LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — Students at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus created 35 handmade fleece blankets for pediatric patients at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, as part of a service initiative led by the campus Student Government Association (SGA).
The effort stemmed from an idea proposed by adviser Barry Pawloski and was organized and funded by SGA President Christian Miller, the executive board and student senators.
Miller and his peers spent a week inside the student center lounge, where tables had been prepared with soft fleece and scissors. Although their schedules were already busy, they set to work on a project beyond their typical routines.
“From beginning to end this project’s sole purpose was to give some warmth to children in need as a reminder that they have thousands of people working to support them every day,” Miller said. “Many of the students on campus have been affected by illness — whether that be a lost or recovered family member, friend, or even themselves.”
He added that many peers channeled those experiences into something positive, full of love and care, often gathering around a blanket to share funny stories or recall the first time they attended THON weekend.
“It was a motivating experience to see this campus come together and enjoy something that was simultaneously helping so many.”