Girl Scouts hold the blankets they made (from left): Chloe, Makenna, Ariana, Andrea, Jamie, Sophie, Emma, Brigette Zoe, Chantal, Carly, Emily, Emma, Lindsay, Stephanie, Tuki, Kylie, Ava, and Sophia (not pictured: Lola, Teveen and Clare). On the right is Jeanne Akin, Project Linus Chapter Coordinator for east Contra Costa County. Photo Sarah Lee

The 22 juniors of Girl Scout Troop 32300 (at Del Rey School in Orinda) recently made and donated two dozen fleece blankets to Project Linus, a national organization that accepts new handmade blankets for children who are in need.

"The girls were very moved by the fact that there are children their own age who are in the hospital, or living in a foster home, and who would be comforted by something as simple as a blanket," said Sarah Lee, the parent who organized the project for the troop.

"This was an extremely positive community service project for our troop," said troop leader Mary Friese. "The girls were able to do it all themselves -- including budgeting, shopping and actually creating the blankets. It was very rewarding for them!"

The girls voted to use some of their earnings from cookie sales to buy the material for the blankets, collectively deciding to forego the usual sales incentives in favor of having more money to spend on the project. They then selected the material, and each girl made her 'own' blanket that was given to a Project Linus volunteer to be distributed to a child in need.

"That was the hard part," laughed Lee. "Many of the girls did not want to let go of 'their' blanket when it was done!" But let go they did... and now the blankets are on their way to children in need across Contra Costa County.