The holiday season was a lot cozier this year! CPHM proudly partnered with Capital Region Toys for Tots to create over 1,500 no-sew blankets for children in need. The blankets were made by community volunteers from late October to mid-November last year.
CPHM Paramedic Tim Snowden coordinated blanket-making events and was excited about the community’s enthusiasm for the initiative. “Over the course of nine events we had almost 200 people come and assist us in making these blankets. Many of these were people that had come to our previous events. It was nice to see familiar faces each and every week helping us.” Snowden continued, “Two years ago we were struggling to make 500 blankets and this year we were able to make over 1500.”
CPHM Community Outreach Coordinator Gina Wierzbowski remarked that the volunteers, who were from all over the Capital Region, really made the difference. “We wouldn’t have been so successful without the huge outpouring of support from our community. It’s a really special feeling knowing we can rely on the people we serve each and every day to help others right alongside us.”
In early December, CPHM staff delivered 500 blankets to CAPTAIN Community Human Services and another 500 blankets to the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center. Both agencies distributed the blankets through their respective programs in time for the holidays. The remaining 500 blankets were handed out to children who attended the two Convoy of Hope events.
“Sadly, many children we help are lacking basic necessities like coats and warm blankets,” said Staff Sergeant Patrick Lurenz, co-coordinator of the Capital Region Toys for Tots. “CPHM made a huge difference by providing warmth and holiday joy for the kids this year.”
In addition to the blanket-making project, CPHM also collected toys for the annual campaign. The agency held toy donation events throughout the community and encouraged people to stuff their ambulance full of toys. The CPHM station was also a popular toy drop-off site for the community, with more than 10 boxes of toys being collected this year.
CPHM thanks everyone in the community who helped make blankets and donates toys. We hope that the spirit of giving and kindness continues all year long!
