Saint Francis University Blanket Collection Kicks off September 13, 2021

Loretto, PA (09/14/2021) — The Saint Francis University Community Blanketeers collection will begin September 13 and run through November 1, 2021. The Saint Francis University Blanketeer group was organized in 2006 by Drs. Robin L. Cadwallader and Margaret A. Kealey, with the assistance of Ms. Melita O'Donnell.

Over the past fifteen years, the Blanketeers have collected 2,058 beautiful quilted, crocheted, knitted, and embroidered blankets, which have been donated to children in need in Blair, Cambria, Clearfield, and Somerset Counties. Each year the Blanketeers focus on creating comfy, soft blankets for babies and young children. Recently, we extended our blanket collection to include lap blankets for the elderly. All blankets should be new and hand-made in a size suitable for small hands or as lap blankets (approximately 36 x 48 inches). While any materials are acceptable, washable fabrics and yarns are desirable as these blankets will get a lot of use and see many washings.

Blankets can be dropped off at Saint Francis University and placed in the crib located at the entrance of Scotus Hall. The crib will also be donated to a local family in need. If you cannot drop off your blanket donations, please contact us at 814-472-3004.

For additional information regarding the Saint Francis University Community Blanketeers, please contact Melita O'Donnell at modonnell@francis.edu.

Founded in 1847, Saint Francis University is the oldest Franciscan institution of higher learning in the country and one of the oldest Catholic colleges in the nation.

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Pictured: Melita O’Donnell, (Right), from Saint Francis University, accepts 75 blankets from Rhonda Barry, (Left), from Altoona, on Saturday, September 11, 2021, to kick off the blanket drive. The blankets were donated by the Bethany Quilters from Bethany Lutheran Church in Altoona. Pictured is a blanket made by Kathy Coleman and quilted by Jane Weston.