For Immediate Release
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Contact
Pat LaMarche, Epicjourney10@gmail.com
Scott McLarty, (202) 878-2112, scott@memorialblanket.org
Winter Homelessness Display Moves to the Cradle of Liberty: Independence National Park in Philadelphia, Pa.
• Homeless Memorial Blanket Project web site with details, updates, and information on donating blankets: https://memorialblanket.org
WASHINGTON, DC — On December 21, 2024, the Memorial Blanket Initiative will lay hundreds of blankets at Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to raise awareness of and share kindness to people experiencing homelessness.
“There is no access to an independent, safe and productive life, if every day is a struggle to find a home,” said Lutheran Pastor Matthew Best, one of the founders of the Homeless Memorial Blanket Project, which is spearheading the Memorial Blanket Initiative.
Past Memorial Blanket events include December displays in Washington, DC in 2022 and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 2023. Colorful photos of these displays can be viewed and downloaded at the website.
The initiative seeks to unite people from across the country in a common cause: to make a difference through the warmth and comfort of handcrafted blankets to be shared with families and individuals without homes.
Organizers of the Memorial Blanket Initiative 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.”
“Our goal is to show people that they are not alone,” said Chris Kapp, homeless advocate board member for the Charles Bruce Foundation. “Each blanket is more than just a cover. It’s a reminder that there are people who care, even if they’ve never met. It’s a powerful way to spread love, hope, and healing.”
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.
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. After the display ends on December 21, the blankets will be distributed to people in need.
#memorialblanket
MORE INFORMATION
Homeless Memorial Blanket Project on Facebook (national group)
To find a state Facebook group, type Homeless Remembrance Blanket and the state’s name in Search
https://www.facebook.com/groups/322512689587858
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MemorialBlanket
~ END ~