September 29, 1997 They sneak silently in the night, carrying bags into homes and churches. They try to hook young and old, female and male, into their habit. They're the Binky Patrol. Their business is blankets for itty-bitty ones. "Some kids call them that (binkies)," said Judy Ginkowski, a special education teacher

Binkies -- according to our brigade of foster moms, need to be at least 36" square, preferably 36" plus up to twin bed size. They can be sewn, knitted, crocheted, quilted. If they are "tied off" with yarn or ribbon, please make sure they are double knotted so that strong young children

You'd be surprised to know what we can make good use of. Some chapters are looking for outside sheds to store fabric and supplies, stationary and office supplies rarely go to waste. Sewing machines, embroidery machines, working computers and printers and some of our shelters ask us to find clothing, kitchen items

Some companies and individuals already order items like hats, shirts, banners, buttons, labels, brochures -- If there is room on your print job -- we can squeeze Binky Jobs into just about any size space! If you have any upcoming jobs -- especially print jobs for stickers and brochures, let us work

Many schools, scout troops and service organizations are looking for fun projects that also contribute to those in the community. Some schools have held "Bink-A-Thon's" for a day where each student helps to make blankets for children and teens just like them in local area shelters and hospitals.

Binky Patrol has needs to keep moving forward. Some of the needs include: batting, yarn, soft fabric, notions, promotional materials, labels for binkies, postage, printing. For more information, or if you have other ideas, please e-mail founder, Susan Finch at sfinch@binkypatrol.org or contact a local chapter to help the binky volunteers in your