"When I created Binky Patrol, it was to fulfill a need I saw to allow people to volunteer as they could, on their own schedule and using their talents.  I didn't realize the additional gifts I would be given by helping women learn new leadership and professional skills, gain confidence, and even build a resume while making a difference in the lives of children and teens in need of comfort.  It has been an amazing journey."

Contribute to Susan’s voting process by sharing a review after the article below.

With the encouragement of her mother to teach her how to sew blankets for unwed mothers, Susan came up with the concept of Binky Patrol and put a sign up sheet out in front of her gallery hoping someone else would want to join her.  Four people signed up which led to a mention on Oprah and it became a national organization within a month. 

Susan's belief is that when these opportunities present themselves, you have to say, "YES!" rather than, "oh, I'm not sure I'm ready."  It's presenting itself because you are ready.  This is how Susan does most things in her live - diving in with full faith knowing it will be great. It ties to a concept that embodied what her mother had taught her. When you are feeling badly for yourself or it's not going your way, get out of yourself and do something for others. Susan's transition back to public relations led to her future, and that of Binky Patrol.

What's a BINKY?

A binky is a homemade blanket that can be sewn, knitted, crocheted or quilted.  They range in size from 3 feet square up to twin bed size.  (Sometimes we get requests for smaller binkies, 2' x 2' for our little Preemie babies, stroller size and our Binky Angels.)

How important is a binky to a child in foster care?

“This Thursday we will be finalizing the adoption of our son and daughter. Our 8 year old daughter has a blanket with one of your labels on it. She got it at Orangewood. I just wanted to let you know how important it is to these children to have something of their own that they can keep. When my kids were taken out of their first home, they left with the clothes they were wearing - no favorite teddy bear, no photos, nothing. Unfortunately we've been unable to have any contact with their first family. For my daughter especially, the lack of personal history is very difficult. This blanket was hers at Orangewood, it went with her to a foster home, and it is now here at our house. When (and if) she outgrows it, this will be one of the things I pack away for her to keep forever. It has become a pivotal piece of her past. Please let all of your volunteers know how much their work means to these children.

Thank you!“  :-) Coleen

Susan Finch/Binky Patrol is the fifth recipient of the Good Samaritan Award in Orange County since it was established in 1975. Winners are selected without regard for creed or race, and members of the sponsoring church are excluded. Finch was selected because of the work she began in 1996 by founding Binky Patrol Comforting Covers for Kids.


This all-volunteer, national non-profit was founded on the idea that volunteers should be able to make a difference without having to adhere to a schedule or by possessing skills other than the desire to comfort a child or teen in need.

Binky Patrol makes and gives handmade blankets to children and teens in need of comfort. Those who are abused, ill, experiencing any type of trauma regardless of financial or living situation may receive a binky. Finch says, “I don’t care if they live on the hill in Laguna Beach or are moving from motel to motel – if a child is scared or hurting – they need a binky to remind them someone cares and that they are not forgotten.”
 

Susan Finch comes from an advertising and public relations background.  After a few years owning an art gallery in the 90's, she was ready to get back into Public Relations.  Susan had also been attempting to volunteer for local battered women's shelters but found their scheduled volunteer work and training to be impossible while she was working 14 hour days in retail.  She needed a solution to allow her to volunteer. She realized that other people had this same problem so she created an organization that would welcome anyone with a kind heart and some time - as it fit their schedule.

With the encouragement of her mother to teach her how to sew blankets for unwed mothers, Susan came up with the concept of Binky Patrol and put a sign up sheet out in front of her gallery hoping someone else would want to join her.  Four people signed up which led to a mention on Oprah and it became a national organization within a month.

Susan's belief is that when these opportunities present themselves, you have to say, "YES!" rather than, "oh, I'm not sure I'm ready."  It's presenting itself because you are ready.  This is how Susan does most things in her live - diving in with full faith knowing it will be great. It ties to a concept that embodied what her mother had taught her. When you are feeling badly for yourself or it's not going your way, get out of yourself and do something for others. Susan's transition back to public relations led to her future, and that of Binky Patrol.

Since 2000, in addition to being a very active Binky Patrol president, Susan has owned her web solutions business, volunteers at her children's school by teaching Art Lit and TAG courses, leads a Girls Scout troop and has found the time to fulfill a life-long dream by publishing her first book, Dino Manners (http://www.dinomanners.com).  Her dreams have all come true, until she makes up some more.  She continues to wear her family out regularly.  They wouldn't have it any other way.

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