One of the original five volunteers continues her commitment to comforting covers for kids in a new capacity.
After three incredible decades of board leadership, Laurie Smith – one of Binky Patrol’s original five volunteers from 1996 – is transitioning to a new consulting volunteer role. This isn’t goodbye; it’s simply the next chapter in a remarkable journey that helped build what Binky Patrol has become today. Laurie had a quote early on when new volunteers asked her about the patterns for blankets. Since the start, the styles have been very flexible. Laurie summed it up in one sentence that is one of the core Binky Patrol guidelines today, “If it’s soft, and from the heart, it’s perfect.”
When Binky Patrol launched in 1996, Laurie was there from day one, helping turn a simple idea into a movement that has now delivered over one million blankets to children in need. She’s been part of every milestone, every challenge, and every triumph that brought us to our 30th anniversary celebration.
“Laurie has been part of the quiet heartbeat of Binky Patrol for three decades,” said Susan Finch, founder of Binky Patrol. “She was there when we were just five people with scissors and odd framing fabric, and she’s been instrumental in growing us into a nationwide network of volunteers. Her wisdom, dedication, and that incredible heart for kids in crisis have shaped everything we do. Binky Patrol has given me an unexpected gift, my best friend.”
Throughout her board tenure, Laurie has brought the same strategic vision and collaborative spirit to Binky Patrol that she’s become known for in her professional work strengthening Orange County’s talent ecosystem. Her fingerprints are on countless initiatives that helped Binky Patrol evolve from a small group of friends making blankets to an organization that spans the country, touching lives in hospitals, shelters, crisis centers, and anywhere children need to know someone cares.
“I’m not going away, I’m shifting my role. Binky Patrol still has my heart,” said Laurie Smith.
Laurie’s transition to a consulting volunteer role means Binky Patrol continues to benefit from her experience and institutional knowledge while opening space for new voices on the board. After 30 years of dedicated service, she’s earned the right to choose how she wants to contribute – and we’re grateful she’s choosing to stay involved.
“The beautiful thing about Laurie is that she gets what we’re really about, making binkies and giving them away.” added Finch. “Whether she’s building talent networks in Orange County or helping us grow Binky Patrol’s volunteer network nationwide, she understands that it’s about connecting people and creating pathways for impact. She’s shown us that whether you’re helping young adults find careers or helping volunteers find purpose through making blankets, it all comes down to the same thing – making sure people know they matter and have opportunities to make a difference.”
During her time with Binky Patrol, Laurie has witnessed the organization grow from five volunteers to hundreds of chapters across the United States. She’s seen the mission expand while staying true to its core: if it’s soft and from the heart, it’s perfect. She’s also seen the waves and flux of chapters due to changing economic landscapes.
“Some of us have been with Binky Patrol for the entire time,” reflects the organization’s leadership. “Laurie is living proof that this work changes not just the children who receive our binkies, but the volunteers who make them. She’s been part of countless Bink-A-Thons, chapter launches, and those magical moments when you realize a simple blanket can change everything.”
As Binky Patrol looks toward the future, Laurie’s consulting role ensures the organization continues to benefit from the wisdom of someone who helped write its history. Her three decades of experience will guide new initiatives while preserving the grassroots, heart-centered approach that makes Binky Patrol special.
The organization continues to welcome new volunteers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking to fulfill community service hours, want to get your scout troop involved, or simply want to make a difference one blanket at a time, there’s a place for you in the Binky Patrol family that Laurie helped build.
About Binky Patrol: Founded in 1996, Binky Patrol is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing homemade blankets to children in need. With chapters across the United States, our volunteers have delivered over one million blankets to hospitals, shelters, crisis centers, and other agencies serving children. Every binky serves as a tangible reminder that someone cares. Learn more at binkypatrol.org.
About Laurie Smith Laurie Smith is a Talent Ecosystem Innovator and CEO of Leadership Alliance Orange County (CLAOC), where she serves as Director of Education Programs & Partnerships. Based in Laguna Beach, California, Laurie is driven to strengthen Orange County’s talent ecosystem by creating opportunities that enable young adults to grow, connect, and take meaningful steps toward impactful careers. Through her work at CLAOC and USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, she unites employers, educators, and communities to design pathways that transform potential into long-term prosperity.
Laurie’s professional expertise in strategy, program development, program management, and strategic collaboration has been instrumental in reimagining how communities prepare young adults for high-wage, high-growth careers. Her connectedness, ideation, and strategic strengths have enabled her to craft innovative solutions and spark cross-sector collaboration that delivers scalable, lasting impact – skills she has generously applied to Binky Patrol’s growth over three decades.
