More information:
If you'd like a program overview, to print and share, please click below:
Drop off information:
To drop off blankets or materials at CFC HQs in Glen Ellyn:
Please send an email to "info@comfortforcritters.org" to receive our unpublished address for drop offs. We have a large pickup/drop off bin at our entrance, for 24/7 access.
To drop off blankets at a nearby shelter:
If you'd like to bring in your blankets directly to any participating shelter, feel free to use this "drop off memo" so that they know the blankets are part of our program...
FAQs:
How long have you been around?
Comfort for Critters began as "Knitters for Critters" in 2007, after adopting a little kitten named "Anna" and seeing a need to comfort all those who wouldn't be going "home" that day. In 2007 we had just one volunteer, frantically working to make 100 blankets! We really got going in 2009, when we launched our website and greatly expanded the number of shelters we support.
How many volunteers do you have?
It really depends on the year...but we've been growing for sure! In 2011, we had almost 80 ladies actually making the blankets....but many more volunteers donating materials, making deliveries and sponsoring a shipment or two!
What animals do you support with your blankets?
All of them! We've provided blankets for cats and dogs, as expected...but we've also
comforted guinea pigs, foxes, fancy rats, rabbits, and even tigers, with our blankets.
Do you just work with shelters, or foster-care rescue groups as well?
We support all groups which provide care for animals in need. Many of the organizations on our list do not have an actual "shelter" but care for the animals in a series of foster-homes. We are grateful for the sacrifices of these volunteers, and happily do our part in providing as many blankets as they need.
How are the blankets used (besides just cuddling)?
I frequently hear great stories of how our blankets have "saved the day." Often adoptive families are so excited about the process, that they come to the adoption with just an empty carrier. When they find out that a cuddly blanket will line the carrier - to make a more comfortable ride home - they are so grateful.
Many of the shelters use our blankets to wrap around a warming
disk for the animals that come to them ill. They put the disk in the microwave
and then tuck them into a blanket. Shelters also love to wrap the critters in their blankets for the frequent vet trips the
animals have to take. The blankets provide something comforting and the vets
typically keep the blankets with the animal through their entire visit.
What's your inspiration? (AKA - Why we keep making blankets, even though we have jobs to do, kids to watch, dishes to wash, bills to pay...)
Around the time I was frantically crocheting my first
blankets, I ran across
this story. It's told many different ways (sometimes starfish, other times
jellyfish) and with varying characters, but I think it captures the heart of every CFC volunteer.
The Star Thrower
One day a man was walking along a beach. The sun was shining
and it was a beautiful day. Off in the distance he could see a young boy going
back and forth between the surf's edge and the beach. Back and forth the boy
went.
As the man approached, he could see that there were hundreds of starfish
stranded on the sand as the result of the natural action of the tide. The man was struck by the apparent futility of the task.
There were far too many starfish. Many of them were sure to die.
As he approached, the boy continued the task of picking up starfish one by one and throwing them back into the sea. As he came up to the boy he said, "You must be crazy! There are thousands of miles of beach covered with starfish. You can't possibly make a difference." The boy looked at the man. He then bent down and picked up one more starfish, and threw it back into the sea. He turned back to the man and said, "But it made a difference to that one."