All Volunteer, All Heart from Binky Patrol

In 2012, just two days before her 16th birthday, Sunnie Carney lost her father to homicide. Through her personal journey of grief, mental health struggles, and ultimately healing, she discovered a critical gap in support services - one that affected countless children in similar situations. This revelation led her to found Children of Homicide Victims (COHV) in Kansas City, an organization dedicated to restoring hope, love, and faith to children who have lost parents to violence.
COHV serves children from infancy through age 17, with a particular focus on ages 8-16 - a developmental period already complicated by natural growth and change. These children often face misdiagnosis in school settings, where their trauma responses are mistaken for behavioral disorders. Through COHV's comprehensive support system, they receive academic assistance, mental health resources, and perhaps most importantly, a community of others who truly understand their experience.
What sets COHV apart is its team - 75% of staff members are themselves children of homicide victims. This shared experience creates an authentic connection with the children they serve, showing them living proof that their circumstances don't define their future. The organization's name, abbreviated as COVE, reflects its mission to be a protected harbor for these young souls navigating unimaginable loss.
In this powerful conversation, Sunnie shares success stories of transformation, discusses the unique challenges faced by grandparents suddenly thrust into primary caregiver roles, and explains how COHV is working to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma. Her work reminds us that while we cannot prevent every tragedy, we can create communities of support that help children not just survive their loss, but emerge as future leaders and agents of positive change.
About Sunnie Carney:
Founder, Executive Director
Sunnie was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2017, where she was awarded a bachelor's degree in Communications, and she is currently attending the University of Missouri-St. Louis to obtain her Masters degree in Education. Sunnie has a huge heart for children. She identifies as a child of a homicide victim. Aside from COHV, she is also a member at The Refuge KC, the Youth Director of Refuge Little League Youth Ministry. Sunnie's goal is to be the voice and the light that leads people to change and the help that transforms a wounded child's heart and mind. 
Links from this episode:
https://www.cohvkc.com/
https://www.instagram.com/cohvkc
https://www.facebook.com/cohvkc
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnie-carney-700779183/ 

In this segment from a recent Binky Patrol meeting, Area Coordinators who participated in the MrBallen Bink-a-Thon event share strategies for volunteer recruitment. Caitlin Peterson-Woolard discusses challenges with community outreach, while experienced coordinators Susan Finch, Terrie Madruga, Kathy Taylor, and Jeanne Malgioglio offer proven solutions including:
Leveraging church bulletins and service organizations
Engaging high school sports teams and clubs
Utilizing corporate volunteer programs
Maintaining relationships with past volunteers
Strategic use of social media and local publications
The discussion highlights immediate tactics and long-term relationship-building for expanding their volunteer base. We hope you find it helpful! So many ideas that only take a bit of time and digging for the best contacts.

In this first episode of our special two-part series, we're taking you inside our nationwide Bink-A-Thon debrief meeting, where chapter coordinators share their heartwarming stories from this year's MrBallen Foundation event. From Meridian, Idaho to Connecticut, from Southern California to Virginia, our volunteers united in their mission to create comfort one blanket at a time.
Join Susan Finch and chapter leaders, including Kathy Taylor from Irvine/Orange County, whose partnership with Girl Scouts doubled their volunteer turnout; Jeanne Malgioglio from Connecticut, whose team completed 145 blankets for Al's Angels and the Center for Family Justice; Director Terrie Madruga, who launched a new chapter in Meridian, ID with patriotic scarves for veterans; and Caitlin Peterson-Woolard from Woodbridge/Lexington, whose Girl Scout volunteers showed incredible enthusiasm, completing 15 blankets in just 30 minutes plus the 150 made the by the rest of the group. These stories showcase the power of community service and the impact of dedicated volunteers nationwide.
Learn more about Bink-A-Thons here.
Connect with the chapters featured in this episode here:
Jeanne Malgioglio - Monroe/Trumbull, CT
Caitlin Peterson - Lexington, VA
Terrie Madruga - Meridian, ID
Kathy Taylor - Irvine, CA
Susan Finch - Beaverton, OR
 
Thank you to the MrBallen Foundation for sponsoring this event!
 

In this episode, we're joined by Keri Banghart from Microsoft's Corporate, External and Legal Affairs team in Seattle. Keri recently organized a blanket-making event for her team as part of Microsoft's annual giving campaign. We'll discuss how they set up the event, its impact on local and remote team members, and the creative ways they're supporting their community. Keri shares insights on coordinating volunteer efforts in a large corporation and how these initiatives foster team bonding while making a difference. We'll also explore the power of hands-on volunteering and its ripple effect in raising awareness for local needs. Join us for an inspiring conversation about corporate giving, community impact, and the joy of creating comfort for those in need.
Action Item List: Lot of ideas here - https://binkypatrol.org/ways-to-help/
Organize a blanket-making event for your team or company
Research local shelters or organizations in need of blanket donations
Set up remote participation options for team members who can't attend in person
Prepare materials in advance (e.g., pre-cut fabric) to streamline the event
Track volunteer hours and utilize company matching programs for donations
Take photos of the event and completed blankets for sharing and promotion
Consider partnering with other organizations or nonprofits for larger events
Explore options for regular or annual volunteering events
Involve family members and friends in blanket-making activities
Share your experience with other departments or companies to inspire similar initiatives
#MicrosoftGives#MicrosoftVolunteers#MicrosoftCommunity#TechForGood#MicrosoftCSR#CorporateGiving#VolunteerEngagement#RemoteVolunteering#CommunityImpact#TeamBuildingForGood

We had talked about the man who lost his wife in the Temecula area.  It was a funny tale about golfing, hobbies, and fabric. But it has turned into a beautiful relationship and legacy. Temecula Area Coordinator, Kimberly Legg joins Susan to give an update about their chapter's newest volunteer and patron, Mr. Karl. Let's just say the Temecula chapter is SET for their Bink-A-Thon October 19. Mr. Ballen Foundation has sponsored each chapter's events, but there's a new donor in town - Mr. Karl fills Kim's livingroom - again - with enough fleece for hundreds of binkies! 
We are sad for Mr. Karl's loss of his wife of so many years. Sometimes we can look at these losses and see some sunlight. Listen to the quick update.
Here's the original story.
 

Today is a short episode requesting you consider these requests:
Consider starting a local chapter - 2 - 100 people! Great way to build community and make friends. (info here)
Make binkies, aka blankets. We can send you the labels. (info here)
Host a Bink-A-Thon at your company or in your community - we'll give you all the stuff you need. (what's a bink-a-thon?)
Sponsor Binky Patrol - podcast, website, events - request a sponsor package. (info here) (request a package)

Today we're catching up with Russ Cassavah, founder and president of Little Bricks Charity. It's been over a year since we last spoke with Russ, and the changes in his organization are remarkable.
In this episode, Russ shares how Little Bricks Charity has transformed its approach to helping hospitalized children. We'll hear about their innovative livestream building sessions that combine LEGO construction with educational content, including collaborations with local zoos.
A highlight of their new initiatives is the "Happy Puck" - a custom LEGO set designed as both a communication tool for children in hospitals and a creative fundraising opportunity. This hockey puck-themed set allows kids to express their emotions without words and serves as a physical reminder to seek happiness. It's also part of an exciting partnership with the local Norfolk Admirals hockey team and the ECHL.
Russ's journey demonstrates how smaller nonprofits can evolve by embracing feedback, fostering partnerships, and thinking creatively about their mission. Let's dive in to hear how Little Bricks Charity is using LEGO, technology, and innovative ideas to bring more joy and support to kids in hospitals.
Links from this episode:
Little Bricks Charity

In this episode, Binky Patrol founder Susan Finch delivers a candid and passionate message about the importance of quality in our mission to comfort children through handmade blankets. Susan's 'tough love' approach tackles a growing concern: the influx of hastily-made fleece blankets that don't quite meet the mark.
Get ready for a mix of hands-on tips, heartfelt pleas, and a dash of humor as Susan guides us through the do's and don'ts of creating blankets that truly show care. Whether you're a long-time volunteer, a community service seeker, or just curious about how to make a difference, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
So, grab your scissors, settle in, and let's learn how to put our best stitch forward for the kids who need it most. It's time to tie up some loose ends – literally and figuratively – on 'All-Volunteer, All Heart.'"
Links from this episode:
https://binkypatrol.org/category/patterns/fleece-blanket-patterns/
https://binkypatrol.org
 

In this episode, we join Susan Finch as she chats with Kimberly Legg, who runs the Temecula chapter in California. Prepare for a story that's hilarious and inspiring, as Kimberly recounts how she unexpectedly became the recipient of a truly massive fabric donation - we're talking about $30,000 worth of material!
How did this fabric bonanza come about? Well, it all started with a late quilter's playful revenge on her golf-obsessed husband. What follows is a delightful conversation about managing this overwhelming gift, the creative ways Kimberly's chapter is putting it to good use, and how one person's quirky hobby has turned into an incredible legacy of comfort for countless children and families in need.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to be amazed by the power of generosity, community spirit, and a whole lot of Raggedy Ann and Andy fabric!
https://michellesplace.org/
https://wishesanddreamers.org 
#volunteersmakeadifference #donationsmakeadifference #Childrenshospitals #volunteers #wishersanddreamershospitalgowns #wishersanddreamersdollgowns #childrenshospital #
#joeythebear #raggedyanne #raggedyandy #binkypatrol #temecula 
#temeculavalley #makingadifference #thingstodoinsocal #thingstodointemecula #temeculaca #winchester #Cityoftemecula #Gratitude #volunteerappreciation #temeculavalley #makingadifference #thingstodointemecula #temeculaca #Cityoftemecula #cancercentervolunteer #communitymatters #bettertogether #supportingyourneighbors #cancersupportcommunity #connectedbycommunity #communitycomingtogether #temeculatalk #murrietatalk #fallbrooktalk

Our topic today is Quilting for Community: From Grief to Nonprofit Success with guest Lizz Leral, Executive Director of Quilting for Community. She shares how personal loss sparked a quilting journey that grew into a thriving nonprofit. You'll hear her story and ideas about:
Transforming personal healing into community service
Building an intergenerational crafting community
Creative fundraising through a fabric thrift store
Balancing volunteer passion with business necessities
Learn how quilting fosters connections and supports those in need.
Lizz Leral, a Philadelphia transplant, founded Quilting for Community in Los Angeles in 2018 after losing her Dad. Previous to quilting, Lizz was a singer/songwriter and independently released 3 albums under her moniker Lizz Fields. Her professional experiences revolved around performing, teaching, and creating. 
Upon discovering quilting to be emotionally & mentally beneficial, Lizz had the vision to create a space for the community to learn quilting, free of charge. “Newbies” learn the basics, then after 3-4 quilts, they guide the next batch of newbies. The classroom quilts are donated to those in hospice, hospitals, and shelters. Since its inception, Quilting for Community has delivered 1,423 quilts and taught 679 students.
Social Mediahttps://www.tiktok.com/quiltingforcommunity https://www.instagram.com/quiltingforcommunity/https://www.facebook.com/quiltingforcommunity