Saint Francis University collects blankets for those in need

LORETTO, Pa. (WTAJ)  — Saint Francis University kicked off their 18th annual blanket drive to help children in need.

Since 2006, the university has asked students and local residents to donate blankets to Scotus Hall in the main quad area of campus. So far, Saint Francis has donated over 3,000 blankets to children who have suffered tragic events like house fires and vehicle crashes.

“We do give teddy bears with our blankets that we give to our local fire companies,” Melita O’Donnell, an administrative specialist at Saint Francis said. “They put them in a bag with the blanket as a means of comfort.”

These blankets are not ones that you can buy at a local store to donate. There are certain requirements that come to have an acceptable donation:

• Handmade
• Kid-friendly colors
• Size: 36-inch-by-48-inch
• Hand or machine washable
• Durable for kids to play with

“That’s the purpose of this drive,” O’Donnell added. “They’re made with love for kids to have a support.”

As the years have gone by, O’Donnell is appreciative of the positive reactions that the recipients of these blankets give her. This keeps her motivated to continue the project.

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“That’s one of the most rewarding parts of being a part of the blanker project,” O’Donnell said. “We hear from parents who their children have received a blanket when they were in the hospital. We’ve heard from alumni who have been recipients of our blanket for their children. It’s very rewarding and fulfilling.”

The drive continues throughout the months of September and October, ending on Oct. 28.

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