As an organization devoted to volunteering, the Frederick Chapter of the National Honors Society (NHS) is always trying to do some good. Back in December, they wrote Santa letters to elementary students. Most recently, a large group of NHS members volunteered and assisted with Project WarmUp.
Project WarmUp, originally brought in by member Elayna Fisher, is an organization that has the mission to help the less fortunate in a unique way. The organization states that “our blankets bring warmth to those experiencing poverty, homelessness, illness, loss, foster care transitions, and more.”
Elayna discussed their mission more by saying, “Once the blankets are made, the blankets are given to foster children. These really impact their lives by giving them the comfort and warmth of a blanket. It also helps each person know that people care about their happiness.”
One of the things that makes Project WarmUp such a success is the simplicity for volunteers to contribute. This is where the NHS student volunteers come in. To make the blankets, volunteers have to follow a few simple steps:
- Take two pieces of fleece squares that are already grouped together by Project WarmUp
- Align the two pieces and trim off any excess fleece
- Then, once the pieces are aligned, cut a square roughly 2” by 2” on all of the corners
- The next step is to cut 2” long pieces with a roughly 1” width along all four edges of the fleece (both the bottom and top pieces of fleece)
- Finally, tie the top and bottom strip together in a double knot to finish the blanket
Beginning on January 8, the volunteers started making the blankets after their bimonthly meeting. By their January 22 meeting, the team had produced roughly 40 blankets.
Elayna Fisher said, “When people make blankets, they feel a sense of fulfillment and warmth because they know that their time will help another feel happy and will bring a smile to each child’s face. The fun patterns and cozy fabrics allow for an opportunity to offer another person joy and support.”
Malia Jeffers, the president of the Frederick Chapter, exclaimed that after she finishes making the blankets, she always feels satisfied. “I like doing something with tangible progress that will help real people.” Malia noted. “It’s honestly a bit therapeutic, like knitting, except also with the added bonus of doing service for people.”
