Public Employee Press

Finance staff knit security blankets

Members of the Quality of Work Life Committee at the Dept. of Finance couldn’t resist joining in a program organized by Project Linus. The group’s Committee for Career and Personal Development has held book and food drives, diversity days and retirement seminars, but the opportunity to make blankets for babies facing distress and challenges as they enter the world quickly won their hearts.

“It sounded like a fun project that would supply a useful item to those in need,” said Committee Coordinator Michael Ramoutar, a City Assessor and member of Local 1757.
Project Linus was founded in 1995 to provide security blankets to infants. The New York City Chapter — one of 100 nationwide — has donated blankets to the New York Foundling Home, Hale House, Mount Sinai Medical Center, the Bronx Children’s Psychiatric Center and Baby Buggy.

Ramoutar crocheted a yellow and cream blanket in a cluster pattern and some committee members made multiple blankets “using a variety of crafts, including crochet, knitting, quilting and hand-sewing,” he said. “It was very satisfying because we were helping children in need.”

The DOF employees received a thank-you letter after they donated the blankets at the end of November.

“We were surprised at the very enthusiastic response we received. This was our first year participating in Project Linus, but judging from the response of our members, it won’t be our last,” said Ramoutar.