By Nate West
News Assignment Editor
The American Cancer Society says over 11 million people in the U.S. spell out alone are battling cancer. BonaResponds is trying to spread a little cheer to those affected.
On Saturday, Sept. 29, BonaResponds will be hosting Warm Snuggly Blankets. Students meet at the Damietta Center and make blankets which go to those battling cancer.
Everyone is welcome to attend. There are two shifts, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The term “Warm Snuggly Blankets” came about when Jim Mahar’s, faculty advisor of BonaResponds, mother Marge was battling cancer.
“She would say that when people would pray for her, she felt like she was wrapped in a warm snuggly blanket,” Mahar, said. “Eventually she began praying for those who prayed for her.”
Mahar also said while his mother was being driven to and from Roswell Park Cancer Institute, she would mention her aspirations to start a program with BonaResponds to help those dealing with cancer.
Marge lost her battle last March. A week after her funeral, BonaResponds volunteered at Villa Maria College. Kim Kotz, Villa Volunteers faculty advisor, took a group of students aside and told them she had a special project for them.
“She couldn’t tell them what it was, but then she gave them blankets to take to Roswell,” Mahar said.
The blankets are made of fleece and are six feet by four and a half feet. On each blanket, a patch will be sewn that reads “Pray, Fight, Win.” The patch was designed by Marge and is a slogan that she used during her fight.
So far, Mahar and other volunteers in the area have made between 40 and 50 blankets. Mahar is hoping to make more than 100.
“I’ve never seen anyone who isn’t moved by the blankets,” Mahar said. “Entire families have been deeply moved.”
Mahar told a story about a man who had a blanket made for him. He eventually lost his battle. When Mahar attended the wake, he saw the blanket on a table of prescious belongings to the man. Mahar said the family had put it there because it meant a lot to them that a total stranger would take the time to make something for him.
The majority of the blankets will go to Roswell Park, but some will be sent elsewhere. Blankets have already been sent to Florida, Illinois, the Olean area and even Germany.
Mahar also said he hopes Warm Snuggly Blankets can become annual, but would prefer it to be at least once a semester.
Along with making blankets, BonaResponds will also be collecting supplies for multiple different charities. They’re asking for shoes for Soles4Souls, cat litter for the SPCA, school supplies for children in the U.S. and Haiti and coats for homeless shelters in Buffalo and Texas.
“We’ve sent about 54 pallets of supplies to areas of Haiti and the U.S.,” Mahar said. “The pallets are filled with food, medicine, school supplies, things that they need.”
While you’re making a blanket, you can write a letter or card to a member of the armed forces serving overseas. Mahar said he enjoys this because
Mahar said he hopes a large group of students turn out.
“It’s not all day long and it’s open to everyone,” Mahar said. “You can come, make blankets for a few hours, leave and go watch some football. It’s not a long time and it’s for a good cause.”
westnl11@bonaventure.edu
