In a heartfelt effort to comfort children in hospitals, Oakland University’s Honors College recently teamed up with the nonprofit organization Fleece & Thank You to create handmade blankets that will offer warmth and support to young patients in need.
“This was a really cool opportunity,” freshman Jana Helou said. “It felt amazing to know that something as simple as a blanket could bring so much comfort to a child in the hospital. We’re always looking for ways to engage students in meaningful service. This event not only allowed them to give back but also highlighted the impact of community-driven compassion.”
The Honors College gathered last week to participate in a blanket-making event organized by Fleece & Thank You, an organization dedicated to providing soft, colorful fleece blankets to children facing illness or extended hospital stays. The event encouraged teamwork and creativity, as groups of students cut and tied fabric to make the blankets, adding personal video messages for the children who would receive them.
“It was a small gesture on our part,” freshman Kiera McKee said. “But knowing that these kids will feel supported through something we made with our own hands is really fulfilling. Working with my friends to make the blankets was fun but knowing they would help brighten someone’s day made it even more special.”
The impact of this initiative reaches far beyond campus. Fleece & Thank You has donated over 11,0000 blankets across Michigan, creating a ripple effect of positivity. Each blanket comes with a unique video message that allows children to connect with the blanket makers, adding a personal touch to their hospital experience.
“I loved how personal this event was,” Helou said. “Each knot we tied felt like a step toward bringing comfort to a child who might be feeling scared or alone. It was my first time doing something like this, and it felt so good to be a part of something bigger. I’m glad I got to meet other students while giving back.”
For Honors College students, the blanket-making event was a chance to not only engage in service, but also bond with one another as they worked in groups.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of college life,” McKee said. “But events like this remind us of what really matters, helping others and making a difference, no matter how small. I actually already knew how to make the blankets because I had done something similar a while ago.”
“We weren’t just making blankets,” Helou said. “We were sending a message of hope. It was powerful to think that something so simple could mean so much. I’ve participated in a lot of volunteer work especially in high school, but this one felt extra meaningful.”
The blanket-making event not only exemplified the Honors College’s commitment to service but also underscored the importance of compassion and small acts of kindness. As students wrapped up their creations, they knew that their contributions, though simple, would have a lasting impact on the children receiving them.
For more information on Fleece & Thank You, visit their website or check out their Instagram page @fleeceandthankyou. For more on OU’s Honors College, visit their OU webpage.
