By Colin Mayfield, WLKY News
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —Blanket Louisville continued to spread warmth across the city Saturday morning for its 11th year. “Was a service project for kids, and ended up turning into this tremendous need that we weren’t even aware of when we initially began the project,” said Kathy Fehder, director of Blanket Louisville.
Heading into Thanksgiving it’s always a good lesson to be reminded of what we’re thankful for. Fehder says it’s that warm feeling that brought almost 100 volunteers together to spread warmth to the city’s homeless on Saturday. “An effort that is here to let everyone know their life has worth,” said Fehder.
Blanket Louisville has spread over 70,000 blankets with the help of local churches, businesses, and organizations that collect blankets for the homeless. Hoping to warm bodies and warm hearts, a motorcade lead by Jefferson County sheriff deputies stopped around Louisville shelters to bring a smile and a blanket. “Each of them will get anywhere from 200 to 300. Some don’t need that many, but they might call in December or January,” said Fehder.
“These are someone’s children; they are someone’s father, mother, daughter, son. Whatever their reason for becoming homeless, this is one way to know that they are helping to know their worth,” she said.
Linda Romine, director of communication with St. Vincent, told WLKY the winter months are especially harsh and blankets make all the difference. “Just think about the comfort and warmth that a blanket provides,” said Romine.
“Have a safe warm shelter to come into at night and get in from the cold, but a blanket you can curl up with and get a good night sleep. That means a lot to a person on the street,” she said.
Since the beginning Fehder says community involvement was small. But since then she’s amazed every day at how much one person can make a difference.
“It’s incredible at how many people have come on board, people just love it because it’s something simple for most people to do but a great need out there,” said Fehder. Blanket Louisville has other community collection drives. For more information on Blanket Louisville, head over to wlky.com or www.blanketlouisville.org.
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