Christmas Charities 4: Warming Hearts Project

Allow me to introduce Bonnie Gano. Bonnie is an office assistant and a resident of Bradenton, FL. She is also a wife, mother of 3 and grandmother of 8 who loves being active in her grandchildren's lives. Last November she started an organization called Warming Hearts Project, which gives blankets to foster children and seniors in her community.

I asked her how she got started:

Have you ever asked God "What can I do to help?" I did and He answered.

A friend asked if I would like to help in a local outreach. They were collecting food, used goods etc. and handing it out each month. Christmas was coming and they were collecting toys for the children. Toys are expensive and with the economy the way it is, I thought it might be difficult for me to find a way to help. That is when God said "I gave you a talent, use it!" I love to crochet and what better gift than a cozy warm blanket to cover a needy child with LOVE.

So it started, one blanket then two and the need became greater than I expected. I needed help and the Lord provided me with people one by one. Some wanted to crochet, some sew, some gave financially. All help was welcome.

The blankets have become very important to mission to me I know there is a great need to spread Love and Comfort to others. I have observed this when giving the blankets out and the love and security it brings to those receiving them.

With the help of diligent crocheters, Bonnie has given out over 200 blankets since last November, and her ministry is growing. Last Christmas she gave out 40 blankets to foster kids and seniors, and this year she plans to give out about 135. She teaches a crochet class twice a month in her home to teach people how to make the edging for the blankets. Her future plans include retiring in order to have more time for her ministry.

She said that when the foster kids receive a blanket, it's a tangible reminder that someone cares. It acts as something that is "theirs," that goes with them everywhere even when their lives are unstable and changing. She thinks that kids need something physical to hang onto, and they love the soft fleece the blankets are made of.

Here is an example of some Warming Hearts fleece blankets with crochet edging:

Warming Hearts is always looking for 2 things:

1. People to make blankets. You can contact her through her website if you're interested. Don't worry about your skill level; the blankets are intentionally easy and require minimal crocheting and no sewing. They're very quick!
2. Funds to buy supplies, including fleece, yarn, crochet hooks and rotary hole punchers for the edging. Blankets are made in 3 sizes: Big kid (1 1/2 yds fleece), little kid (1 yd fleece), and baby crib/senior lap blanket (1/2 yd fleece). Fleece usually runs about $9.99/yd, plus the cost of yarn.

If you would like to help in any way (or if you would like blankets), you can email Bonnie Gano at warminghearts91@verizon.net.