BLUE ASH, Ohio — A group of young women from Ursuline Academy gave their free time to lead by example and show others how to share in a sense of community.
“We're all doing what we can to get through this time together,” Ursuline junior Julia Licu said.
The group, who number just under a dozen, were looking for a way to fill their service work spot between classes. So they decided to make fleece tie blankets that could be donated to others.
“This is the equivalent of a warm hug – it really is,” said Jewish Hospital coordinator of volunteer services Joy Leonard, referring to the blankets.
The Ursuline students are "hugging" the people who receive their blankets – typically patients at Mercy Health’s Jewish Hospital.
“The limited access to their family and friends – we can only allow so many visitors per day for them,” Leonard said.
So the Ursuline blanket makers send softness and warmth their way – with the help of nurses who deliver their care packages.
“It makes us feel really good because that's what this is all about – making a difference in this community - even just brightening one person's day,” Licu said.
They call it a nice way to treat others as you’d want to be treated, especially during this pandemic.
“There are ways to stay connected and maintain relationships with people you aren't allowed to physically see,” Ursuline junior Gabriella Le said.
It’s why the students set their backpacks and schoolwork to the side every now and then to make time on the project that allows them to keep blanketing patients.
“I am so extraordinarily proud of our young volunteers,” Leonard said. “They have stepped up hugely this year to provide support for our patients. “I think this is an example that it really does take a community to care for even just a few patients.”
The young women said they like to think they’re inspiring people everywhere to take a small step to make a difference in someone’s day.
The blanketmakers each find their own fleece material to work with. Anyone wanting to help can find more information here.
