On Saturday afternoon, the senior residents of Independence Village of Waterstone put the finishing touches on 117 no-sew fleece blankets for Project Linus. They began making the blankets in September.

Based in Belton, Missouri, Project Linus collects new, handmade, washable blankets and afghans for children, ranging from newborns to teenagers, who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need. The blankets are distributed to kids via hospitals, shelters and social service agencies.

More than 7.1 million blankets have been delivered since 1995 as a way to provide children with “love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort,” according to the organization’s website.