In 5th State Senate District, yarn and blanket drive sees incredible success

In a recent yarn and blanket drive, the office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads and We Care Blankets collected an incredible 407,277 yards of yarn and 225 handmade blankets, which equates to 231 miles or over 4,070 football fields of yarn.

After attending a wrap night earlier this year and learning how donated yarn and blankets are essential in order to continue the mission of We Care Blankets, Rhoads sprang into action and was eager to assist and coordinated the Yarn and Blanket Drive at 12 locations throughout his district. All blankets serve as a gift of love and support — not only for the child — but for the family as well. Each and every blanket donated will be personally wrapped with love by a local volunteer at a blanket wrap night and then delivered to a hospital.

Rhoads’ office extends special thanks to Verity Van Lines for donating the collection boxes, the North Bellmore Public Library, Merrick Library, North Merrick Public Library, East Meadow Public Library, Farmingdale Public Library, Bethpage Public Library, Plainview-Old Bethpage Library, Island Trees Public Library, Levittown Public Library, Needlepaint Nook in Merrick, and Joann Fabric & Crafts in Westbury for serving as collection sites to make this drive a booming success.

“When we embarked on this Yarn and Blanket Drive, we were filled with hope, but we never imagined the overwhelming generosity and support that would come from our community,” Rhoads said. “The outpouring of love and compassion has been truly remarkable. We have been deeply touched by the countless donations of yarn and blankets that will provide warmth and comfort to children battling cancer. Each skein of yarn, each stitch in a blanket, represents a tangible expression of care and empathy. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is kindness, hope, and a community that rallies together to support those in need.”

We Care Blankets is a not-for-profit started in 1999 by a few people who realized the treatment for children undergoing chemotherapy was cold, difficult, and challenging for them and their families. During the intense treatment, many children get chills and that’s where the founders of We Care Blankets came up with the idea of creating handmade, colorful blankets that serve as a wonderful gift to give to each child. Initially funded by one physician, the organization has grown exponentially, but remains committed to the mission of providing every child undergoing cancer treatment with a handcrafted blanket.

“I am deeply humbled and eternally grateful for the extraordinary outpouring of compassion and generosity that has been bestowed upon the children in need through the incredible efforts of Senator Rhoads and his constituents,” Tamara Baker, founder of We Care Blankets said. “The overwhelming number of blankets and yarn collected in this heartwarming initiative has ignited a beacon of hope in our community, empowering us to make a tangible difference in the lives of children going through cancer treatments. The unwavering support and dedication of Senator Rhoads, his staff, and every individual who has contributed to this noble cause have left an indomitable mark on our spirits. The warmth and comfort that these blankets will provide to countless children will not only shield them from the physical elements but will also serve as a constant reminder of the love and care that surrounds them. From the bottom of our hearts, we extend our profound gratitude to Senator Rhoads, his staff, and the entire community for their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world, one blanket and one act of kindness at a time.”