The project began in Abbi Zuehlke’s blended third and fourth-grade class. What started as an idea for students to make tie blankets for each other quickly changed into a plan to donate the blankets to Project Warm-Up.
“Abbi initially brought the idea to me, and together we decided that Project Warm-Up would be a perfect partner for the blankets, as it allowed for meaningful community service and an opportunity for our students to give back,” said Ericka Bohle, Loving School Principal.
The first step in the project was to find fleece. Abbi and Ericka immediately reached out to Development Director Andrew Hewitt for help, and after a few calls, he found several donors who were willing to provide the fleece.
“Even though Christmas is a busy time for us in the Foundation department, I was excited to help Ericka and Abbi find the fabric,” said Andrew. “I think it is really cool that we are teaching our students the value and importance of helping others.”
Students embraced the project with enthusiasm, many making a tie blanket for the first time!
“During my time at Children’s Home, I’ve found that our kids truly enjoy giving back to the community, take pride in improving our campus and show compassion toward other children in the Sioux Falls area,” said Abbi. “When I explained the activity, many students eagerly shared their ideas before I even had the chance to prompt them. They talked about helping kids who are sick feel more comfortable in the hospital, keeping children without homes warm and simply giving another child something that can be theirs.”
“Many of our kids come from challenging and diverse backgrounds,” Abbi added. “They are able to deeply understand and relate to others who could benefit from a little extra warmth and kindness.”
The project expanded beyond Abbi’s classroom. Other classes—including Kaela Larkin’s middle school class, Callie Hruby’s first graders, along with speech and OT—also joined the effort and completed 12 blankets.
“That’s 12 lives impacted by one afternoon of work, 12 kids whose lives may feel out of their control, 12 kids who will have a blanket of their own, and 12 kids who may share similar stories and backgrounds as our students and could benefit from a little extra warmth and hope this season,” Abbi said.
Right before Christmas, Abbi and a few students delivered the blankets to Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School. For Ericka, a meaningful part of the project was watching the students give back to the community.
“Through this project, students not only learned a new skill by making tie blankets,” she said. “They also experienced a strong sense of pride and accomplishment in completing something that directly benefits the community.”