece blanket kits that include all the supplies needed to complete your blankets. We have fleece in numerous colors, styles and different prints (all age appropriate) for only $10 each blanket. Just tell us how many blankets you want to make, and we will select a variety of fleece for you.
Each fleece kit includes the material ready to cut and fringe, the fringe cutting template, the special tag ensuring the blanket will stay with the child when they move from placement to placement, the packaging and shipping we provide so that blankets reach children in foster care and the opportunity to be a part of our ministry.
Your blanket kits will be shipped to you at no additional cost thanks to the generosity of our corporate partner, United Health Care Community Plan.
Rather than shipping completed blankets to us, we encourage you to donate them to a children's service or foster care agency in your area. If you need help finding an organization that can use your blankets, please let us know. We have contacts with at least one agency in every state in the U.S.
Graphic illustrating the blanket event process for those who don't live in Central Ohio.
The blanket-making event process is a little different if you don't live within driving distance of our workshop.
You can order from our website fleece blanket kits that include all the supplies needed to complete your blankets. We have fleece in numerous colors, styles and different prints (all age appropriate) for only $10 each blanket. Just tell us how many blankets you want to make, and we will select a variety of fleece for you.
Each fleece kit includes the material ready to cut and fringe, the fringe cutting template, the special tag ensuring the blanket will stay with the child when they move from placement to placement, the packaging and shipping we provide so that blankets reach children in foster care and the opportunity to be a part of our ministry.
Your blanket kits will be shipped to you at no additional cost thanks to the generosity of our corporate partner, United Health Care Community Plan.
Rather than shipping completed blankets to us, we encourage you to donate them to a children's service or foster care agency in your area. If you need help finding an organization that can use your blankets, please let us know. We have contacts with at least one agency in every state in the U.S.
Graphic illustrating the blanket event process for those who don't live in Central Ohio.
Do you have promotional material or videos I can show to my group?
My TEDx talk is just under 5 minutes and tells one way how a child comes into care through the school system and the next part shares how I founded MVOB 19 years ago!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Fy5xJ4FdXs
MVOB and some of our faithful Blanket Angels were featured on NBC4 News in Columbus. Don't miss this great story!
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/my-very-own-blanket-in-westerville-produces-more-than-expected/
The Story of My Very Own Blanket. This is a great way to introduce volunteers to MVOB. The video (about 6 minutes) shows how MVOB started, why we do what we do, and the many ways that volunteers get involved. (No sound but lots of great photos)
Channel 4 news with Rick Reitzel, Colleen Marshall and Mike Jackson. Again about 1 minute!
https://www.facebook.com/NBC4Columbus/videos/10154985782607751/
Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/myveryownblanket) for news and photos of blanket makers, new blankets and events.
My TEDx talk is just under 5 minutes and tells one way how a child comes into care through the school system and the next part shares how I founded MVOB 19 years ago!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Fy5xJ4FdXs
MVOB and some of our faithful Blanket Angels were featured on NBC4 News in Columbus. Don't miss this great story!
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/my-very-own-blanket-in-westerville-produces-more-than-expected/
The Story of My Very Own Blanket. This is a great way to introduce volunteers to MVOB. The video (about 6 minutes) shows how MVOB started, why we do what we do, and the many ways that volunteers get involved. (No sound but lots of great photos)
Channel 4 news with Rick Reitzel, Colleen Marshall and Mike Jackson. Again about 1 minute!
https://www.facebook.com/NBC4Columbus/videos/10154985782607751/
Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/myveryownblanket) for news and photos of blanket makers, new blankets and events.
My group/family would like to schedule a time to come to your workshop and make some blankets. When can we do that?
We welcome volunteers Monday thru Friday mornings, 9:00 to Noon. If you have more than 5 people in your group, it’s best to call (614) 530-3327 to let us know you’re coming so we’re sure to have room for you to work.
We welcome volunteers Monday thru Friday mornings, 9:00 to Noon. If you have more than 5 people in your group, it’s best to call (614) 530-3327 to let us know you’re coming so we’re sure to have room for you to work.
I have photos of our group making blankets. Can you use them?
Yes, we would love to share them. We like to post photos on Facebook to thank our blanket angels for your donation. Please be aware that by sharing your photos with us you are giving your permission to use them on Facebook, our website, newsletter or in other promotional material. Individuals will be identified by first name only, if available. Please send your photos to socialmedia@myveryownblanket.org.
Yes, we would love to share them. We like to post photos on Facebook to thank our blanket angels for your donation. Please be aware that by sharing your photos with us you are giving your permission to use them on Facebook, our website, newsletter or in other promotional material. Individuals will be identified by first name only, if available. Please send your photos to socialmedia@myveryownblanket.org.
Other ways to get involved
I can’t make blankets right now. Can I get involved in other fundraising ways?
Yes. Although MVOB relies almost entirely on volunteers to carry out our mission, we do have operating expenses that must be covered. Financial donations are vital to meeting these costs. You can contribute in a number of ways.
Online quilt auctions. Several times a year, we sponsor online auctions of quilts and other handmade items. Join our mailing list to receive news of upcoming auctions in our newsletters, or check our website for auction dates and photos of the quilts.
Yes. Although MVOB relies almost entirely on volunteers to carry out our mission, we do have operating expenses that must be covered. Financial donations are vital to meeting these costs. You can contribute in a number of ways.
Online quilt auctions. Several times a year, we sponsor online auctions of quilts and other handmade items. Join our mailing list to receive news of upcoming auctions in our newsletters, or check our website for auction dates and photos of the quilts.
Sponsor a Blanket. You can make a donation by sending a check or by credit card on our website. A gift can be as modest as $10 to sponsor one blanket, a one-time gift of any amount, or a recurring donation. Donate here. These blankets will get into the hands of our senior generation in assisted living facilities or a disabled adult at an adult day care.
Coins for Kids in Care Bags. An easy way to make a big difference is our Coins for Kids in Care bags. We offer zip-top bags like the one pictured for just $.10 each. You, your children, social group, co-workers or classmates can collect spare change that you can donate to MVOB.
Purchase bags here
Give While You Shop
Amazon Smile. Purchase with purpose. Amazon donates to My Very Own Blanket when you shop at smile.amazon.com.
Coins for Kids in Care Bags. An easy way to make a big difference is our Coins for Kids in Care bags. We offer zip-top bags like the one pictured for just $.10 each. You, your children, social group, co-workers or classmates can collect spare change that you can donate to MVOB.
Purchase bags here
Give While You Shop
Amazon Smile. Purchase with purpose. Amazon donates to My Very Own Blanket when you shop at smile.amazon.com.
Kroger Community Rewards. You can earn donations for My Very Own Blanket just by shopping at Kroger using your Plus Card. Learn how to enroll here. MVOB account number: CG546.
Employer Programs
Businesses and corporations offer employee programs to community non-profits when their employees donate funds or volunteer time. Check with your employer to see if you can participate!
Employer Programs
Businesses and corporations offer employee programs to community non-profits when their employees donate funds or volunteer time. Check with your employer to see if you can participate!