When Liz Casper started the Space Coast Binky Patrol in July 2001, she never dreamed it would grow so quickly into a well-known charity in the community.
During the past three years, the organization has made and distributed 1,091 binkies, which are handmade blankets given to children who need comfort.
When Liz Casper started the Space Coast Binky Patrol in July 2001, she never dreamed it would grow so quickly into a well-known charity in the community.
During the past three years, the organization has made and distributed 1,091 binkies, which are handmade blankets given to children who need comfort.
Binkies can be sewn, knitted, crocheted or quilted, simple or fancy. They are given to children from 1 day to 18 years old who have been neglected, abused, are HIV positive or are experiencing any kind of distress or trauma.
The chapter distributes binkies to Crosswinds Youth Services, Parrish Medical Center, Holmes Regional Medical Center, The Haven, The Women’s Center, Pregnancy Resources and other locations and agencies.
Casper said the organization also provides monthly bingo parties for patients at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Women and Children in Orlando.
“When we go over to Arnold Palmer, there are at least 90 children on the two pediatric floors at each visit,” said Casper.
“Not all of the children are well enough to attend the bingo parties, so we also make bedside visits and try to bring a binky and gift for every child,” she said.
Casper said the chapter always needs donations of money or gift cards, fabric, sewing supplies, prizes for children ages 4 to 17, games, coloring and sticker books, puzzles, action figures, NASCAR items, dolls and other toys.
“We always are in need of all types of donations, and gift cards are great because they let us buy some of the supplies that people don’t always think about,” said Casper.
“For instance, right now we are in need of donated printing services to make up flyers to get the word out about our annual Binkathon in October,” she said.
Also, for $15, an individual, business or family can fund a quilt. A label sewn on the binky states who sponsored it.
Binky Patrol Comforting Covers for Kids is an all-volunteer national nonprofit organization with more than 160 chapters in the United States.
The Space Coast Binky Patrol has about 30 members, and welcomes new volunteers. Club meetings are held at 12:30 p.m. the second Saturday of each month at the Central Brevard Library in Cocoa.
People ages 18 and older are welcome to join, regardless of their level of sewing skill. Plenty of non-sewing tasks are available, such as helping with paperwork or delivering binkies.
“This is a great way to give back to the community. All you have to do is commit time from your heart and you will get so much more in return,” said Casper.
For more information, call 639-4840 or e-mail spacecoastbinky@mac.com