A fire at a Valencia storage facility earlier this month damaged several units, including the one’s used by Project Linus and the Santa Clarita Artists Association (SCAA).
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The fire on Jan. 7 impacted a unit used by Project Linus officials to store 200 blankets that were ready for delivery to those in need, along with an estimated $6,000 in supplies that were contaminated by smoke.
Project Coordinator Sharon Garvar, along with the 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.
Project Linus provides blankets to children who are ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.
“These blankets are very meaningful,” said Sharon Garvar. “Each NICU baby receives a hand-made blanket, and many of these children keep it for a very long time. Other parents who suffer the devastating loss of losing a child only bring the blanket home. The families are so grateful for this gift.”
Garvar was inspired to start the Santa Clarita chapter after her own son received a blanket.
“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.
See Related: Valencia Storage Facility Fire Not Being Investigated As Arson
Garvar has rallied support from several local businesses to assist in the recovery effort, including their largest sponsor, Logix Federal Credit Union.
“They are hosting a fundraiser with their staff and they’ll also be making blankets in the coming week,” said Garvar. “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.”
Garvar encouraged the community to contribute, and instructions on how to make a blanket, as well as the types of fleece that can be used for blanket-making, are available on the website.
“Paul Davis Restoration has graciously offered to see whether they can decontaminate the blankets, but we also have children and families who need blankets now,” said Garvar. “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.”
Jo-Ann, a fabric store in Canyon Country, is a drop-off location for those who want to contribute. 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.
Project Linus is also planning to host “Make A Blanket Day” on March 9 at the College of the Canyons East Gym from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, blankets and fleece can be dropped off on this date.
Project Linus was not the only organization devastated by the storage fire. The SCAA also lost thousands of dollars worth of equipment and supplies, according to organization officials.
With a mission to promote art in the Santa Clarita Valley by “Making Visual Art Visible” the SCAA’s community outreach programs are educational and free to the general public.
The organization also awards scholarships to a range of art students in Santa Clarita, from high school to college.
The SCAA has started a GoFundMe in hopes of raising a minimum of $10,000 to replace essential items.
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