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Review Photo/Zach Wittig Minerva chapter volunteers of Binky Patrol show the latest Binkies they have been working on. Their donation will help support the Stark County Foster Care System. Volunteers are: (Front from left) Truus Monhemius, Vicki Griffith, Brandy Miller, daughter Brianna Miller on her lap.(Back from left) Marjorie Warrick, Jennifer McNutt, Jane tuttle, Jerrie Smith and Tanya Baker.

Where'd you get that 'Binky?'
By LAURAN LINDQUIST
The Review

Linus in Charles Schulz�s Peanuts cartoon had the right idea. He carried around a blanket for comfort. It was his very own safe, secure guarantee when all else failed. Binky Patrol agrees. �Giving something tangible to them� Brandy Miller, area coordinator of Binky Patrol, says about their blankets and children in need. �Something to call their own.� Binky Patrol is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide handmade blankets to children who are in need of comfort. Children who have AIDS or other life threatening or terminal illnesses, victims of abuse, those in foster care or homeless shelters, or children who are experiencing any kind of trauma. Binky Patrol also tries to raise local awareness as to the needs of these children and their families.

With a desire to help local children and a need for something to keep her busy after moving to Minerva in November, Miller checked on the Internet and came across Binky Patrol. Her family moved to the area when her husband Mark, a Marine, was transferred. They have a one-year-old daughter Brianna. The history of Binky Patrol began with Susan Jenkins from Laguna Beach, Calif. She was at a point in her life with major personal and professional changes. Her love of children, quilts and fabric and a feeling of a need to help children brought the concept of Binky Patrol to life. In May of 1996, she posted a sign-up sheet outside her retail office. Five women signed up to make blankets to give to needy children. Jenkins then placed a small article in a local paper. The article led to a mention on �The Oprah Winfrey Show.�

Over 700 phone calls came from the 20-second television mention. Lisa Haefner, who was recovering from surgery, stepped in to help return the phone calls. She became Jenkins� partner and co-founder of Binky Patrol. As of April of 1999, Binky Patrol has grown to 5,000 volunteers delivering 37,000 Binkies. What is a �Binky?� Binkies are handmade reminders that all children are loved and thought of often no matter what the circumstance. A Binky is fabric of any type ( brocade, velvets, jersey knit, cotton) sewn, quilted, crocheted or knitted into blankets of all sizes beginning with a 3 feet square. Volunteers of all ages create the Binkies.

Younger volunteers decorate squares with happy images drawn with fabric markers. �There are no ugly Binkies� Jenkins says, �the only rule for Binkies is that they�re soft, washable and are made from the heart.� Miller adds that Binkies should not have any buttons or choking hazards and all threads should be knotted and tied securely for safety. There are no other guidelines.

Jenkins states that too many volunteer positions require too much prep time. �I wanted this to be a simple way for people to volunteer without a lot of rules and restrictions� she said. �Binkies are almost always mismatched� Miller admits �but they come from love and caring for children. That is what makes them unique.� The youngest volunteer in the Stark County local group is a 10-year-old girl who comes with her grandmother. Miller recalls the youngest nationally is a five and the oldest is a great-grandmother, 94.

Even people who don�t feel they are crafty or desire to �make� Binkies have a place in the organization. Volunteer positions are available for speakers, coordinators, and those who can deliver the Binkies to shelters or hospitals. Scouting troops, schools and churches have started chapters for community service projects and to learn about compassion. Companies and organizations sponsor national and local Binky events like blanket drives and golf tournaments.

All these volunteers take part in making a child or teen know that someone cares and is thinking about them � that they don�t need to feel frightened and alone. For those who want to volunteer in some way but are limited on time, donations are always welcome. All funds are generated by donations. Not only monetary donations are needed but fabric, yarn, batting, needles, postage stamps, banners, computers, and professional services. Local donations and blankets made in an area stay in that area.

Today, there are 12 volunteers in the Minerva chapter. She has combined with Beloit resident Betty Jones to form a Stark and Carroll County chapter. Volunteers meet the third Saturday of every month from 3-4:30 p.m. with the location to be determined. To join the effort, contact Brandy Miller at (330) 868-6477, [email protected] or Betty Jones at (330) 525-0196, [email protected]. Visiting the Binky Patrol web site is another option at www.binkypatrol.org.

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