On Friday night, October 19th, celebrating National Make A Difference Day a little early, the Berndt family of Villa Park hosted a Bink-A-Thon. To support Binky Patrol, a national non-profit dedicated to making blankets and giving them to children and teens in need of comfort, 45 people showed up at their house to make blankets to donate to local kids.
Carolyn Berndt, her 9 year old daughter Malena, and their Nigerian exchange student Mimi invited friends and neighbors to join in the effort. Kids from Serrano Elementary, Villa Park Elementary, Nohl Canyon Elementary and Villa Park High School were there, as well as from other local schools. Many moms, along with grandmas and teachers also helped. They were able to complete 40 blankets in 2 hours! Carolyn has been a Binky Patrol volunteer for almost 10 years and has coordinated many Bink-A-Thons in the past. This one was especially meaningful – the family has made a personal commitment to CHOC that every child who has to spend the holidays there will receive his or her own colorful blanket, AKA ‘binky’, to lift their spirits during a very difficult time.
That means completing 200 blankets! They are very close to hitting their goal -160 are ready to go! If anyone would like to help or for more details, please log onto Binky Patrol’s website at www.binkypatrol.org.