By Millie George, Staff Writer
A club at River Hill High School provides the opportunity for students to weave compassion into blankets for youth in challenging circumstances.
The Linus Project club, led by Eliza Buchman, creates blankets in hopes of having an impact on children who are ill, have been through hardship, or just need a tangible item to aid their emotions. “It is a great project that benefits our community, especially the children.” Says Madame Ayoub, the club sponsor.
Buchman decided to start the club with the aim of making a positive impact on her community. She explained the original idea for the club came to her as she “volunteered at TAPS (The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) over Memorial Day Weekend, where many of the surviving children receive blankets.” Her experience at TAPS inspired her to bring the same sense of compassion to her community. Buchman described the joy that was brought to the lives of children in need when receiving those handwoven blankets. “The club will make RHHS a more sympathetic place,” says Buchman.
Students of River Hill often get caught up in schoolwork perfection and persistent studying, but Buchman highlights the importance of participating in destressing activities like blanket making. “The truth is, there are 10 other children that are suffering 10 times more than you, and I think by giving RHHS students a place to relax and escape through crafting will not only relieve stress for them, but also contribute to our community by helping less fortunate kids as well,” said Buchman.
Sophomore Leyla Tarhan who is a student planning on joining the Linus Project Club, says, “I am looking forward to joining the club because I want to help children in need.”
Buchman truly puts an emphasis on the mutual benefits between River Hill students and the underprivileged youth. The Linus Project differs from other donation drives as the products have a lasting emotional impact on the children in need who are receiving these blankets. These blankets provide a cozy escape, and a comforting item for kids to hold on to in times of fear or uncertainty. As for RHHS students, blanket making is an activity that can help suppress the stressful emotions of schoolwork overload. Buchman describes the benefits of the club for members and recipients as “indefinitely rewarding.”
In a community where scholastic pressure sometimes overshadows acts of compassion, the Linus Project Club is an altruistic way for students to show their kindness while still being involved in an educational club. Students are transforming simple materials into meaningful gifts in hopes of spreading comfort and care for children in need. River Hill students are able to join the club to help prove that small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact on the community.