January 12, 2004. Ann Arbor, Michigan.
"A little love for these blankety-blank times" is a bold slogan for something as innocent as a baby blanket. But that's just the point, according to Margaret Schankler and Deb Pilutti, two Michigan moms who are also the founding partners of Oliebollen.com, the on-line children's retailer. The pair created their "Olie Loves the World" blanket not just to comfort the babies wrapped inside, but to use the loving sentiment inspired by Valentines Day to raise awareness and financial support for children hurt by recent wars. The exclusive design, cotton flannel blankets are sold at Oliebollen.com for $25 each, with 100% of profit donated to Sitara, a non-profit organization caring for Afghan war orphans.
Like many mothers heartsick over news of children suffering from the effects of war, Ms. Schankler and Ms. Pilutti spent months trying to envision what they could do to make a difference. While chatting over coffee with friends last October, one of the mothers in the group lamented 'Don't you wish you could just scoop these babies up and wrap them in your arms?' and the idea for the 'Olie Loves the World' baby blanket was born right there."
The central illustration of blanket features the company's pacifier chewing Olie Baby spokes model character with her arms around a heart shaped world. "Our Olie Baby logo's sassy attitude embodies our corporate spirit - smart, fun, and determined, " says its creator, Ms. Pilutti. "We see her as kind of a Power Puff Girl for the diaper set." Offered in two color schemes, the red and pink blanket makes a wonderful Valentines Day gift, while the handsome blue version is offered as a more traditional choice for boys.
Oliebollen.com did careful research before selecting Sitara as the beneficiary of the project. "Our personal relationship with the heroic women who run the orphanage and school at Sitara assures us that nearly every penny we contribute reaches the hands, mouths and hearts of the children." Ms. Schankler explains. In addition, with Oliebollen.com's support, Sitara is planning a skills training program so that the children may develop ways of earning income later in life.
But the children of Sitara aren't the only ones who will benefit from this project. "Whenever a baby is snuggling in our blanket, the thought that she is connected to children far away warms our hearts and lifts our spirits" says Ms. Schankler. "I truly believe", she concludes "that if you can take the war out of a child, you not only restore her hope, you inspire peace. Once fed, educated, and loved, that child can grow to make a better world. If this blanket can contribute in even the smallest way toward these goals, I know a few moms who will sleep a little better at night."
High Resolution Photographs are available upon request.
To view on-line, click these links:
Contact Information
Margaret Schankler
Oliebollen.com LLC
101 Parkland Plaza
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Toll Free Talk: 1-877-KID-COOL (543-2665)
Fax: 1-734-668-4889
E-mail Contact: margaret@oliebollen.com
About Oliebollen.com:
Oliebollen.com is an Internet retailer of fun, funky children's goods from around the world. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the small, mother-owned company was founded in 1998 by Margaret Schankler, a former marketing director with a stubborn addiction to childish living. Fellow mom, and partner, Deb Pilutti creates their wonderful art. She is too cool for words.
