Photo: Project Linus website.

A sizeable fire at Extra Storage damaged a number of units on Jan. 7, including one used by SCV Project Linus, a local all-volunteer nonprofit.

The off-campus materials including 200 blankets that were ready for delivery, along with an estimated $6,000 in supplies, were contaminated by smoke. Project Coordinator Sharon Garvar, along with her Academy of the Canyons students who run the organization, are asking for the public’s support, as they need donations to replenish their blankets and other valuable materials. The blankets are shared with children who are ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.

“Fortunately, most of the blankets had been delivered before the new year; however; my students had started to restock inventory with the goal of reaching the 10,000 mark,” Garvar said. “Paul Davis Restoration (of Santa Clarita) has graciously offered to see whether they can decontaminate the blankets, but we also have children and families who need blankets now. If anyone would like to make blankets and donate them, and/or share monetary gifts, those gestures would help us continue to support our community in this valuable way.”

Garvar said she is in the process of the heartbreaking task of having to sort through the damaged items, and also relocating what can be salvaged into another unit on the property as they are tearing down that building. Some of the items in the unit were salvageable, such as scissors and seam rippers. Although this situation has presented challenges she’s focused on rallying support.

“I contacted Logix Federal Credit Union, to see if they could help, as they are our largest sponsor,” Garvar said. “They are hosting a fundraiser with their staff and they’ll also be making blankets in the coming week. I told her that on my students’ first day back from the holiday break, they were so sad to hear this news, but we’re confident that Santa Clarita businesses and residents will help us – they truly care about making a difference.”

To make it easy for the community to contribute, instructions on how to make a blanket, as well as the types of fleece that can be used for blanket-making, are available at www.scvprojectlinus.org.

Jo-Ann, a fabric store in Canyon Country, is a drop-off location for those who want to give. Community members can also stop by the store on Feb. 16, as they’ll have a dedicated staff member to show customers how to make blankets.

SCV Project Linus is also hosting Make A Blanket Day on March 9 at the College of the Canyons East Gym from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Blankets and fleece can also be dropped off on this date.

About Project Linus
It is the mission of the Santa Clarita/Sylmar/Antelope Valley Project Linus chapter to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children in need who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” The goal is also to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities. Visit www.scvprojectlinus.org for more information.