Project Linus is a nonprofit organization that distributes handmade security blankets to children…read morein hospitals and shelters, across the US. One of my daughters received a Project Linus blanket, while a patient in a NICU at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH). With so many other more worthy-sounding charities vying for our time & money, I don't think I'd have fully appreciated the value of this charity's work, had we not received a blanket for our daughter. But Project Linus' gift to our family has been matched only by that from Ronald McDonald House--my daughter's blanket is probably the most meaningful possession we own. My twin daughters were born at Texas Children's. One has a serious congenital heart defect--tetralogy of Fallot w stenosis of the left pulmonary artery. And whereas we knew before her birth that she would be an inpatient at TCH, just after she was born, we didn't know for how long. Actually, we weren't even told our daughter's true diagnosis until I was 9 cm dilated in labor. Then, due to a series of miscommunications & mistakes by my obstetric practice & Neonatology, I didn't see my girls for the 1st ~13 1/2 hrs of their lives. And once reunited with them, my babies were completely unfamiliar to me. Initially, I was in shock & blamed myself for everything--my daughter's heart defect (& her twin's related one), the traumatic nature of the girls' deliveries, & my inability to see my babies as mine. I feared that the medical personnel who were meant to care for my daughters & I, didn't, b/c I was inherently unlikeable, & I was terrified that I would garner ill-will toward my critically-ill daughter & compromise her neonatal & cardiac care. My daughter received her name when she was 7 days old; she also received her Project Linus blanket. This was chosen for her by her favorite nurse, Shiji M. It suits her down to the ground--it's a red & white patchwork quilt, printed w strawberries. Red is the color I associate w her; strawberries are her favorite food. My daughter spent her first month of life at TCH. Blankie moved with baby as she was transferred from ward, to ward, to ward, & finally home. Somehow, seeing my daughter resting on the richly-colored backdrop of her blankie eased the transitions for me. It provided continuity. And having such a familiar object that followed my little one, wherever she went, especially one that I associate so strongly w her, helped my daughter herself seem familiar to me, as increasingly, physical contact enabled me to feel that she was mine. Moreover, it was incredibly humbling to think of someone taking the time to make such a lovely thing for our daughter--however unlovable her mother might be, someone cared about her. And this eased my worries for my baby, just a bit. So initially, my daughter's Project Linus blanket was MY security blanket; but as time has passed, it's become hers. It adorns her bed. It serves as a stroller-blanket. And she uses it to play peek-a-boo. In another year, I imagine she'll use it to swaddle her dolls. And it will certainly accompany her to TCH when she returns for cardiac catheterizations & surgeries. Blankets donated through Project Linus needn't be elaborate. Project Linus will accept most any blanket, provided it is new, unused, handmade, washable, & reasonably-free of germs; mold; mildew; smoke; chemical contaminants; & pet-hair. Our daughter's blanket came with a tag giving the name & contact info of the "Blanketeer" who made it--an especially lovely touch--but even that isn't required. A few months ago, my family & I had the chance to give back to Project Linus. We made our first No-Sew fleece blanket at a Blanketeering event at a local school, in Houston, TX. It was a very well thought-out idea for an event--children as young as 3 years old chose the fabric they wished to make their blankets from, & w supervision, fashioned blankets by cutting off the selvage, & cutting & tying fringe. (Detailed instructions are available at: http://www.projectlinus.org/patterns/pdf/NoSewFB.pdf, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59h8wgDgTRg.) So the Blanketeering event benefited not only those children who will be receiving blankets, but those who volunteered to help make them. In all, Project Linus is an incredibly worthy charity that provides security blankets made by caring Blanketeers to children desperate for caring & security, many of who's family members are too. One needs no special skills to complete a No-Sew blanket--even very young children can do this. If you'd like more information on Project Linus, or wish to make a monetary donation, or that of a blanket or blanket-making materials, visit http://www.projectlinus.org, or contact your local chapter coordinator.

We waited 45 minutes for our food and the food was less than good. Very short staffed which were…read morenot the people working faults. All the tables were dirty and bathroom was closed so only a family bathroom was available for everyone.

Some people are born into this world with special needs while others are not or, maybe some of us…read morejust haven't come up against challenges that are in the waiting. Therefore, it is a blessing that there are people who are willing to place the needs of others before their own.

Great staff, truly cares for the health and safety of the children. The children always came first,…read morethe dedication and the commitment of everyone involved is truly human.

It has always been a favorite store thats felt so…read morewelcoming!! Quite a variety0f items from many different countries. So unique and makes wonderful gift giving ....easy

I like shopping here because they support the economies of the people in the countries where the…read morearts and crafts were made. They have some really beautiful things. Please shop here to support these folks. Christmas presents are available everyday!

Friendly staff, good food and clean. We will return when Ponzi Scheme plays there again.read more

Like Diggers, I admittedly don't have much experience here. It's a local bar that I have only been…read moreto twice. This place hosts an open mic night once a month on Thursday night. If you like guy and guitar music, you should give them a call and see when the next show will be. It's very relaxed and there are cheap drinks.

December 14, 2025…read more Update if stays, Maestro or Maestra a few notes on the piano if you please, one thousand three hundred seventy three of any comments! If stays, I seeing many my FIVE STAR comments some reason are deleted! Such Fighting Against Bullies. I made up the category now my comments of it been deleted! I am seeing my previous of this has total of eight USEFUL, FUNNY, COOL votes! This is for a Food Bank in town Normal, Illinois! The Capitol town of Land Of Lincoln! Glad any donations that I send to any Food Bank, to any Salvation Army Corps, used to help the children in that town, in that state. This situation, the children of Normal, Illinois! Abraham Lincoln was nicknamed Honest Abe. Try this. Honest thoughts of children by helping local Food Bank OR Honest thoughts of children by helping local Salvation Army! Readers may wonder equivalent of Why He Always Mentions Children? He, as I know not every, includes myself, will read to see if is a boy or if is a girl! Every just automatically thinks boy! I been trained if trained is correct word, by my hometown Salvation Army. Anything that I donate goes to help the children! Since then, two other Salvation Army Corps in California are doing same. One, since your animal art is inspirational, any donations you send us will be used for children. Another, since you like to draw and paint, anything you donate to us will be used for the children! A coworker at my paid work one time was Volunteer Holiday person. That year was suggested food ideas. One of the days was coffee day. I bring in bunch of boxes Macaroni And Cheese. I only work until noontime so I hear from four others in days to follow. We will call her Ivette. She saying "K" Is Stupid, Is Mean, Is Selfish. Today Is Coffee Day Yet She Brings In Five Boxes Macaroni And Cheese! What Is Wrong With Her! They told me. Three of the four that told me this had say to her, Ivette, Leave "K" Alone! She Knows Adults Have To Eat. Salvation Army Has Her Trained Right It Starts With Children! As say I would not have known how she thought of me if they did not tell me!

From the owner: Midwest Food Bank is a faith-based organization committed to alleviating hunger and malnutrition…read morelocally and globally, guided by the love of Christ. Our mission includes providing disaster relief and assistance without discrimination. Our vision is to be an industry-leading food bank, offering vital food relief to those in need while also nourishing them spiritually. Located in Bloomington-Normal, IL, Midwest Food Bank serves as a crucial food bank, supplying food to partner agencies and pantries located in Bloomington, Normal, Decatur, SPringfield, Morton, and Champaign Illinois.

As far as blood donation locations go, this place is A-OK. It's only open on Mondays from around…read more2:00 - 6:30 and Saturdays from 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. When you enter the front door, you will need to take the elevator downstairs; donation center is on the right. For all you "double red" donators, you should call ahead to see if the machine is going to be there on the day that you want to give. I was talking to one of the employees the last time I donated and it sounds like it's hard to predict when that option will be available. For those of you yelping blood donation options, I hope this was useful.

Very friendly staff, Lots of cool items, constantly changing in, and reasonable prices. Maria and…read morePaul are super knowledgeable and friendly!- I stop by every time I am in town.

From the owner: The Flea Thrift strives to make your second hand shopping experience a positive one. No trying to…read morelook thru a bunch of clutter. The store is kept organized and stocked with a wide variety of items. There is art, antiques, retro clothing, furniture, and much more. If you are looking for something in particular and you don't see it in the store, then please let us know. We have a stock of items stored offsite. If you find yourself in need of assistance cleaning out a home, apartment, or storage area, then please contact us. We can make arrangements to meet with you regarding the possibility of us taking on the disposal, resale, or donation of your household goods and furniture.