What do the children of a Dallas County Detective and a fallen soldier in Clyde, Texas have in common?

A lightning strike during a recent Friday night’s storms completely destroyed the home of Dallas County Detective Chris Anderson in Murphy. His children, ages 2 and 4, will be receiving blankets from Project Linus this week.

“Most of our blankets go to children in hospitals, but we also send some to children in crisis for other reasons as we find those needs,” said Theresa Costin, the local Project Linus Coordinator. Ms. Costin began as a volunteer ten years ago in California and has been making blankets to donate ever since.

A car-themed quilt made of fabric donated by local chapter Coordinator Theresa Costin and sewn by blanketeer Nanette Beystrum was the blanket selected for fallen soldier SSgt. Michael Murphrey’s four-year old son, Jaden. SSgt. Michael Murphrey, who was born in Dallas, was killed in action on September 6th in Paktika province in Afghanistan when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. A pretty flannel quilt made with princess kitty prints was selected for his 18-month old daughter, Cameron.

“My first husband served 20 years in the Air Force during Desert Storm and my firstborn son did as well, so the loss of our military heroes is very close to my heart,” said Theresa Costin.

“Giving these children security blankets made with love enables us to say we care and hopefully shows them that their sacrifice touches all of us,” said Costin.

If you would like to get involved with Project Linus, you can contact the Dallas/Collin/Grayson/Rockwall County chapter at www.PLDallas.org or by calling (214) 383-9140.