On Christmas Eve 1995, an article titled “Joy to the World” appeared in Parade magazine, written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Eddie Adams. Part of it featured a small, downy-haired three-year-old named Laura, who had been diagnosed with leukaemia in 1993. Her mother described a special “blankie” that had helped Laura through more than two years of intensive chemotherapy — she took it with her to the hospital every time she went for treatment.

After reading the article, Karen Loucks-Baker wondered whether other ailing youngsters would like security blankets. The answer from the Rocky Mountain Children’s Cancer Centre was a resounding yes. Within three months Karen’s effort had received national attention, and Project Linus grew from a Denver project into a nationwide one.

Project Linus was named after the security-blanket-toting character from the Peanuts comic strip. Creator Charles Schulz knew of the effort and was delighted to have Linus inspire blanket makers to comfort children in need.

The goal is simple: to provide a blanket of security to children facing substantial distress. Originally focused on cancer patients, Project Linus has since widened to include any seriously ill or traumatised child. The list of recipients grows daily.