SPANISH FORT, Ala.—For many children a blanket isn’t just an object used to keep warm; it’s something that gives them a sense of security.

Saturday is Project Linus Community Quiltmaking Day and Spanish Fort residents are invited to come quilt for a cause.

Project Linus is a national, nonprofit organization with a mission to provide blankets for traumatized or seriously ill children.

The project got its name from the famous “Peanuts” cartoon-strip character, Linus, who always kept his security blanket close by.

Volunteers will gather at Spanish Fort High School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room 222 to assemble quilts, blankets and afhgans for children in area hospitals.

Joni Ojard, Spanish Fort High School family and consumer sciences teacher, said supplies for quiltmaking are running low. Donations are accepted year-round for materials for Project Linus, especially quilt batting. About 2-yard sheets of fabric are needed, too. Fabric should be 100 percent cotton with kid-friendly patterns. Quilts are donated to children from infancy through teen.

Ojard said if anyone wants to help provide a blanket for a sick child they can leave finished blankets at Spanish Fort High School and she will distribute them. Premade blankets should be made from new materials in a smoke-free home, Ojard said.

“Comfort quilts are a way for us to bring joy to children and families who are going through difficult times,” Ojard said. “It is a way for community volunteers to work together on a common cause.”

Ojard started Project Linus in Spanish Fort 10 years ago with the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America program at Spanish Fort Middle School.

In the 10 years Ojard has participated, more than 500 quilts have been made in Spanish Fort for Project Linus.

“If you have experience sewing it’s a great day to be here,” Ojard said. “We have great volunteers.”

For each community day making quilts, Ojard said about 50 quilts are produced during each session.

“We always try to break our own records and set a new goal at the beginning of the morning,” Ojard said.

Some volunteers will sew,   while others will pin, stuff and iron the fabric. The process is done in an assembly line, Ojard said.

Blankets have been donated to the pediatric department at Mercy Medical, Thomas Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House. Blankets are donated throughout the year as the need arises, Ojard said.

Interested in participating in Project Linus Community Day? Contact Ojard at 251-621-6629 ext. 1221 or e-mail jojard@bcbe.org to register.