In a time usually dedicated to utter turmoil and stress brought on by the looming threat of college applications, the return of sports, or the lack of holiday breaks, the last thing on anyone’s mind would be to add another project on their list of things to do. Giving back and being thankful are ideals usually reserved for Thanksgiving so why bother implementing them on one of the most stressful months of the year? Blankets of Love, however, takes a different approach.

Led by advisor, Mr. McCabe, Blankets of Love formed last year with the hopes of delivering blankets to those children who spend every waking minute confined in hospitals.

McCabe was inspired by his former school in Colorado and its advisor, Susie Gallejos. Upon moving to Pitman, McCabe noticed that Southern California was devoid of any such club.

McCabe explains that “we work for league championships, we work for good grades, but we forget that people are struggling, especially kids that are struggling with diseases instead of playing outside and coming to school, so to have kids that are taking the baton and and having a heart to help these kids…it’s pretty cool.”

Last year McCabe was successful in making 50 blankets with his club, and this year hopes to deliver them to local hospitals.

Each blanket, each with its own designs, is accompanied with a handwritten note by one of the members. McCabe briefly explained the process:

First money is fundraised to pay for materials. Each blanket costs about $10. Then each student receives two pieces of fleece which they will cut into strips and tie together, resulting in a very cute, cuddly blanket. They then can write a letter to the child which they will receive upon delivering the letter.

He describes the process as “eye opening because it makes you think outside of your current situation, you know? There’s so many selfish things we want to do and it’s like man, we have to have a bigger view of life.”

McCabe hopes to make up 75 up to 100 blankets this year and deliver them to hospitals in Stanford and UC Davis, however the process is still in the works.

The selflessness of these students and of McCabe himself was utterly admirable, to say the least. In this time, filled with negativity from almost every angle, it is so rare to find, much less focus on those doing good.

Their acts of gratitude and heart wrenching generosity gained the utmost respect from the Roaring Times. In order to spread awareness of the club’s philanthropism, the Roaring Times took to the hallways of Pitman to gain feedback from students not involved in the club.

Most students were not surprised to hear news of such an amazing campus here at school. They knew the name, however not many knew what the purpose of the club was. Senior Josue Garcia revealed that he did know that such a club existed but when asked if he knew what the club stood for, replied with an “I’m not sure.” After being given a rough explanation, Josue explains ‘I think it is a great idea because it will lighten up their day. It is very important to have clubs like these because it helps create a good community and helps unite people.”  

In response to the club, junior Logan Ruezga explains “ someone has to do something and I’m glad it’s our school that’s doing it and that we are going to be represented in this.”

Responses from several others relayed more or less the same message: they knew about the existence of the club though would join the club only if time permitted. Given that this month is one of the busiest of the year, this is perfectly understandable.

After having spread the word as best we could, Roaring Times sat down to speak with the members of the club. Their crucial act of kindness would impact the lives of countless children and their families, but we wanted to make sure that the members were aware of their positive impact their actions would have on the children and on their fellow peers.

Upon hearing the positivity surrounding the club, Senior, Jenna Brown smiled modestly before explaining that joining the club “really put into perspective how lucky we are” and that in writing the letter,  “by letting them know there is someone out there makes me feel really good for what I am doing.” Jenna continued to explain that she just wants those children to be aware that “someone is out there” and wants to encourage them to “fight a little bit harder.”

The rest of the members relayed a similar message. They were not at all phased by the enormity of their sacrifice but rather focused on everything they had gained from the experience. These students, who are going out of their way to help those in need, do not even acknowledge just how great of an impact they are having not only on these children but nearly everyone at Pitman.

In response to those who do not have the time to fully immerse themselves in the club, Jenna provided a solution:

“You don’t have to be a member to make a blanket, you just have to go and ask Mr. McCabe if you can make one. We get them around second semester so we have a lot to give to the children this year.”

Be sure to stop by B211 nearing the winter and pick up a blanket of your own!

Despite whatever seems to be happening in politics or the world in general, it is people like McCabe and his many members that restore faith and inspire others to spread the hope. Pitman is immensely proud to have such a club as this on campus. Thank you to all the members and advisor, Mr. McCabe!