Binky Patrol

Photo credit: BinkyPatrol.org

Binky Patrol began in 1996 when Susan Finch put out a volunteer sign up sheet at her retail business in Laguna Beach, California. Her goal was to get volunteers that were interested in sewing blankets for unwed mothers. The charity started at that time with five volunteers willing to help her out, to now being a nationwide organization with over 160 chapters. Susan emphasizes that the charity has volunteers of all ages, from four to 94. Binky Patrol has since moved to Beaverton, Oregon and continues to pull in volunteers willing to help one of the many chapters sew, knit or crochet blankets that are distributed around the United States.

Susan Finch defines a “Binky” as a homemade blanket that volunteers can either sew, quilt, knit or crochet from a variety of patterns. Sizes for the Binky's range from a 3-foot-square blanket up to a twin bed size blanket. Periodically, there is a need for small 2 foot by 2 foot Binky for a premature baby, Angel baby or use in a stroller. The creation of a Binky blanket is ideal for a school group, as a classroom project or craft guild that is looking for a charity project. Not all Binky Patrol volunteers need to know how to sew, knit or crochet. There is always a need for someone to cut quilt squares that someone else can sew together. A Binky Patrol project also makes a nice family project where everyone can get involved with the making of a blanket. More information about the charity is available at BinkyPatrol.org.