Kyle Hedberg, Activities Director at Clifton Oaks Care Center, wanted to use his crafting talents to benefit the residents he cares for every day. He started the Blanketed by an Angel program in 2019 to provide homemade crocheted, knitted, and quilted items for his residents at Clifton Oaks at Christmas.
“I thought it would be a great way to provide unique gifts that would go to good use for those winter months staying warm,” Kyle said.
This year, Kyle wanted to think bigger. He pledged to collect an item for every single resident living in an ELC Kentucky skilled center. However, in order to collect that many handmade gifts, he was going to need more help. He created a Blanketed by an Angel Facebook group in January 2021 and started recruiting friends, colleagues and contacts from other Facebook crochet groups to join. As pledges became to pour in, he knew his dream would become a reality.
Over the next two weeks, over 800 handmade gifts will be delivered to eight Kentucky centers so every single resident will receive a homemade gift in time for Christmas. These gifts came from all over the world, including most of the United States, Puerto Rico and England.
Kyle says that he couldn’t have done it without the dozens of volunteers who donated materials, shipping costs, and most importantly, their time.
“Time is the only thing we can give to another that we can never get back. It is our most valuable asset,” he said. “I always let those who donate know that I have received their items by mail by phone, letter, or Facebook response. A simple thank you can travel a long way in feeling appreciated.”
