Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
“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 all ages of children -- 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 all ages of children -- 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 lodging to 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 lodging to 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
Do you accept donations of sewing machines or material?
We DO accept donations of YARN as we have volunteers who will accept that quickly to start making blankets!
At this time we are unable to accept in-kind donations of sewing machines or material.
Below are some organizations that do accept those kinds of donations. Please contact them directly.
You may donate sewing machines to:
Pickaway Correctional Institution, Orient
Staff Contact: Pam Braddy
pam.braddy@odrc.state.oh.us
Ohio Reformatory for Women, Marysville
Staff Contact: Rebecca Dowling
rebecca.dowling@odrc.state.oh.us
Dayton Correctional Institution
Staff Contact: Angie Bush
angela.bush@odrc.state.oh.us
These organizations accept fabric donations:
Stitching Sisters – making quilts for cancer patients
www.glester111.wixsite.com/jamesstitchingsister
Joanne Lester
Westerville, Ohio
stitchingsistersohio@gmail.com
Snuggled in Hope Quilts - making quilts for seriously ill kids who attend Flying Horse Camp
www.snuggledinhopequilts.com
Mt. Gilead, Ohio
Penny Reeve
419-560-3287
Share – Taking responsibility together – making sleeping bags for homeless people
Donna Imel
Delaware, Ohio
donna@shareyourbest.org
We DO accept donations of YARN as we have volunteers who will accept that quickly to start making blankets!
At this time we are unable to accept in-kind donations of sewing machines or material.
Below are some organizations that do accept those kinds of donations. Please contact them directly.
You may donate sewing machines to:
Pickaway Correctional Institution, Orient
Staff Contact: Pam Braddy
pam.braddy@odrc.state.oh.us
Ohio Reformatory for Women, Marysville
Staff Contact: Rebecca Dowling
rebecca.dowling@odrc.state.oh.us
Dayton Correctional Institution
Staff Contact: Angie Bush
angela.bush@odrc.state.oh.us
These organizations accept fabric donations:
Stitching Sisters – making quilts for cancer patients
www.glester111.wixsite.com/jamesstitchingsister
Joanne Lester
Westerville, Ohio
stitchingsistersohio@gmail.com
Snuggled in Hope Quilts - making quilts for seriously ill kids who attend Flying Horse Camp
www.snuggledinhopequilts.com
Mt. Gilead, Ohio
Penny Reeve
419-560-3287
Share – Taking responsibility together – making sleeping bags for homeless people
Donna Imel
Delaware, Ohio
donna@shareyourbest.org
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 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 to send a message of love and encouragement with every blanket you donate
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. The shipping charge is $2.95 each for 1 - 4 kits. We offer a free shipping option for 5 or more kits.
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. The shipping charge is $2.95 each for 1 - 4 kits. We offer a free shipping option for 5 or more kits.
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.
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.
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 one 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.
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 one 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.
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.
We also partner with My Comfy Kits (a program of Orphan World Relief), Comfort Cases and My Stuff Bags. 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.
We also partner with My Comfy Kits (a program of Orphan World Relief), Comfort Cases and My Stuff Bags. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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. The workshop is also open some evenings and Saturday mornings for blanket-making events sponsored by a Central Ohio MeetUp group called Meet-2-Eat. Click here for more information, signups, and to see upcoming dates. You are welcome to join any of the workshops that the group is hosting.
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. The workshop is also open some evenings and Saturday mornings for blanket-making events sponsored by a Central Ohio MeetUp group called Meet-2-Eat. Click here for more information, signups, and to see upcoming dates. You are welcome to join any of the workshops that the group is hosting.
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
Individual Volunteers in the Blanket Workshop
We are always glad to have a new volunteer in our workshop. You are welcome any morning, Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. to Noon. Workshop volunteers do a variety of tasks: check in new donations, sew tags on completed blankets, cut selvedges off of lengths of fleece, cut fringe, sort and pack completed blankets for shipping, cut and press material for tags. You can spend one hour once a week or as many hours as you wish. There is always something to do.
Volunteering from Home
You can work from home and drop off finished blankets to us. If you are interested in joining a “local volunteer” list, we sometimes have special projects that volunteers can do at home.
Event Volunteers
From time to time, we also need volunteers to assist at blanket-making or fundraising events. Our volunteers staff the tables to help people making fleece blankets or answer questions. Sign up for our newsletters to be notified of times and locations!
We are always glad to have a new volunteer in our workshop. You are welcome any morning, Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. to Noon. Workshop volunteers do a variety of tasks: check in new donations, sew tags on completed blankets, cut selvedges off of lengths of fleece, cut fringe, sort and pack completed blankets for shipping, cut and press material for tags. You can spend one hour once a week or as many hours as you wish. There is always something to do.
Volunteering from Home
You can work from home and drop off finished blankets to us. If you are interested in joining a “local volunteer” list, we sometimes have special projects that volunteers can do at home.
Event Volunteers
From time to time, we also need volunteers to assist at blanket-making or fundraising events. Our volunteers staff the tables to help people making fleece blankets or answer questions. Sign up for our newsletters to be notified of times and locations!
I don’t live in Central Ohio. Can I contribute to My Very Own Blanket?
We would be very pleased to count you as one of our “blanket angels," no matter where you live. All we ask is that you make blankets appropriate for children and keep them in your area to take care of the children in foster care near you! We will send you our special tags that you can attach to your completed blankets. You will then be ready to contact your local Child Protective Service agencies, and you can donate your blankets directly to them!
We would be very pleased to count you as one of our “blanket angels," no matter where you live. All we ask is that you make blankets appropriate for children and keep them in your area to take care of the children in foster care near you! We will send you our special tags that you can attach to your completed blankets. You will then be ready to contact your local Child Protective Service agencies, and you can donate your blankets directly to them!
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.
Quilt Show at Westerville Recreation Center. Each Spring and Fall we offer for purchase a selection of beautiful quilts made by our supporters. Watch our newsletters, Facebook page and website for the dates and choose a quilt or two for yourself or for a gift.
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. Click here to visit our Donate page. These blankets will get into the hands of our senior generation in assisted living facilities or a disabled adult at an adult day care.
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.
Quilt Show at Westerville Recreation Center. Each Spring and Fall we offer for purchase a selection of beautiful quilts made by our supporters. Watch our newsletters, Facebook page and website for the dates and choose a quilt or two for yourself or for a gift.
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. Click here to visit our Donate page. 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 provide a zip-top bag like the one pictured where you, your children, social group, co-workers or classmates can collect spare change that you can donate to MVOB.
Give While You Shop.
Amazon Smile. Purchase with purpose. Amazon donates to My Very Own Blanket when you shop at smile.amazon.com.
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!