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Pat LaMarche
epicjourney10@gmail.com
Sonia Pitzi
slpitzi@iu12.org
Memorial Blanket Makers Make a Point to Remember
Children & Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Red Blankets to be displayed at the State House on November 18
For years Fiber Artists of Upper Allen Women’s Club have created handmade blankets for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Hundreds of their gorgeous creations have been put on display by the Charles Bruce Foundation at their annual Homeless Remembrance Blanket Project’s Memorial Blanket display.
Each year the display moves to a new location and focuses on a different demographic of homelessness. In 2024, in conjunction with homeless liaisons from across the country, a major part of the display consisted of red blankets. Red being the color associated with the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Consequently, a number of the blanket making members of the Upper Allen Women’s Club decided to focus on these young people every year!
Jane Nighbert has worked diligently to make sure that those courageous kids juggling school and homelessness are represented. On Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., Jane and her fellow blanket makers will present Education for Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week coordinator, Sonia Pitzi, with red blankets to display at their Capitol events in Harrisburg on November 18, 2025 before going on to Denver for this year’s memorial blanket display on December 21, 2025.
Nighbert and Pitzi, along with a dozen or so blanket makers will be available to speak about the project at the Upper Allen Township building 100 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17055.
Nighbert explained their ongoing support. “We have been helping the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project for several years, recognizing that the project is not only a special gift for people in need, but also a way to bring awareness to legislators and to the public.”
As for why these artisans are keeping with the red blanket theme, Nighbert explained, “Red blankets in particular are designed to honor students who experience homelessness, yet manage to continue attending school! We hope to highlight this important, often unrecognized segment of the homeless population in the annual display and in special events during the year.”
Sonia Pitzi, the Education for Children & Youth Experiencing Homelessness Region 3 Coordinator, will receive the blankets. Pitzi explained, “When the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project had its first event, it was with pride I was able to support and collaborate with them. Every year I participated with donated blankets and joining their livestream being interviewed to discuss the difficulties that face kiddos navigating homelessness and school.”
Pitzi was delighted when the 2024 Memorial Blanket focused on the children for whom she tirelessly advocates. “Last year we decided to further our collaboration and create joint events. Every year the Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) program has a weeklong awareness event for the Education for Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week, with the last day of the week, Friday, as Red Shirt Day.”
This year’s display will be in Denver, Colorado – in conjunction with the Colorado Coalition’s annual candlelight vigil and name-reading ceremony. Central Pennsylvania organizers will deliver more than a thousand blankets to the Denver City-County building display area to join an estimated 500 more blankets crafted in the mountain region. The 2025 display is expected to be one of the largest thus far. Hand crafted blankets come from across the U.S. and around the world.
The Education for Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week recognizes and brings awareness to the importance of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the education needed to provide stability and consistency to children and youth experiencing homelessness across Pennsylvania.
Schools and programs across Pennsylvania will be hosting schoolwide activities for children and youth experiencing homelessness and their families. We encourage educators, community members, and leaders to join in, gaining a deeper understanding of the vital impact individuals may make and the ongoing resources needed to support these students.
2025 marks the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project’s fifth year and the first time it has moved off the east coast. Last winter’s display took place at Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 21, 2024. More than one thousand donated handmade blankets and quilts covered the lawn and were thereafter distributed to families and individuals without homes.
Organizers have issued an invitation to people who care: “Whether you’re a skilled knitter, crocheter, sewer, or new to crafting, your contribution can provide a special, personal touch to those in need of warmth.”
Participants can create blankets using any method they prefer — by knitting, crocheting, quilting, or sewing — and can donate them through the Memorial Blanket Initiative. The blankets can be either 45 inches x 80 inches for individuals or 60 inches x 80 inches for family blankets. The Memorial Blanket newsletter at https://memorialblanket.org will provide information on transporting blankets to the display location. Baby blankets are accepted as well.
For those unable to make blankets but still eager to contribute, financial donations are also accepted to help cover shipping costs, materials for others to turn into blankets and to support other organizational efforts. Donations can be made directly at https://memorialblanket.org.
The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project is hosted by the Charles Bruce Foundation (https://charlesbrucefoundation.com), which is located in central Pennsylvania. The Dec. 21 display will be an arts installation by this nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
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