Susan Finch and Binky Patrol honored for outstanding kindness and compassion in helping children and teens in need. Award presented at Binky Patrol Home Group Chapter meeting.
Pictured L-R: Good Samaritan Award committee member Burt Lynn, Binky Patrol Founder, Susan Finch and Bryant Rossiter (holding binky), Director of Public Affairs for the Laguna Niguel Stake
Susan Finch/Binky Patrol is the fifth recipient of the Good Samaritan Award in Orange County since it was established in 1975. Winners are selected without regard for creed or race, and members of the sponsoring church are excluded. Finch was selected because of the work she began in 1996 by founding Binky Patrol Comforting Covers for Kids. This all-volunteer, national non-profit was founded on the idea that volunteers should be able to make a difference without having to adhere to a schedule or by possessing skills other than the desire to comfort a child or teen in need.
Binky Patrol makes and gives handmade blankets to children and teens in need of comfort. Those who are abused, ill, experiencing any type of trauma regardless of financial or living situation may receive a binky. Finch says, “I don’t care if they live on the hill in Laguna Beach or are moving from motel to motel – if a child is scared or hurting – they need a binky to remind them someone cares and that they are not forgotten.”
All volunteers have been welcomed by the organization. The youngest volunteer is 2 ½ year-old Savannah Finch – binky tester and the oldest volunteer is in Indiana at 94. Blankets are crocheted, knitted, sewn, quilted or tied. Mimi Askew of the Orange County Girl Scouts says, “the girls love this project because even the Daisies (ages 5-6) can participate and help other kids ‘like them’.”
As of December 31, 2003 Binky Patrol has delivered over 150,000 binkies across the country. From a beginning of five volunteers, it has grown to over 160 chapters in 40 states.