5,000 Blankets Needed for Struggling Families: ICYMI

It's starting to get very cold outside and that makes Cherylann Lambert Walsh very nervous.

Lambert-Walsh is the president and founder of Project Just Because, Inc., a Hopkinton-based organization that provides for families in need.  

"We are so low on blankets," she told Patch. "We're down about 5,000 blankets this year." 

Project Just Because runs out of a 7,000 square foot warehouse where bags are set up for 15,000 children as part of their holiday program. Lambert-Walsh has just one month left to make sure each bag has a blanket. 

But the need for blankets is not just a holiday request, it's a seasonal need for the many area families who rely on the organization for help. 

"Let's face it, the kids have toys...but when the heat is down to nothing because they can't afford it, they say 'Please give me a blanket to keep my kid warm," said Lambert-Walsh. "A lot of times they sit the kids down on a cold floor and a blanket helps them stay warm." 

Because of health standards, blankets must be new but they can be any size -- a twin-sized blanket is the perfect size for a child. And, if people don't have time to shop but would like to make a monetary donation, Project Just Because volunteers will take care of the rest. 

The 501(c)(3) charity has a "Donate Online" Paypal button right on its website, and all donations are tax-deductible. 

"Lots of times people see me after the holidays and they say they wanted to help but they didn't have time," Lambert-Walsh said. "But they can always do Paypal, that would be a big help right now. We're really, really hurting." 

There are several ways to help:

• Paypal will take an on-line credit card donation
• Checks can be mailed to PO Box 36, Hopkinton, MA 01748
• On-line orders can be delivered to Project Just Because, Inc., 86 South Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
• Items can be dropped off at various locations. Be sure to click HERE and follow the specific instructions for each location. 

• Project Just Because, 86 South Street, Hopkinton (Mon-Thurs 9am to 4pm)
• St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Rt. 135, Hopkinton 
  
• St. Mary's Church, 8 Church St., Holliston
• Hopkinton Drug Store, Main Street, Hopkinton 
• Action Copy Team, 1 Main Street, Hopkinton
• Colella's Super Market, 61 Main Street, Hopkinton 
• Public Library, Main Street, Hopkinton 
• Town Hall, 18 Main Street Hopkinton 
• Hiller's Cleaners, 97 Main Street Hopkinton 
• ERA Key Reality Service, 1881 Worcester Road, Framingham