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SFU blanket collection comforts many in need

Courtesy photo The Saint Francis University Community Blanketeers collected 264 blankets that will be distributed to sick and needy children in Cambria, Blair and Somerset counties through the Healing Patch and Nurse-Family Partnership (Home Nursing Agency), and through local fire companies. Shown are (from left): Cristine Hargreaves, Family-Nurse Partnership (FNP), Melita O’Donnell, SFU blanket coordinator, Taylor Deitman, Chrissy Anderson and Jennie Long (all nurses representing FNP).

More than 250 to be distributed in Cambria, Blair and Somerset counties

LORETTO — The Saint Francis University Community Blanketeers collected 264 quilted, crocheted, knitted and tied blankets that will be distributed to sick and needy children in Cambria, Blair and Somerset counties.

The distribution is being done through the Healing Patch and Nurse-Family Partnership (Home Nursing Agency) and through local fire companies including Loretto, Cresson, Nanty Glo and Dauntless Volunteer Fire Company for comfort during emergency situations.

The lap blankets will also brighten the days of residents at John Paul Manor and Laurel View Village.

The Blanketeers have been active on campus since 2006, and over the past 17 years have donated more than 2,993 blankets to local children in need.

Each year, the Blanketeers focus on creating comfy, soft blankets for babies and young children. In 2020, the group extended its blanket collection to include lap blankets for the elderly.

The group extended thanks to local community blanketeers from Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Duncansville, Cresson, Ebensburg, Johnstown, Loretto, Patton and Portage for contributing to this year’s blanket collection, and to Clare Ann Lasinsky, Dr. Lisa Beiswenger, Stephanie Neff, and Samantha Gorman for sewing the blanketeer tags on each blanket. Special thanks to Joe Coray (alumni), Connecticut, and Karen Cairns, Arizona, for sending Teddy Bears to accompany many of the blankets.

Over the past few years, the Healing Patch has distributed the blankets in “comfort bags” along with various other items (tissues, journals, picture frames, Teddy bears, etc.) to children following the death of a loved one.

Additionally, the blankets have been distributed to Healing Patch participants during program activities centered around fears, worries, sleeping issues, etc., to provide comfort during the difficulties and isolation throughout the nighttime hours … a common struggle for many young children during illness or following the death of a loved one.

Providing free, comprehensive educational and mentoring services to first-time mothers, Nurse-Family Partnership registered nurses will distribute blankets to newborns and toddlers within the program.

For additional information regarding the Saint Francis University Community Blanketeers, contact Melita O’Donnell at modonnell@francis.edu.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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