PENFIELD N.Y. — Many remember the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. Following that school massacre nearly 20 years ago, one group found a way to assist by making blankets for those families in need.

“They said 'you shouldn’t bring these blankets, they are big kids and they don’t want these blankets' and in an hour or so they said 'do you have anymore?'” says Little Helpers’ and Linus Project Coordinator Lucille Arthmann.

Arthmann recapped events following the shooting through Project Linus, a non-profit organization that provides handmade comfort and security blankets for traumatized and sick kids and teens. "National Make a Blanket Day" formed immediately after the shooting and became an annual event; it was celebrated Saturday.

“All these kids these teenage kids are all in circles hugging themselves with these blankets; being comforted,” Arthmann said.

The Rochester chapter of Project Linus along with the assistance of Little Helpers of Rochester created over 53 blankets stitched Sunday afternoon at the Penfield Community Rec Center. Wednesday’s high school shooting in Florida took the lives of 17 people, and that death toll has exceeded Columbine’s 13. Coordinators say it’s not only important that these blankets get distributed locally, but to anyone impacted.

“They will go to the survivors and those families and siblings and everyone affected by that will get a blanket," Athmann said.

One parent says people should start right now — teaching kids to give back.

“I really want my kids to know that there’s world outside of our home,” said Kathy George of Little Helpers.

With 20 years of experience sewing Arthmann says the blankets help thousands.

“You know, Hurricane Katrina — we sent them to the shootings in Minnesota at that time and for floods, and they’ve gone on for 9/11, we’ve sent over 10,000 down to New York City," Arthmann said.

Blankets will also be distributed at the NICU at Strong, as well as go to shelters, and clinics at Rochester General Hospital.

According to the Linus Project website the organization has collected nearly 100,000 blankets.