What makes a blanket so special?

Usually it’s the person giving the blanket, the reason you’re a recipient of one, or because of the person that hand crafted it. I have been a lover of blankets my entire life. Blankets are something that can calm a person, give comfort and warmth, and just make you feel special. I know I have blankets at home that I treasure for one or all of those reasons. We have some very special people in our lives here at Children’s Lantern that help us with a few different kinds of blankets. This week I want to share about the quilted blankets we have at some of our fundraising events, but soon we'll share more about our weighted blankets too. 

At our Benefit Auction last year, we auctioned off three “Harley Blankets” made by (Grandma) Faye Tracy. There was a bidder on the phone who couldn’t attend that morning, but wanted one for herself, so naturally we took her call-in bids. During the bidding war, she was unfortunately outbid by members of Grandma Faye’s family, who were three of her grandsons and determined to take them home. Together, the blankets brought in over $500 to help helpless children. We have three more for this year’s auction and hope that sweet lady gets her chance to take one home!

We thought you’d like to know the reason behind the draw for these blankets around this area. The thing that makes these so amazing is the person behind them. You see… many people have met the amazing lady known as “Grandma Faye.” Her talents are SO many but include a few highly sought after things that reach further than her family... like handmade blankets, homemade noodles, fresh baked (amazing) pies, and adorable aprons. She has been sewing and cooking for many, many years. She has raised six children and has many grand and great-grandchildren now.

This week, Adam and I went to visit his Grandma and take some photos of her working on one of the blankets we'll be auctioning off. She let me in on a little piece of her heart while we were there… “I just have to keep busy and knowing that these blankets can help all those kids…” as she trailed off, I knew exactly what she meant. Each blanket she makes is made with so much love. I know we have many of them at our house and they will always be treasured.

We want to invite you out to our Annual Absolute Benefit Auction. It’s an event that helps us continue to help helpless children. It is something that many people give of their time, talents and treasure for the kids in our area just like Grandma Faye does. Come find that one thing you’ve been looking for, or maybe bid on a Harley-Davidson blanket for your favorite cozy spot in your home. You’ll be giving 100% when you take something home that day. Come out and help helpless children with us.

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Alyssa Tracy

​Marketing Coordinator for Children’s Lantern, an amazing non-profit helping helpless children. Wife to Adam, my best friend for 18 years. Biological, Foster and Adoptive Mom and we ended with 8 kids. Missionary. Lover of photography and encouragement.