Comfort for Critters seeks donations, crafters

Comfort for Critters, which began providing handmade blankets for one animal shelter in Wheaton eight years ago, has expanded nationwide and is seeking donations of materials.

The organization now supports animal shelters in all 50 states. While pets await adoption, the blankets provide a comfortable bed year-round. When they are adopted, their blanket goes with them, providing something familiar as they adjust to their "forever family."

The blankets are made by volunteers across the country, but all coordination and operations are headquartered in Glen Ellyn. Comfort for Critters has shipped more than 27,000 blankets over the years, and sends 600 to 700 blankets to 25 to 35 different shelters every month.

Shelters are screened and typically recommended by a local contact. To join the free program, shelters must agree to allow the pet who has received a blanket to take the blanket home when they are adopted.

The organization supports 38 shelters in Illinois and more than 100 shelters in the rest of the United States. Blankets are provided for all domestic pets that end up in shelters, including cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and fennec foxes. Links to all participating shelters, along with their volunteer kit and newsletter, can be found at ComfortForCritters.org.

Donations of washable yarn and fleece and funds to cover shipping costs are always in high demand for the nonprofit organization.

"Partial skeins and yarn leftovers are happily accepted," says Linda Kastiel Kozlowski, the organization's founder. "We also welcome new crafters, both seasoned experts and newbies."

Visit the website for the address of the 24/7 drop-off bin in Glen Ellyn.