Blankets for seniors warm the heart

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- A simple act of kindness can make a world of difference. Seeing the smiles, and sometimes tears, on the faces of seniors in need accepting new, warm blankets is the best kind of reward. Carolyn Gerken, founder of A Plus Services and A Plus Caring, Community, and Compassion, has a passion for helping wherever and whenever she sees a need.

Five years ago Gerken discovered a number of seniors from her church who were homebound and in need of warm blankets. Sharing the need with others willing to pitch in, together they made over sixty blankets. The response of the recipients fueled the fire in Gerken’s heart, and she was determined to recruit additional help the next year. Since then many seniors have benefitted from the time and generosity of the willing hearts and hands of Gerken’s growing volunteer staff.

“When I saw the responses of the seniors we delivered blankets to,” Gerken said, “the love for these folks just welled up in my heart. I knew we had to do more, and thankfully many others think so, too. We have volunteers who come together to work on the blankets and others who make them at home then bring them to us. Some are quilted, others are knitted or hand tied. They are all handcrafted and the seniors love them. As word traveled about the need for blankets, we also gratefully accepted many blankets purchased by donors. This past year we were able to give away over 460 blankets to those who needed them.

“If we have any left over, we just search out other ministries who can distribute them. We’ve worked with Interfaith of The Woodlands as well as Spring Assistance Ministry and other groups to provide blankets for the needy and homeless in Montgomery County.”

Gerken is starting early to recruit willing hands and donors to help with the blanket project by donating time, skills, or blankets.

“We hope to see some groups form in local churches, etc. in addition to the ones we have going,” Gerken said. “This is a community project that can affect many of the needy in Montgomery County. A warm blanket is a wonderful reminder that someone else really does care about your situation. It’s a simple thing to do, but it can mean the world to someone who’s cold and lonely. If you just don’t have the time, donated twin size blankets, supplies or money for this project are gratefully received as well.”

For more information about donations, or to locate a group in your area, visit the website or call 713.682.4705.