What’s Right with Schools: Derby Students Craft Cozy Blankets for Kids in Need



DERBY, Conn. (WTNH) — A group of students from Derby High School is making a difference in their community by coming together to create blankets for children in need. These cozy creations are not just pieces of fabric; they are acts of kindness that will soon bring comfort to someone special.

The initiative, known as “What’s Right with Schools,” has seen Hartford students set up a unique learning environment where they can contribute to a meaningful cause. Principal at Derby High School Jennifer Olson shared the impact of the project: “We put out a call to action for our kids to say anyone interested? And we were overwhelmed. 23 kids signed up right away to be able to come in and tie blankets today.”

What's Right with Schools: Derby Students Craft Cozy Blankets for Kids in Need

These students are working alongside the “Blanket fairy,” a local effort that has previously been covered in stories, to provide blankets to children who need them most. The blankets are given to kids facing abuse, those in foster care, or any child who needs a little extra comfort.

Senior Breanna Perez explained the significance of the project: “Knowing that these kids are getting a warm hug at night. Maybe if they feel down or anything. This can bring them up.”

The effort is also supported by the Southford Falls Quilters, a quilt guild based in central Connecticut. Their involvement adds another layer of community support to the project. One member, Bradshaw, said, “The whole idea is to give a hug to the kids that need a hug to show that they’ve been loved.”

The process of making the blankets is simple and accessible. Students and volunteers start by grabbing two large pieces of fleece fabric and then tying them together. This straightforward method allows participants to focus on the social aspect of the activity, chatting and bonding with others while working on a shared goal.

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Sue Quincy, a member of the Southford Falls Quilt Guild, highlighted the benefits of the project: “It’s very nice to have multi-generational activity and have involvement with the community at different age levels and in different settings.”

Throughout the school day, students spent time crafting, making new friends, and learning a valuable skill. The result is dozens of finished blankets, each one ready to bring warmth and comfort to a child in need.

This initiative not only helps those in need but also fosters a sense of community and purpose among the students involved. By creating something tangible and meaningful, the students are making a real difference in the lives of others.

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