LANSING, MI — What started with one nurse bringing a few blankets in for patients has grown into an entire program reaching other areas and departments of McLaren Greater Lansing, according to a press release.
“For the Love of Blankets” has expanded significantly since 2023 when Christina Zimmerman first began the program.
“I noticed our patients were cold and being in a hospital can often be scary or uncomfortable for them,” said Zimmerman. “I saw an opportunity to make a positive impact, even a small one, and started to purchase a few fleece blankets to spread some warmth to patients that needed it, and it took off from there.”
Zimmerman received a grant from the McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation in 2024 that helped her continue to fill her bin that is often found on the 5th floor, where she works and has also allowed her to expand to other floors and areas of the hospital.
The Foundation made the program the focus of their 2024 Day of Giving and two of the many donors from the day provided additional funding so that blankets can be also provided to the senior behavioral health unit of the hospital and the Karmanos Cancer Institute, both of which serve vulnerable populations. Donations to “For the Love of Blankets” are being received by the McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation.
“I’m so proud to see ‘For the Love of Blankets’ continue to grow and appreciate the support I have received,” said Zimmerman. “Through spreading warmth and comfort, we hope to help our patients be able to focus on healing and feeling better.”
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