Saint Francis University 2026 Blanket Collection Comforts Many in Need

Pictured from left: Samantha Gorman, Blanketeer; Melita O’Donnell, SFU Blanket Coordinator; Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., President; Melody Ray, Healing Patch Coordinator; and Dr. April Beiswenger, Blanketeer. 

The Saint Francis University Community Blanketeer collected 213 beautiful quilted, crocheted, knitted, and tied 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 for comfort during emergency situations. We have been active on campus since 2006, and over the past 20 years have donated more than 3,816 blankets to local children in need. Each year our blanketeers focus on creating comfy, soft blankets for babies and young children. In 2020, we extended our blanket collection to include lap blankets for the elderly. Thanks to local community blanketeers for contributing to this year’s blanket collection, and to Dr. Lisa Beiswenger, Samantha Gorman, Stephanie Neff and Eliza Neff, for sewing the blanketeer tags on each blanket. Special thanks to Joe Coray (alumni), Connecticut, for sending Teddy Bears to accompany many of our blankets. It is through the generous efforts of so many individuals that this year’s blanket collection was such a great success. 

Over the past few years, the Healing Patch has distributed the blankets in "comfort bags" along with various other items (i.e. tissues, journal, picture frame, teddy bear, 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. These special blankets will be used for warm swaddling, tummy play time, and creating cozy snuggles with Mom or Dad. 

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

 Founded in 1847, Saint Francis University is the oldest Franciscan institution of higher learning in the country and one of the oldest Catholic colleges in the nation.