TRUMBULL — The Binky Patrol of Monroe-Trumbull is planning for its third Binkathon, during which members and the public will create a large number of small blankets for children.

Binky Patrol is a national nonprofit organization that makes and gives “binkies,” or comforting blankets, to children in need.

Binky Patrol’s mission is to make blankets for babies born HIV positive and drug-addicted, children up for adoption or foster care due to drug/physical abuse in the home, and other children in need of comfort. Blankets go to critically ill and traumatized children, up to 18 years of age.

“The idea,” said Binky Patrol Monroe-Trumbull Area Coordinator Jeanne Malgioglio, “is to give them a bit of security and warmth they can hold and own. These kids need love and need to know that someone cares.”

Binkathon 2015 is being planned for Saturday, March 14, 12:30 to 4:30, at Lakewood Trumbull YMCA, 20 Trefoil Drive.

Children and adults are invited to gather and make as many binkies as they can during that four-hour stretch. No special skills are required. The day will focus on fleece tie blankets, so attendees need to be able to cut and tie.

Instruction and materials will be supplied; participants should bring sharp scissors if they have them, and their own knitting needles or crochet hooks if they plan on crocheting or knitting. An area will be set up for those who would like to sit, relax, and knit 8- by 8-inch squares.

Binkies created that afternoon will be donated to Yale, Griffin, St Vincent’s, and Bridgeport Hospitals, and The Center for Family Justice.

“In order to make this even possible, we need to stock the Y with as much fleece fabric as we can,” said Ms Malgioglio. “Any donations, big or small,” will be appreciated, she said.

Fleece can be mailed to Ms Malgioglio at 46 Bellevale Street, Monroe CT 06468; or to Binky Patrol Connecticut, PO Box 58, Monroe CT 06468. Gift cards for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store or Michael’s arts and crafts stores are also helpful. Binky Patrol can use these cards to purchase fabric and blanket kits.

Binky Patrol, Inc is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and meets the standards of the National Charities Information Bureau. Gifts to Binky Patrol are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. Binky Patrol is a 100 percent volunteer organization. The organization has been featured on Oprah and in Family Circle magazine (and The Newtown Bee), and has received The Points of Light Award. There are currently more than 150 chapters in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Binky Patrol Monroe-Trumbull has been in existence for just over a year, but has delivered more than 1,300 binkies. The blankets collected so far have been delivered to hospitals the ones mentioned above, as well as the Connecticut Burn Center and Danbury Hospital and Griffin Hospital. The group has also given binkies to shelters and local service agencies.

“We want to be able to give blankets to these agencies every few months,” said Ms Malgioglio. Bags of binkies have also been sent from the local group to Jonathan Law High School, Trumbull High School, Seymour High School, and Sacred Heart University to help groups of students cope with tragedies.

For additional information Ms Malgioglio can be reached at 203-449-3985 or ctbinky@gmail.com. The local group also maintains a Facebook page at Facebook.com/ctbinky; and the national organization’s website is binkypatrol.org.