The all-volunteer nonprofit that began with a signup sheet and five volunteers in Laguna Beach now delivers handmade blankets to children in crisis nationwide, with its annual Bink-A-Thon this October sponsored by the MrBallen Foundation.
BEAVERTON, Ore., July 2, 2026. Binky Patrol Comforting Covers for Kids, a 100 percent volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is celebrating 30 years of making and giving handmade blankets to children and teens who are ill, abused, in foster care, grieving, or living through trauma. Since 1996, volunteers ranging in age from 4 to 94 have delivered nearly one million blankets [CONFIRM CURRENT TOTAL] through hospitals, shelters, crisis centers, foster care agencies, and first responders across the country.
Binky Patrol began in May 1996 in Laguna Beach, California, when founder Susan Finch’s mother, Josephine Roush, asked for her help sewing blankets for young mothers. Finch, who wanted to volunteer but could not commit to rigid training schedules, realized she was not alone. She sketched a logo, put a signup sheet in front of her art gallery, and five women signed up. Three of those original volunteers are still involved today.
Less than a month later, on June 19, 1996, the Oprah Winfrey Show featured Binky Patrol during a National AIDS Awareness Day episode, and the organization went national in a single afternoon, time zone by time zone. June 19 remains the official anniversary date.
“A binky is a reminder that a child matters, that they are not invisible, and that someone cares,” said Finch. “For 30 years, people with an hour to spare and a desire to help have proven you do not need a big budget or special skills to change a child’s worst day. You need a blanket made from the heart.”
Every binky is homemade, washable, and given free of charge. Blankets are quilted, sewn, knitted, crocheted, or fleece-tied, sized from 3-foot square for babies up to twin size for teens. Chapters across the country focus on reaching the “invisible kids” in their own communities, including children affected by illness, violence in the home, homelessness, and loss.
MrBallen Foundation Sponsors the 30th Anniversary Bink-A-Thon
This October, chapters nationwide will take part in Bink-A-Thon, Binky Patrol’s annual blanket-making event, sponsored this year by the MrBallen Foundation. The partnership also supports Binky Patrol’s effort to map coverage gaps and launch new chapters in underserved communities.
“What made this celebration especially meaningful was meeting volunteers who have been part of the mission from the very beginning. Some have been serving with Binky Patrol for the full 30 years. Others for nearly as long. That kind of dedication is extraordinary and a testament to the impact this organization has had on communities across the country.
As we celebrated this milestone together, we’re reminded that some of the most meaningful change starts with a simple act of kindness. A blanket. A caring hand. A person willing to show up for someone they may never meet.”
How to Help
No sewing experience is required. Volunteers of all ages and skill levels can join or start a chapter, host a blanket-making event, or donate at binkypatrol.org. Schools, scout troops, Greek life organizations, senior communities, churches, and company teams are all welcome.
About Binky Patrol Comforting Covers for Kids
Founded in 1996, Binky Patrol Comforting Covers for Kids is a 100 percent volunteer, grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit that makes handmade blankets and gives them to children and teens, ages 0 to 18, in need of comfort. Now headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Binky Patrol serves communities nationwide through local chapters. Learn more at binkypatrol.org.
