This year’s Fostering the Future fleece blanket-making event looked different than previous years but the thought behind it was the same.
Because of COVID-19, volunteers assembled blankets independently instead of together in the College of Nursing.
The event netted 55 fleece blankets, as well as games, toys, protective masks and brochures on self-care and maintaining health during the pandemic. The donated items went to Project Everlast, an organization that advocates for youth who are aging out of the foster care system.
UNMC students Jessica Semin and Cierra Wynn spearheaded the event along with nursing faculty members Terri Mathews, PhD, Maggie Emerson, DNP, and Jen Cera, DNP, for Fostering the Future, a student-led, inter-professional service-learning initiative.
The donations make a difference, said Schalisha Walker, youth engagement specialist, Project Everlast, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
“This was extremely helpful for our organization because this year, donations were very low due to the pandemic,” she said. “We are so appreciative to UNMC for the support this year with the gift boxes.”
“The young people have expressed how much they are looking forward to receiving the gift boxes this year. Getting some extra fun items along with the great informational packets that were put together by UNMC was so thoughtful and will be meaningful for the young people that we serve.”
Semin, a nursing student, said the event is an opportunity to give back to the community. “We know finances are tight for many students so thanks to generous donors we were able to offer the ‘grab-and-go’ blanket-making kits to make at a time that was convenient for them. We are thankful for the generosity of faculty, staff and students who donated to this annual event and to the many faculty who helped us.”
Dr. Mathews said the event reminded those involved in the event of the isolation and loneliness in the youth who are aging out of foster care.
“In previous years, the students could witness community members, staff, faculty and students from various disciplines on campus coming together to make the blankets. This year, we were reminded of the isolation and loneliness present in the youth who are aging out of foster care, and I expect instilled empathy and sensitivity for these youth.”
This was lots of fun. I'm thankful that Lisa Muschall went out of her way to deliver kits and pick up my completed blankets while i work remotely steering clear of COVID with my son in recovery. Both my children benefited last Christmas with blankets from the hospital. It really is a kind gesture. We will cherish those blankets forever. My daughter just mentioned to me that she misses being in the hospital because everyone was so kind and generous. <3