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By Christine Bordelon
Clarion Herald
The COVID-19 pandemic regulations have made it tough for local high school students to earn their regular service hours this past year.
Ursuline Academy junior Morgan Bennett proposed a service project to campus minister Beth Joubert incorporating a favorite hobby of hers – making cozy blankets for those in need.
Not only did it fit in with the junior class’ service concentration of “hunger, poverty and homelessness,” but the blanket initiative also conformed with the focus of other grade level projects: eighth grade (elderly); ninth grade (children) and 10th grade (individuals with special needs).
The blankets were to be distributed to participants at Catholic Charities’ PACE, DePaul USA NOLA’s “Rapid Rehousing for Chronically Homeless Individuals,” Covenant House, St. Rita New Orleans, Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) and Magnolia Community Center.
“I love making blankets” said Morgan, a crafty 16-year-old. “Who doesn’t like to wrap up in a warm, comforting blanket? Blankets are something I use daily almost. It’s something simple, kind and sweet.”
Her idea was sparked after she made a blanket the year before from a kit and received much appreciation from the recipient. Blankets also are the “most asked for items in homeless shelters and nursing homes, and children with special needs use blankets for comfort, warmth and a sense of protection,” she said.
Students were asked to bring in or donate a no-sew blanket kit to the school, and Morgan spearheaded blanket-making sessions over two days “so everyone could see their friends over the Mardi Gras break,” while being safe through social distancing.
Approximately 61 students made blankets at school Feb. 18-19, while others made them at home and brought them in. In total, 316 blankets in various sizes – from dog-size to one so large it could cover two to three adults – were made from different fabrics.
Ursuline inspired her
Being new to Ursuline this year after moving from Georgia and attending a performing arts high school there, Morgan said she was elated to find the multitude of service opportunities offered. She said service projects are close to her heart. She completed her first one in kindergarten when she helped pack meals for children in need.
“Service has always been instilled in me,” she said. “Seeing people having less than I do, I just want to help them. That’s what we need to do – help each other and lift everyone up.”
Morgan said the all-school project met her criteria to do “something that was fun, that anybody with any skills could do and you could just be creative. Each blanket is different and has a personality.”
Morgan hopes to coordinate a blanket drive next year.