Worcester Prep students create blankets for children in need

Worcester Preparatory School fourth-graders took advantage of downtime during the Feb. 11 Valentine’s Day party to craft blankets for donation to Project Linus.

Bringing the idea to teachers Kimberley Jankowski and Erin Shimko was homeroom mom Sara Gorfinkel, who was supported by homeroom moms Wendy Caba-Labin, Kimberly Kappes and Jenna Hoch.

Gorfinkel and her daughters, fourth-grader Raia and sixth-grader Nora, pre-cut all the blankets for the students to complete.

“Through volunteer work, students gain real-world experience. It teaches appreciation, builds empathy, and encourages cooperation,” Jankowski said. “It made my heart smile to see how involved the kids were, some of them asking to work on more than one blanket knowing that they were doing something good for someone in need.”

Project Linus provides love and a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need through the gift of a new, handmade blanket lovingly created by volunteers. Project Linus of Lower Delmarva is celebrating over 18 years of service to local children and more than 13,000 huggable handmade blankets donated.

“Making the blankets was a concrete way for our students to pass along the love that they experience here at WPS,” said Shimko. “The students were able to create an item that will comfort and convey love long after the party is over. Our blankets became a Valentine for those in need, and I am incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, energy and effort they put into showing others they are loved.”

For more information on Project Linus, go to  projectlinus.org, or to become involved with Project Linus of Lower Delmarva, contact Donna Clarke at greatoaks@juno.com.