Frequently-asked Questions
Style/Type of Blanket?
We accept 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 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, 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, zippers or buttons. All blankets should be machine washable and dryable.
I don't know how to sew, knit or crochet. Can I still make a blanket?
Yes, just click here to get step-by-step directions for making a "no-sew" fleece blanket. Anyone can make a fleece blanket in approximately 40 minutes. You can sponsor our “no-sew” blanket kit for only $10! All you need is a pair of scissors.
Yes, just click here to get step-by-step directions for making a "no-sew" fleece blanket. Anyone can make a fleece blanket in approximately 40 minutes. You can sponsor our “no-sew” blanket kit for only $10! All you need is a pair of scissors.
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.
When you or your group want to make fleece blankets, you order blanket kits. You can go to our Blanket Making Kit webpage and place an order with your credit card. You can also order by email (info@myveryownblanket.org) and pay with check, cash or credit card at the time of pick up.
You can also make a donation to sponsor a fleece blanket that will be made by someone else. Blankets are taken into assisted living facilities for seniors to make, as well as 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.
When you or your group want to make fleece blankets, you order blanket kits. You can go to our Blanket Making Kit webpage and place an order with your credit card. You can also order by email (info@myveryownblanket.org) and pay with check, cash or credit card at the time of pick up.
You can also make a donation to sponsor a fleece blanket that will be made by someone else. Blankets are taken into assisted living facilities for seniors to make, as well as adult day care centers, helping them feel valued and comforted.
Do I need to schedule a time to pick up the blanket kits?
If you are sponsoring fewer than 20 blankets, you can stop by the workshop anytime Monday – Friday, 9 am to Noon at 407 W. Main St., Westerville, Ohio 43081. We ask sponsors of 20 or more blankets to please email info@myveryownblanket.org with your order and a pickup date, and we will get all the materials ready for you!
If you are sponsoring fewer than 20 blankets, you can stop by the workshop anytime Monday – Friday, 9 am to Noon at 407 W. Main St., Westerville, Ohio 43081. We ask sponsors of 20 or more blankets to please email info@myveryownblanket.org with your order and a pickup date, and we will get all the materials ready for you!
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.
Where are blankets delivered?
We send blankets to our partners in State Child Protective Services and private children’s 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 children’s 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.
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.
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 Angel Coordinators”! All we ask is that you make the blankets appropriate for children and you keep them in your area to take care of the children in foster care near you! You simply begin by hand making blankets, and 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 Angel Coordinators”! All we ask is that you make the blankets appropriate for children and you keep them in your area to take care of the children in foster care near you! You simply begin by hand making blankets, and 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!
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.
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. Here are some suggestions of organizations that do accept those kinds of donations. Please contact them directly.
Prisons that accept sewing machines
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. Here are some suggestions of organizations that do accept those kinds of donations. Please contact them directly.
Prisons that accept sewing machines
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