ASHEVILLE – In the cold winter months in western North Carolina, a blanket can be a lifesaver for people experiencing homelessness. Students at Asheville Catholic School in grades 1-8 teamed up last winter to create cozy fleece blankets for neighbors in their community who are without permanent shelter.
The students participated in this Act of Charity in honor of the 50th anniversary year of the Diocese of Charlotte during Catholic Schools Week. Over the course of a school day, classes rotated through the gymnasium in one-hour shifts to complete 60 blankets for delivery to Homeward Bound, a community partner that serves persons experiencing homelessness.
Religion teacher Yasmin Santschi recounts the day’s marathon of blanket making: “In the morning, our middle school students came in and cut strips in the fleece. In the afternoon, our younger students came in with an older student ‘buddy’ and worked on tying the knots in the blankets. Lastly, our youngest students, who are still learning to tie knots, assisted their big friends to fold the blankets and prepare them for delivery.”
Sixth-grader Victoria Arquez says she loved making the 5’ x 6 ‘ blankets, “because we got to help people who don’t have shelter during the winter. Also, we got to do it with our little friends (younger children) so I’m happy that they were able to participate in this experience too.”
Santschi says that community service and giving of one’s time “is a key element in our learning and growing. Having students participate in these events helps them to build a sense of empathy and understanding for the struggles others may face in our community.”
She wants Asheville Catholic students to feel empowered to help others, even if it is just through a blanket. “We can always do something to help others and it always makes a difference, no matter how small,” Santschi explains.
Echoing this thought, Principal Mike Miller says, “Children are not too young to be the difference for someone else. These blankets could literally save lives and bring some comfort to those who need it most.”
— SueAnn Howell
