‘Tis the season of giving! This winter, Key Club spreads love, warmth, and joy by making tie blankets for various charities in the surrounding counties, including the Interfaith Center in Jackson, the Alpha House in Ann Arbor, and our own Faith in Action. With each knot tied, these blankets represent not just warmth, but a powerful act of kindness for those in need throughout the surrounding areas.

“We did a charity drive for the winter months because they are cold. Even if you’re in a homeless shelter or have some shelter, winter will still be miserable,” senior Sycropia Sparks-Jackson said.

As Key Club members continue to work hard, thoughtful intentions went into every fabric color and pattern, to ensure everyone with different interests can stay warm. 

“Sophomore Grace Krug worked hard on getting patterns for boys, girls, kids, and everything in between, ” Key Club advisor Andrea Maines said. “Fleece was the closest thing to waterproof, in our price range, that we could get.”

The intent behind creating these blankets goes far beyond just crafting them. Key Club wanted to give back to the less fortunate during the cold months of the season.

“We are a service organization. We want to volunteer and help people,” Maines said. “And you know, what better way than with something homemade? It’s such a personal and comforting way to give back.” 

The sentimental reasoning behind the tie blankets carries through the entire club. 

“Making the tie blankets was beneficial because it was for a donation, ” junior club member Taya Hall said.  “We were also able to help out people in need which is super important to me.”