MONROE, CT — The Monroe-Trumbull chapter of Binky Patrol needs donors, quilters, knitters and crocheters to help make children smile this holiday season.
“We will be giving binkies to Al’s Angels for distribution to the tri-state hospitals as well as social service agencies,” said Jeanne Malgioglio, the area coordinator for Binky Patrol. “Last year we gave 500 binkies, but for this year, the need has increased to over 650 as more agencies have been added to the list.”
Binky Patrol is a nonprofit organization based in Beaverton, Ore. It is a national nonprofit organization that makes and gives “binkies” or comforting covers to children in need of a hug.
“Our blankets go to critically ill and traumatized children to show them that they matter and someone cares about them,” Malgioglio said. “Binky Patrol Monroe-Trumbull has been an official chapter for the last nine years, and we have delivered over 18,000 binkies since our chapter began.”
In addition to its huge holiday collection, Binky Patrol gives blankets to individual children, area hospitals and social service agencies, like the Center for Family Justice and Bridgeport Rescue Mission, year round, according to Malgioglio.
“When a tragedy strikes that impacts a group of children or teens, we are there with our binkies,” she said. “We have quickly gotten our binkies en masse to school groups and sports teams, and we have shipped them off to hurricane ravaged communities in North Carolina, Florida, and the Bahamas. We have also provided binkies for the campers at Camp Hope, a resident and day camp for abused children run by the Center for Family Justice.”
This fall, the Binky Patrol held two community events, where participants make over 100 fleece-tie blankets each morning.
Teen groups, including the Trumbull High School’s girls volleyball and field hockey teams, Trumbull Youth Field Hockey, Madison Middle School’s KARE and NJHS also had their own blanket making events.
“These teens take time away from their busy schedules and learn the importance of helping others,” Malgioglio said. “As of November 4, our total count for this collection was 422.”
Binky Patrol Monroe-Trumbull is still seeking sponsors and donations to buy the fleece material it needs to reach its goal. Individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring the nonprofit can click here. A notation should be made to ensure the funds go to the Monroe-Trumbull chapter.
“If you want to knit, crochet, quilt or make a fleece tie blanket — or 10, please do so,” Malgioglio said. “We have amazing community sponsors who have stepped up to be drop off spots.”
Drop off locations include:
- Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, 733 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe
- Last Drop Coffee Shop, 435 Main St, Monroe
- J Bagels & Cafe, 4244 Madison Ave., Trumbull
- Vaughn Family Dentistry, 2 Corporate Dr., Trumbull
- RPM Automotive Repairs, 33 Old Amity Rd Unit A, Bethany
- Saugatuck Sweets, 28 Reef Rd, Fairfield
“Our goal is to make the holidays a little brighter for these children and to let them know that they are not invisible,” Malgioglio said.
For information about Binky Patrol, reach out to chapter founder and coordinator Jeanne Malgioglio at [email protected].
