Sheriff Skinner wheels some of the blankets donated by Project Linus to be distributed by his department for multiple purposes including child accident victims, the Children’s Advocacy Center, the VALOR project and more. Sonia Duggan/The Wylie News

A colorful patchwork of quilts, the aroma of homemade chili and soup, and tables laden with desserts set the stage for the Community Quilters’ annual luncheon Wednesday, Oct. 29. The event celebrated the volunteers behind the group’s growing efforts on behalf of the Project Linus Collin, Cooke, Grayson and Rockwall Counties Chapter — a mission stitched together with compassion, creativity and community spirit.

Held inside the group’s spacious 5,000-square-foot facility at 1985 S. FM 1138, between Nevada and Royse City, the luncheon not only highlighted the generosity of those who devote their time and talent to making handmade blankets for children and families in need, but also gave first responders an opportunity to collect blankets and share their appreciation with the group.

Under the leadership of longtime Collin County Project Linus Coordinator Regina Forthman, the chapter has distributed more than 12,800 blankets since donating its first in 2008.

“Back then, we promised one quilt a month,” Forthman said. “Now, we’re averaging around 600 blankets every month.”

Since the completion of the new workshop in 2023 and the Community Quilters’ transition to nonprofit status, membership has quadrupled — a testament to the group’s reputation for stitching together kindness, one quilt at a time.

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By Sonia Duggan | [email protected]