Kindergarteners in a low-income Sacramento County classroom receive blankets and Beanie Babies as part of Sacramento Blankets for Sacramento Kids’ holiday drive.  Photo courtesy of Claire Gliddon

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) – Got beanie babies? Sacramento Blankets for Sacramento Kids (SBSK) is asking for donations of new or gently used Beanie Babies for their kindergarten project that takes place each holiday season.

Every September, Sacramento Blankets for Sacramento Kids picks as many low-income elementary schools as they can and finds out how many kindergartners they have. Volunteers then make double-fleece blankets (about 50 inches by 60 inches) for all the youth, as well as a fleece pouch with a Beanie Baby in it to go with each blanket.

Sacramento Blankets for Sacramento Kids gives these blankets and Beanie Babies to the children right before Christmas break. Some of the children live in their cars or in places without heat and this is all they get for Christmas. In 2024, Sacramento Blankets for Sacramento Kids gave out more than 3,300 blankets and Beanie Babies in their kindergarten project, reaching 58 schools.

Sacramento Blankets for Sacramento Kids is a nonprofit organization that serves children in need from infants to 18-year-olds all year long. The kindergarten project is its special project each year. 

This is the organization’s 12th year running this project and members hope to continue doing it as long as they can get Beanie Babies.

Sacramento Blankets for Sacramento Kids is always looking for new volunteers to make blankets all year round for children in need. Like to knit, crochet, sew, quilt, make no-sew blankets and have run out of people to make gifts for? We’re looking for you! 

If you’d like more information about Sacramento Blankets for Sacramento Kids, go to www.sacblankets4kids.com to sign up. There is no pressure, no timelines, no meetings but just people who enjoy crocheting, knitting, quilting, sewing, making no-sew blankets and helping children at the same time.